Jaguar XE previewed in latest images

British car maker Jaguar has released an image of its upcoming baby saloon, the Jaguar XE, before its global unveil at the Paris Motor Show. The image shows the production shape of the XE and it looks like the car is in the final stages of development.

In an early stage marketing campaign, all XE test mules will wear camouflage that suggesting the mechanicals used in it. Jaguar intends to market the car’s advanced and lightweight construction as its USP.

The XE's chassis is made from pressed aluminium sheets and castings joined with rivets and aerospace adhesives. It could be used for a wide range of vehicles in the future, including the C-X17 SUV (concept vehicle shown at the Auto Expo) and a longer version for the XF replacement says the report.

It will be powered by the new 'Ingenium' range of 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine touted to be the most advanced engines the company has ever made. It is described as "a new family of premium, lightweight, low-friction, low-emission four-cylinder petrol and diesel units.”

The Ingenium engine family is designed to run in a wide range of setups, from the standard fare of single turbo to being capable of running a twin turbo, combined turbos and superchargers as well.

The engine will be capable of powering the XE to travel at over 186mph (299 kmph) with lesser CO2 emissions of 100g/km on certain models. High performance versions of the engine which produce around 400bhp are also planned.

The Jaguar XE will find its place under the XF sedan and will rival the German trio of BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4. The entry-level sedan from Jaguar is likely to be priced from £29,000 (Rs 29.4 lakh) onwards.

The XE will go on sale somewhere around mid-2015, in India it will go on sale the same year within a few months after its global launch. We expect Jaguar’s parent company Tata to push the brand further once the XE is launched here. This car will generate volumes and help the company breakfree from its niche status and make the brand more accessible to the entry-level luxury car buyer.

Source: AutocarUK