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2017 Jaguar XE Sedan Review: A delight to behold and to drive

By
Arv Voss
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Aspen, CO – The Jaguar XE compact sports sedan made a limited global debut as an all-new 2016 model at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Now, the 2017 model Jaguar XE stages its entry into both the American and Canadian marketplaces, following the receipt of over 40 awards covering design, packaging and dynamic performance characteristics.

New features and updates for this latest iteration XE include an optional torque-on-demand all-wheel drive; new infotainment and driver assistance technologies such as a driver condition monitor and the added convenience of Apple Watch connectivity.

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The new Jaguar XE provides a new entry vehicle for the marque, making it available to a new and younger buyer in search of British luxury, refinement and performance attributes, with an aggressive starting price point of $34,900. When outfitted with similar options, an XE 35t represents savings of from $3,500 to $7,000 over its key German counterparts at Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

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There are three powertrains that are available in both rear and all-wheel drive configurations, although all-wheel drive is only optionally available on 20d and 35t models. The Jaguar XE 25t is powered by a 2.0-liter, 240 horsepower GTDI gas engine; the XE 20d draws its motive force from a 2.0-liter, 180 horsepower Ingenium diesel; and the XE 35t moves courtesy of a 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 gas engine that delivers 340 horses. The latter engine is shared with the Jaguar F-Type and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

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All Jaguar XE models feature a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by the Jaguar rotary shifter and steering wheel shift paddles. Trim levels will include a base XE, XE Premium, XE Prestige and XE R-Sport.

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Construction of the Jaguar XE is aluminum-intensive (75 percent), and it’s the first model developed from the new Jaguar/Land Rover modular vehicle architecture. Large front air intakes, satin chrome side vents, gloss black side window surrounds, side sills, discreet rear spoiler and optional 20-inch forged alloy wheels give the R-Sport trim level a look that reinforces its performance potential.

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The interior provides pleasing levels of comfort and spaciousness. Exquisite materials and finishes, combined with traditional Jaguar craftsmanship, serve up an incomparable cabin.

The Jaguar XE is equipped with electric power steering tuned to provide a responsive and feel and feedback, offering improved efficiency over hydraulic systems.

The XE was developed using an all-new modular architecture making it possible to deliver ideal proportions, with short front and rear overhangs and, a dynamic cab-rearward stance. It displays both a low, sporty driving position and a sleek, coupe-like profile.

The hood is strongly-sculpted, creating a taut, muscular appearance, and the rising waistline adds to the sense of movement, while the execution of the rear quarters takes inspiration from the F-Type coupe. The signature J-Blade daytime running lights are a recognizable Jaguar design element, while the rear lights feature a horizontal line intersecting a circle; a powerful styling feature inherited from the iconic E-Type.

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The spacious cabin envelops front seat passengers with a deep center console, creating a cockpit-like feel. Generous amounts of head and legroom for both front and rear seat occupants featuring fine-grain leathers and details such as contrasting twin-needle stitching for a bespoke quality. A choice of gloss black, textured aluminum, and contemporary wood veneers enhance the XE’s luxurious, hand-crafted feel, with the available ambient lighting offering a range of up to 10 colors.

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The XE offers a suite of advanced driver assistance systems designed to assist the driver. A new system Jaguar calls All Surface Progress Control works like a low-speed cruise control, functioning between two mph and 19 mph, designed to precisely control brake and powertrain systems delivering optimum traction in a variety of road conditions.

An optional laser head-up display (HUD) technology provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions by projecting high-contrast color images onto the windshield, keeping the driver’s eyes on the road.

The XE features stereo camera technology, which serves as the “eyes” of the optional autonomous emergency braking system. Sensors in this system provide measurements of speed and distance of objects ahead and can initiate full braking to avoid or mitigate a collision. The stereo camera also performs traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning functions. Other systems including adaptive cruise control, closing vehicle sensing, blind spot monitoring, semi-automated parallel and perpendicular parking, and reverse traffic detection are optionally available as well.

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The all-new Jaguar InControl infotainment system offered on the XE features an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen which delivers a clear, intuitive interface with fast response times. InControl Touch supports Bluetooth, audio streaming and USB connectivity. The Jaguar XE can also be fitted with an SD card-based navigation system, and Jaguar InControl Apps allows users to seamlessly access and control a number of smartphone apps through the vehicle’s touchscreen. Jaguar InControl Remote functionality allows users of iOS and Android smartphones to connect to the car remotely to control car functions, including deactivating the alarm, locking or unlocking the doors, remote heating or cooling the cabin through engine start. Two Meridian audio systems are available.

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During the national product press launch, I was able to log seat time in both an XE 20d R-Sport and a 35t in Prestige trim. Both were equipped with AWD. The 20d R-Sport was base priced at $49,000 while options bumped the final tally to $61,885. The 35t started at $48,100 with a final sticker of $59,545.

The 2017 Jaguar XE compact sports sedan offers a selection of 19 vehicle variants, allowing the consumer to choose the engine, trim level and drive configuration to suit their taste and budget. There are also a host of available optional features and equipment along with color choices for both the interior and exterior. The available lineup serves as the perfect affordable entry into the Jaguar family.

Both model XEs tested performed flawlessly across the board in terms of acceleration, handling characteristics and ride quality. The diesel powered XE 20d is quite impressive and totally adequate, and is also virtually imperceptible as a diesel. The XE 35t obviously serves up more power and a higher level of performance.

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All XE models available with Jaguar EliteCare, an all-new best-in-class 5-year/60,000 mile customer care and warranty program, which consists of a new vehicle warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, complimentary scheduled maintenance and Jaguar InControl Remote and Protect.

In the final analysis, the 2017 Jaguar XE compact sport sedan is essentially a delight to behold and to drive.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Jaguar XE 20d AWD R-Sport / 35t AWD Prestige

  • Base Price: $49,000- 20d R-Sport AWD / $48,100-35t AWD Prestige
  • Price as Tested: $61,885- 20d R-Sport AWD / $59,545-35t AWD Prestige
  • Engine Type and Size: 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline 4-cylinder (20d) / 3.0-liter supercharged gas V6 (35t)
  • Horsepower (bhp): 180 @ 4000 rpm (20d) / 340 @ 6500 rpm (35t)
  • Torque (ft./ lbs.): 318 @ 1750-2500 rpm (20d) / 332 @4500 rpm (35t)
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
  • Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / Torque onDemand AWD with Intelligent DrivelineDynamics
  • Suspension: Front-Double wishbone with adaptive damper technology.
  • Rear – Integral Link system with adaptive damper technology.
  • Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with ABS, Torque Vectoring, DSC, TC, RSC and ADSR.
  • Tires: Pirelli Cinturato P7 – 225/45 R18 mounted on 7’V”- spoke alloy wheels.
  • Wheelbase: 111.6 inches
  • Length Overall: 183.9 inches
  • Width: 81.7 inches
  • Height: 55.7 inches
  • Curb Weight: 3,560 lbs. (20d) / 3,795 lbs. (35t)
  • Turning Circle: 38.4 ft.
  • Fuel Capacity: 14.8 gallons (20d) / 16.6 gallons (35t)
  • EPA Mileage Estimates: TBD mpg city / TBD mpg highway

The 2017 Jaguar XE Sport Compact Sedan is expected to fare well when compared to other similarly equipped vehicles, although Audi, BMW and Mercedes loyalists will likely still prefer their own marques.

Check out this related TFLcar video of everything you want to know about the 2017 Jaguar XE sedan:

2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Spied High Altitude testing in the Wild (Video)

By
Roman Mica
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The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 will go on sale sometime at the end of this year, but why wait to see it on the road when we recently caught and spied it high altitude testing in the Rocky Mountains?

Here are the facts that we know:

The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 will have a supercharged monster V-8 packing 640 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. That’s not quite up to the Dodge Hellcat’s 707 horsepower, but it easily exceeds the current Mustang GT350’s horsepower.

We also know that the new ZL1 will be lighter than the outgoing model because the current Camaro is 200 pounds lighter than the previous model, according to Chevy.

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The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 will come with either a six-speed manual transmission or a (wait for it) 10-speed automatic. Also, the new car comes with GM’s full line of performance tech including  magnetorheological dampers, electronically controlled limited-slip differential and the company’s performance traction management system.

Of course you can’t see any of these features in the video above but you can see the car on the road. Too bad that there was too much traffic and wind noise to capture the car’s exhaust note but Nathan and Brian did a great job in hunting down this ultimate new Camaro. Please let us know what you think of the new car in the comments below.

The Colorado Department of Transportation says: BEWARE POKEMON GO!

By
Brian Waring
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Roughly one week ago, the world lost its collective mind as Pokemon GO was released for iOS and Android. For those not familiar with the downloadable game, it is an augmented reality app that uses a phone’s camera and GPS to allow players to find and capture virtual characters, train them, and then fight them.

Sounds awesome, right? What it really does is turn otherwise functioning adults into zombie-like creatures wandering the streets in search of virtual creatures. The game has also been used to lure victims into getting mugged, businesses have been overridden with “customers” who are there only to find characters, two teenagers were shot at while playing at 1:30am, and two guys in Encinitas, California fell off a cliff after walking past a “NO TRESPASSING” sign and a “DO NOT CROSS” sign while playing.

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That’s all terrible but what is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the game is that Pokemon characters also appear on highways for commuters to snatch up. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) frequently updates its highway signs to be relevant and humorous so people pay attention to them. The latest is seen above. It reads, “BEWARE THE POKEMON! DON’T GAME AND DRIVE!” to remind people that staying alive takes priority over video games. CDOT is also credited with the expression “GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR APP AND PAY ATTENTION.”

Good on you, CDOT. Video games are great and all but enough is enough. When it causes unintentional cliff diving, getting shot, or taking your eyes off the road, it might be time to re-evaluate a few things. Hey, on the bright side, I heard if you resist the first three characters that appear you’ll get a chance to get Pikachu!

Instead of Pokemon characters, we like to look for new cars or prototype test vehicles in the Rocky Mountains. Check these Chevy Camaro ZL1s recently spotted up near the Continental Divide.

Watch an old Honda Civic get some serious air [video]

By
Brian Waring
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It is virtually impossible to make the internet happy. No matter how much time and effort goes into making a video that the YouTube community can watch for free (save for a little time spent sitting through a quick ad), there’s always an unimpressed arse in the comments section.

One of our favorites is “pfft, my Civic can do that!” Towing up a 7% grade? Off-roading in mud & snow? Breaking into the 11s at the drag strip? Apparently these are all things a stock Honda Civic can do, according to some viewers. I thought, what exactly can a Civic do once it leaves the pavement? So I turned to the internet to find out. below is what I came up with, all in the name of “work.”

The video shows an old Civic hatchback catching some serious air on a dirt track and driving away relatively unscathed. Who knew? It should be of no surprise that some of the top comments include, “ain’t sh*t,” and “he was going too slow.” Yes, it’s true. No matter what you do for the YouTube community, there’s always a backseat driver who could’ve done it better. Just remember the golden rule of YouTube: unless you’ve posted a video jumping your car…

Thanks to BustedKnuckleVideo for the upload. It turns out a Civic can do that!

Is this the 2017 Kia Niro plug-in hybrid caught hot weather testing? [Spy Photos]

By
Andre Smirnov
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2017 2018 kia niro hybrid plug-in electric prototype caught
2017 Kia Niro prototype (by Conor W.)

It’s not always easy to identify manufacturer prototypes that are heavily camouflaged for testing on public roads. This is one of those cases. We had a little bit of help as this conspicuous hatchback was caught traveling in a convoy with Hyundai and Genesis vehicles. A closer inspection of the shape and cladding suggests that this very well can be the 2017 Kia Niro hybrid.

An even closer look of the front driver-side fender has some extra cladding that is not on other Kia Niro prototypes spied elsewhere. Kia said that a plug-in version of the Niro will also be coming, so this may be a prototype of that car.

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(by Conor W.)

According to Kia, their plan for the Niro is to use its fresh crossover-like style and practicality, high efficiency, and fun-to-drive factor as three of its main selling points. The Niro is powered by a gasoline-electric hybrid system with a twist. It combines a 103-horsepower 1.6-liter GDI gasoline engine with a 43-horsepower electric motor for a combined system output of 146 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The twist is that it uses a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while most of the competition uses CVTs (continuously variable transmissions).

This crossover/hatchback will offer 25.2 cu-ft of cargo room behind the second row seats. Its 106.3-inch wheelbase should offer decent passenger space as well. Kia estimates that the Niro will get around 50 MPG, but exact EPA ratings are not yet available.

The 2017 Kia Niro is slated to go on sale in the United States in January of 2017. The plug-in hybrid will come at a later date, not yet specified.

Learn all the details about the 2017 Kia Niro hybrid in this Everything You Ever Wanted to Know interview from the car’s official debut at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show.

2016 Chevy Camaro Convertible vs Coupe Mashup Review: Which is Better?

By
Aimee Inama
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Which is better, the 2016 Chevy Camaro convertible or coupe?

TFLcar’s Nathan Adlen set out to answer that question after recently test driving the convertible after previously driving the coupe.

The matchup started on relatively even ground with both convertible and coupe coming equipped with six-speed manual transmissions with V6 engines. Both also are rated at a combined 21-mpg rating.

The V6 in both the convertible Nathan drove and the coupe made 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque, which he put to the test on the roads he traveled.

Besides having a soft top, a noticeable difference between the convertible and the coupe was the weight, with the convertible coming in at about 200 extra pounds. The trunk space also was noticeably different with the convertible having a mere 7.3 cubic feet of space compared to the coupe’s 9.1 cubic feet.

The price also was different with the convertible Nathan tested coming in at $38,835, $7,000 more than the coupe.

Find out what other differences there were between the convertible and the coupe, and which one Nathan liked best by watching the complete TFL video above.

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Spied in the Wild: 2017 Hyundai Ioniq, Plug-in, Hybrid or EV?

By
Roman Mica
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The new 2017 Hyundai Ioniq is coming to a Hyundai dealership near you very soon. This new fuel sipper will directly compete with the Toyota Prius and even the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3.

Today, thanks to a tip, Roman Mica and Andre Smirnov spied the Hyundai Ioniq high altitude testing in the wild. Please check out the video above.

Here’s what we know so far. Hyundai plans to roll out three versions of the Hyundai Ioniq.

First, the Hybrid and EV models will go on sale coming at the end of this year, followed by the plug-in hybrid in the Spring of 2017.

In the video below you’ll noticed that some of the prototype cars have an EV plug-in port. Does this mean these are the plugin hybrid or EV models? Please let us know what you think in the comments below.

We can report that the EV model will come equiped with a 118-hp electric motor and have a range of about 155 miles. That makes it a potential competitor to not only the new Prius Prime but also the Tesla Model 3.

Hyundai has announced that the Hyundai Ioniq EV will be able to recharge 80 percent of its battery using a fast charger in just under a half an hour. We can also report that the plug-in Hyundai Ioniq will get a 60 HP electric engine.

Do you like the Prius like design of the Hyundai Ioniq? Please let us know in the comments below.

2017 IONIQ HEV

Spied! Plug-in Hybrid Mini Countryman high altitude testing

By
Brian Waring
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Image Credit: TFL reader Ben O.

Above is one of the first shots we’ve seen of the upcoming Mini Countryman testing in Colorado. Manufacturers often test new vehicles in the Rocky Mountains to collect data on their high altitude performance, so images of this are not exactly rare. Thanks to TFL reader Ben O. – and the sticker on the passenger side door – we know this Countryman is a hybrid. It is actually most likely a plug-in hybrid based on other spy shots of the car that have been popping up.

Reports suggest the next Countryman plug-in hybrid may debut as a 2018 or 2019 model. While this profile shot doesn’t tell us much about the design of the car, it does appear larger than the current Countryman. We can also deduct Mini will continue to offer roofs and mirrors that are non-body-colored.

Rumor has it the powertrain will consist of a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gas engine paired to an electric motor or motors. It could also borrow a powerplant from parent company BMW. The 330e has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and Lithium-ion-powered electric motor that has a total combined output of 248 horsepower. The 330e is rated at 72 MPGe and goes from 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds, according to BMW. If the Countryman could achieve similar numbers, it would make for quite a fun little AWD car.

Late to the party, Mini is one of the few major companies that currently does not have a hybrid in its lineup. Until the details are officially released about the newest Countryman, check out the video below of a plug-in hybrid from Mini’s parent company, BMW.

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