2018 Jaguar XE

Pros: Excellent balance of ride quality and handling prowess; wide selection of upholstery and trim choices; spirited acceleration with supercharged V6

Cons: Rear-seat room is tight; limited trunk space and small-items storage; so-so rear visibility

CG Says: The Jaguar XE gets a new 4-cylinder gas engine and more horsepower in its V6 for 2018. The base 240-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder has been replaced by a new turbo 2.0-liter four available in 247-hp and a 300-hp versions. The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is now rated at 380 hp—a gain of 40 hp. The 180-horsepower turbodiesel 2.0-liter four is unchanged. The base engine is now available with all-wheel drive and a hands-free power trunklid is a newly available. Jaguar re-entered the premium-compact car field for 2017 with the XE sport sedan. The XE comes in rear- and all-wheel drive form, and all engines use an 8-speed automatic transmission. XE uses Jaguar’s aluminum-intensive body structure to save weight for better fuel economy and driving dynamics. Available safety and technology features include adaptive shock absorbers, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and a head-up display that shows both speed and navigation readings on the lower part of the windshield. The XE was Jaguar’s first compact car in almost a decade, and it’s a compelling entry in the segment. The XE offers a distinctive luxury/performance character, a good selection of available powertrains and trim options, and a suitably athletic driving personality—all at prices that are very competitive with its primary rivals, the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4.