Jaguar XE 2015 News

In a year when the overall car market shrank, all but a handful of prestige brands increased sales. Buyers don't just want a good car; they want others to see they have one, helping everyone from Maserati to Mercedes-Benz post gains.The trend is accelerating and a steady stream of new models in 2015 only adds to the impetus. CarsGuide looks at what's in store for the premium players this year.It isn't hard to foresee the popularity of the 4C two-seat coupe when it hits showrooms next month. This baby supercar uses a carbon-fibre tub, mid-engine layout and minimalist interior to present a modern incarnation of a stripped-down racer. Pricing will be $80,000-$100,000. The soft-top Spider is due in October. The Alfa Giulietta also gets an update.A steady new model rollout starts in February with the arrival of the TT coupe for just under $80,000. It will be joined by the soft-top roadster midyear and the TT S performance model in August or September. The plug-in petrol-electric A3 e-tron five-door hatch is due in May with an expected price of $60,000, with the Q7 large SUV due late in the year. Updates or variants include the A6/A7, RS6/RS7, A1, RS3 and Q3/RSQ3.New metal is in short supply at the British brand but two models will join the line-up, starting with the Vantage S Roadster at a shade under $420,000. If that isn't exclusive enough, consider the $500,000 Vanquish Carbon using the same V12 but with eight forward ratios in place of the Vantage's seven.BENTLEYChauffeurs will going cap-in-hand to buyers of the Mulsanne Speed for the chance to steer the best Bentley ever. A twin-turbo V8 cranks out 1100Nm - only the Bugatti Veyron can torque itself up as a more powerful production model - to push the 2.7-tonne limo into triple figures in 4.9 seconds. Pricing has yet to be set but if you have to ask, you can't afford it.There's a lot of product in the pipeline this year but only one all-new car. The X1 will switch to front-wheel drive when the second-generation model arrives in the third quarter. The X1 will look more mini-SUV than compact wagon, aligning it with the X3 and X5. Top-end versions will be all-wheel drive. Updates and new variants include the 2 Series convertible, X5M/X6M, 6 Series/X6, 3 Series, X4 M40i and X5 e-Drive.The 458 range has a Speciale A due next month. The 499 examples of the alloy hardtop model are already sold, meaning the $635,000 two-seater is likely to be a smart investment. Keep an eye on the classifieds.The struggle to be a serious prestige player continues for Infiniti with a major model overhaul due in 2016. A refreshed Q70 flagship is due midyear with a nip-and-tuck for the bumpers, updated interior trim and more safety software.The transition from niche player to prestige powerhouse is predicated on the XE sedan being a genuine rival for the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and BMW C-Class. Specs indicate the engines are up to the job, so it comes down to how well it can be priced in Australia. There will be updates for the F-Type coupe and convertible and XF sedan.Styling that echoes the Evoque and a premium interior mark the Discovery Sport, debuting in May. Essentially a replacement for the Freelander, the Sport is a serious off-roader with 600mm wading depth and four-wheel drive. Also expect a Range Rover Sport SVR, Range Rover hybrid and updated Evoque.A compact performance sedan, the RC F will cost $133,500, making it a 'budget' alternative to the Germans. The naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 isn't quite on par with the Euro competition but neither is the price. The GS F mid-sized sedan will use the same engine and is due later in the year, price undisclosed. The NX200 will get a new turbo engine.No new news is still good news for Lotus aspirants. An automatic Exige - the brand's first self-shifter - is due in the second quarter. Expect to pay around $9000 for the clutch-less version, putting the price above $135,000. An updated Evora should land late with less weight and improved interior.An 'affordable' McLaren is due late in the year with an entry level Sport model priced at more than $300,000. That puts it in the higher echelons of Porsche 911 territory - but still well below typical McLaren prices.Australia's top-selling prestige brand rolls out a range of new toys this year to expand its appeal. The action starts with the AMG GT and C63 AMG in the second quarter, both using a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. Skip ahead to Q3 and there's the new GLE (formerly known as the ML) and GLE coupe SUVs, followed by the CLA Shooting Brake and the much-needed GLC compact SUV. Other updates or variants include the S63 coupe, CLS, B-Class and S500 coupe.The action starts with an entry-level five-door Mini Cooper One at $25,600 in February. It is powered by a three-cylinder engine with 75kW/180Nm. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the John Cooper Works three-door hatch, which will be the Mini with the most mumbo ever when it arrives midyear at an estimated $48,000.There's plenty to whet the appetite for performance enthusiasts, even if it is all clad in existing bodywork. The base V6 and performance GTS Cayenne SUV models are due next month, followed by the Turbo S midyear. An update of the 911 should make it before Christmas and Santa may deliver the new GT4 Cayman at the same time.The XC90 large SUV is due midyear with prices starting from about $90,000. A more affordable alternative will be the V60 Cross Country due late in the year from $65,000. The elevated version of the V60 wagon will be sold in FWD and AWD guise.

But the start of 2015 is gearing up for more hot deals than usual because new car sales stalled last year for the first time since the Global Financial Crisis.It means dealers are overstocked and they're even more eager to make way for fresh metal.Adding to the pressure - and putting buyers in the driver's seat - is the uncertainty around Australia's currency, which has taken a hit in recent months. Buying a new car now could mean a double-saving; get the discount on end-of-year bargains and beat possible price rises.Record low interest rates and favourable exchange rates saw new car prices fall to 20-year lows in 2014 as affordability hit a 38-year high in 2014.But once the cars imported at last year's exchange rates are cleared, the chances are new models won't be discounted as heavily, or prices may even rise.Most cars sold in Australia are sourced from Japan (30 per cent), Thailand (20 per cent) and South Korea (12 per cent) - rather than the US (5 per cent) - but most car companies buy in US dollars as it has historically been more stable.The prices of Japanese branded cars are likely to remain steady because the Japanese Government artificially devalues the yen to boost exports. But the value of the Australian dollar against the currencies of Thailand, South Korea and the US is less stable.It means price rises are likely on almost every ute sold in Australia because most are made in Thailand, including the top-selling Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton and Holden Colorado, among others.South Korean brands Hyundai and Kia, two of the industry's biggest discounters, may also lose some of their bargaining power if the Australian dollar continues to head south.But one brand you may not be expecting to go backwards due to a shift in currency is Holden, which sources eight of its 12 models from South Korea and two from Thailand.With that in mind we have assembled the 10 cars we reckon are worth waiting for. Remember to always judge a car by its build date (the day it went down the production line and how its age will be measured when it comes time to sell), rather than the compliance plate (in effect, when the car cleared Australian customs).Be warned: there are still some 2013-built cars out there (Nissan, we're looking at you), so be sure to haggle hard and make sure the factory warranty starts the day you take delivery.Sometimes it's worth waiting for an all-new model, or at least knowing if you have more bargaining power if the dealer is trying to clear not only last year's model but one that is about to be superseded.The successor to Australia's cheapest car from a mainstream brand is just around the corner with a new look and a new name. The Suzuki Celerio is bigger than the Alto and the 1.0-litre three-cylinder has been tuned to run on regular unleaded (rather than premium like its predecessor), making it one of the cheapest cars to own and operate. Expect a super-sharp $13,990 drive-away starting price when it goes on sale in February.Australia is going to be crawling with pint-sized SUVs next year but the Mazda CX-3 is likely to take most of the spotlight. Available with a 1.5-litre turbo diesel or a 2.0-litre petrol engine it is expected to start between $20,000 and $25,000 when it goes on sale in March. It will join the Honda HR-V (February), Renault Captur (February), the next generation Suzuki Vitara (June), the unusually named Citroen Cactus (June), and the cutesy Fiat 500X (November).The city-sized soft-roader market is so huge globally even off-road brand Jeep has joined the fray. The Jeep Renegade may look like a scaled-down Tonka Truck but it is based on the same underbody as the Fiat Punto, Alfa Romeo Mito and the Fiat 500X. Powered by a 1.4-litre turbo petrol or 2.0-litre turbo diesel matched to a segment-leading nine-speed automatic transmission, the Renegade is due in showrooms in October priced between $20,000 and $30,000.The first new Nissan Navara in 10 years arrives in showrooms in April with two new 2.3-litre turbo diesel engines (one with a single turbo, the other with twin turbos). The outputs are almost the same as the previous 2.5-litre turbo diesel, despite being smaller in capacity (a 118kW/403Nm version and a 140kW/450Nm version). Payload and towing capacity are yet to be confirmed but bank on a one-tonne cargo rating and a 3500kg towing limit (bringing the Navara into line with class leaders). The 550Nm Navara with the Renault 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 has been dropped. It will be a big year for utes, with a rebodied Mitsubishi Triton due in May, significant updates due for the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT50 in July, an all-new Toyota HiLux in October.Take a close look at the new Ford Mondeo due on sale in April. This is a pointer to the vehicle that will eventually replace the Falcon. Available in sedan and wagon body styles, likely with a choice of 2.0-litre turbo petrol or 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines, prices are expected to range from $30,000 to $50,000. It will also be loaded with technology including LED headlights, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and industry-leading rear seatbelt airbags. A hybrid version will join the Mondeo line-up later in the year.Jaguar is making a second attempt at the lucrative mid-size luxury sedan market dominated by the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C Class. After learning from the ill-conceived 2002 X-Type based on the Ford Mondeo, Jaguar has started with a cleansheet design and aluminium construction. It will be available with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel said to sip 4.0L/100km, less than the Audi A4 (4.8L/100km) and BMW 320d (4.5L/100km) aided by an eight-speed auto. At the other end of the scale: a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 with a 0 to 100km/h time of 5.1 seconds. Due on sale in September, it's likely to start about $60,000.The first new Volvo XC90 in 12 years is also the first all-new model developed since Volvo was bought by China's Geely motor company in 2010. Promising to the world's safest SUV it will automatically slam on the brakes if you're about to turn in front of an oncoming car, and can also spot cyclists and pedestrians at night. It even has eyes in the back of its head: a radar system can detect if you're about to be hit from behind, and will prepare the seatbelts and headrests for the sudden impact. It will be available with a choice of four-cylinder petrol or diesel power, and a plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 40km on battery power alone (before switching to petrol power), the first seven-seater of its type in the world. Due in showrooms in July priced about $90,000.Mazda has gone back to basics – in every sense of the word – and wound back the clock with the new MX-5 sports-car. The first all-new MX-5 since the original was launched 25 years ago goes back to its lightweight, low cost roots (each wheel only has four locating nuts instead of five, for example) and promises a soft-top roof and a sub-1000kg mass for the first time since last century. Since 2006 the Mazda MX-5 has had a folding metal roof to help it weather storms and thwart thieves, but this has added weight, complexity and cost. The new model is expected to be available with a choice of two engines – a 1.5- and a 2.0-litre – when it goes on sale in September priced below $40,000.The Ford Mustang returns to Australia in October for the first time since 2003, but it will be the first time in the nameplate's 50-year history that it will be made in right-hand-drive on a Ford production line (Flat Rock, Michigan). All models before this one were converted to right-hand-drive locally. It will be available with a choice of 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo or 5.0-litre V8 power in coupe and convertible body styles. Prices will range from $50,000 to $70,000.Mercedes-Benz's answer to the Porsche 911 arrives in July priced about $270,000. Powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that will also power the upcoming AMG C63 sedan, it can complete the 0 to 100km/h dash in just 3.8 seconds. Fun fact for the tech heads: it has a better weight distribution (47/53 front to rear) than either the Porsche 911 (39/61) or Cayman (46/54). Game on.

Jaguar's new XE medium-size sporty sedan arrives next year as a direct competitor for the BMW 3 Series, new Benz C-Class, Lexus IS and Audi A4.Sitting beneath the existing XJ and XF sedans, the XE will be priced commensurate with the competition which means a likely starting point in the mid-$50,000s.This is a completely new model from Jaguar, which last played here about a decade ago with the unloved, Ford Mondeo-based X-Type.The XE is a whole different kettle of fish being a total Jaguar effort right down to the engines and underpinnings.EXCITEMENTAdding more than a dash of excitement is the fact that plenty of technology from the stunning new F-Type sports car finds its way into the XE.It ushers in a raft of new manufacturing processes, new connectivity technology, new rear suspension, electric steering, as well as lightweight construction materials and systems.ALUMINIUMJaguar built a specialised plant in the UK for this car and the Range Rover Sport, both of which are predominantly made of aluminium.It houses the largest aluminium body shop in Europe.XE's chassis is a hybrid of aluminium, magnesium and steel that is welded, riveted and bonded together to form a rigid, light construction.New aluminium alloys, some from recycled material, were formulated for various parts of the car to optimise strength and reduce weight. It has allowed Jag to use, for the first time, aluminium sheet metal body panels with a thickness of just 1.1mm, more than a third thinner than before, without compromising strength.The lightest XE weighs in at 1474kg. The body in white weighs just 251kg.NEW PLATFORMThis is Jaguar's first use of a new, advanced aluminium platform that will see duty on future models including a compact SUV-style vehicle.Nick Miller, XE's Chief Project Engineer said the new platform will form the basis for other cars Jaguar has in the pipline, but wouldn't elaborate further."The XE is a driver's car with sleek looks and a high value level aimed at conquest sales over similar size vehicles and to bring a new audience to the brand," Miller said.CarsGuide can tell you that all wheel drive fits the platform architecture and so does the V8 engine out of F-Type.CUTTING EDGEIt features plenty of cutting edge technology, in particular the new Ingenium petrol and diesel engines with 2.0-litre displacement, both of which pass stringent new EU regulations set to come into force in a few years.The rear Integral Link rear suspension is a new development for precise handling and to work in concert with the electric power steering and numerous driver assist features including radar cruise, auto braking system and lane keeping.A six speed manual is available overseas but we will likely only see the XE with eight speed auto courtesy of ZF.Fuel economy on the base model manual diesel rates an astonishing 3.8L/100km. TECHNOLOGYOther interesting XE stuff includes stereo forward facing cameras to facilitate many of the driver assist features, a laser head up display, new generation touch screen (8-inch), "All Surface Progress Control" for safe driving on ice, and aerodynamics rated at a low Cd 0.26 - the most slippery Jag ever.REPAIRSJag even engineered the car to be easy and (relatively) economical to repair. The headlights are designed for easy replacement and the front suspension has what are called slipping fixings to protect it from kerbing.Safety is rated at five stars but the XE goes further with a new pedestrian safety system featuring a deployable bonnet.The aerodynamic rating was achieved partly from a smooth underfloor.ENGINESJaguar now has control of its own destiny with powertrains thanks to a new engine plant in the UK that will crank out the Ingenium friction reduced 2.0-litre turbo engines. The supercharged 3.0-litre petrol  V6 in XE S is from F-Type - de-tuned a tad and originally based on a Ford design. Drive is, of course, to the rear wheels.SELECTLike its competitors, XE has driver select functions with multiple choices for how the car behaves dynamically and efficiently (ECO mode).Also like its competitors, XE features an advanced infotainment system in this case called InControl with numerous app-driven functions including some by remote control such as the anti theft system.Contributing to the XE's light environmental footprint is engine stop/start on all models, regenerative charging under brakes and deceleration, low viscosity lubricants throughout, ECO driving mode, urea injection in the diesel.STYLEThe XE is a stunner to look at; a scaled down XF but with more attitude even though it's a smaller car.It has presence on the road from all angles and a striking finish.Inside is in the current classy Jaguar idiom: opulent, functional luxury.VERDICTAn awesome car to look at, that's for sure. On paper, it should be the same to drive.

Jaguar unveils the new 3 Series-rivalling XE mid-size sedan.After a prolonged teaser campaign, Jaguar has finally taken the wraps off the production version of its new entry-level XE sedan, set to slot beneath the XF and XJ models when it goes on sale internationally next year. Tasked with tempting buyers away from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi rivals, the XE represents Jaguar’s return to the mid-size luxury sedan segment.Last time Jaguar attempted to battle with the 3 Series, it entered into the ring with a dressed up Ford Mondeo in the form of the X-Type that was sold between 2001-09. Now however, things are different and the modern post-Ford ownership Jaguar has produced something rear-drive that might genuinely rival the 3 Series and C-Class segment veterans.The overall design of the XE is a further evolution of Jaguar’s current design language introduced by the larger XF sedan and consolidated with the F-Type. With a long bonnet, rear-set cabin and short bootlid, the aim is to emphasize the XE’s rear-wheel drive stance and sporting intentions.At the rear, the XE adopts a smooth and clean profile with a subtle hint of F-Type in the shape of the LED taillights, while the ‘S’ model (pictured) gains a subtle lip spoiler and dual exit exhaust tips.The interior design is unlike any other current Jaguar, with a clear driver focus. The central stack is relatively undramatic but there are some funky shapes molded into the door panels and dashboard to give a unique aesthetic.The XE is also Jaguar’s first model to receive its new InControl multimedia system which features an 8-inch touchscreen that houses all the gizmos including satnav, Bluetooth phone and audio, USB connectivity and downloadable applications. The car can even become a Wi-fi hotspot, which can serve up to eight devices at a time.In a first for the segment, the XE uses an aluminium intensive monocoque to reduce weight and improve handing and efficiency. Jaguar claims the XE is the brand's lightest and stiffest sedan ever, while it’s also the first model to ride on the British firm’s new modular architecture.Jaguar claims the XE is fitted with the most sophisticated suspension design in its class. Front suspension is by double wishbones while the rear employs an integral link setup, usually only found on larger sedans.The XE will be offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines which can be had with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive.The range-topping XE S model uses the 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre supercharged V6 from the F-Type and can crack 96km/h (60mph) in 4.9 seconds. A more powerful ‘R’ model is tipped to arrive at a later date with Jaguar’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 beneath its bonnet.The XE is also launching with a new range of efficient ‘Ingenium’ four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The 120kW/380Nm 2.0-litre diesel unit will launch first and can produce as little as 99g/km of CO2 in the XE, making this new model the greenest Jaguar ever.The full Jaguar XE range will be announced at the Paris motor show on October 2 before the new model goes on sale internationally early next year. Expect to see the XE in local showrooms towards the end of 2015.

The XE sedan promises to become Jaguar's top seller ... until they do an SUV.The British are coming and the Germans are in the gunsights. Indian-owned British brand Jaguar will march on the compact prestige segment with the XE sedan.There will be spirited skirmishing from the aluminium XE, which is set for an official global unveiling on September 8 and expected by the local Jaguar branch in the third quarter of 2015.Rear-wheel-drive dynamics and shared bits with the F-Type sports car are among the credentials for the small sedan, which would become the brand's volume seller.Jaguar claimed it would double global volumes when it borrowed heavily from then-parent Ford's Mondeo to put the X-Type range on the road 13 years ago but the pint-sized XJ didn't set the sales tally ablaze.Brand manager Mark Eedle says Jaguar has come a long way since the days of X-Type, which disappeared from the Jag price list four years ago.Jaguar's spin has the XE as 'a true driver's car; one that redefines the concept of the sports saloon" - a segment Jaguar says it created over 50 years ago with iconic models such as the Mark II.'We changed ownership and have a whole new design language, we invested heavily in engineering and development, it's a different world," Eedle says The brand 'doesn't talk volumes" but Eedle is clear the XE is a potential sales bonanza. Against C-Class and 3 Series, 'we know there's a volume opportunity and it opens up a huge market for us," he says.'Different parent, different design, different engineering, new aluminium architecture ... when you are going into a segment where you want to deliver the best that chassis is a big attribute." Jaguar is basing its strategy on market analysis suggesting the affordability and value in cars below $100,000 is better in Australia than it is in Europe, An "halo" performance model from the newly formed Special Vehicle Operations is on the cards, given the parts being shared with the F-Type. There will be new petrol and diesel turbo engines.The aluminium architecture was first displayed in the mid-size SUV C-X17 concept. Jaguar Land Rover Australia managing director Michael Winkler can't confirm an SUV but wants to make the most of the flexible platform. 

Jaguar's all-new mid-size luxury sedan will debut in September with F-Type derived suspension design.

Jaguar is preparing to launch the XE -- a completely new sedan -- next year, and until now we've only seen the car testing with body mules based on the XF. But Carsguide's spy photographers have just snapped the XE production prototype during winter testing in Sweden, giving us a first look at the car's proportions. A teaser image issued by Jaguar last week showed just the face, with styling cues echoing the XF, but we now also see the car's proportions, although some of the lumpy rear is likely to be cladding intended to disguise its lines.The XE will be underpinned by Jaguar's new aluminium iQ(A1) platform -- also to be used by the next generation of the XF -- and will feature a more compact body and shorter front and rear overhangs.The new sedan will be powered by a choice of turbocharged four-cylinder engines dubbed Ingenium in both petrol and diesel, with a strong focus on fuel efficiency while still offering performance. But the newcomer is also a candidate for the 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre V6 that powers the F-Type, to make for a range-topping variant.The transmission across all models is likely to be an eight-speed auto, driving the rear wheels as standard but with an all-wheel drive option -- choices to arm it against key German rivals: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Audi A4.The XE is tipped for a debut later this year, followed by a roll-out into overseas showrooms early in 2015 and arrival here later that year. Expect it to be strategically priced against the rivals, which have entry points starting as low as $53,000.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

The XE will be revealed as a concept car next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show but Carparazzi has caught a test car in action.The car is expected in production late next year using a new compact aluminium platform that will also support a range of future models, perhaps including a Jaguar SUV.

The upcoming XJ limousine will be as much of a departure from today's staid old XJ as the mid-sized XF, which has become a global star for the brand, was from the unloved S-Type it replaced.