Jaguar XE 2.0d Prestige 4d Owner Review

First new car I'd purchased privately and replaced a BMW 320 ED company car. Had waited a long time for Jaguars new 3 series competitor and I wasn't disappointed. As a brand new model straight out the crate, Jaguar did a fine job. Cars looks great, extremely comfortable, good ride and excellent handling. Only needed a couple of optional extras, heated windscreen and folding door mirrors, as Prestige model had everything else I needed as standard. Went for the 163hp, manual for zero RFL and fuel economy as I was still working at the time. Clutch is excellent, gearbox good when engine warm, bit notchy when cold. Only covered 12500 miles as made redundant 6 months after buying it. But apart from one or two minor squeaks and rattles from dash board, quickly rectified by dealer, car has been faultless. Driven to Norfolk, Cornwall and Dorset over the 2 years and have seen an indicated 83 mpg. Build quality generally good, some areas in cabin could be better. But I have to say the Jag is superior to the BMW, which was surprisingly shoddy in some places. Front cabin space excellent. Rear a little cramped leg room wise when seats back. Boot on the small size if catering for a family. However, the XE is a sports saloon, not a family tourer! Ingenium diesel engine I found more refined than the BMWs ED 163hp lump. Would recommend the XE. But in hindsight the auto box and 180hp would've been better.