When the Jaguar XE sports saloon launched back in 2015, it's lightweight design and styling were applauded.

Against a strong market sector and a rising SUV market, Jaguar have decided to give their four door executive saloon a mid-life makeover, in the hope it can still roar against its rivals and woo buyers.

Jaguar design director Ian Callum said: "Jaguar is a sports brand and the new XE is a genuine sports saloon. It's a wonderful opportunity to make a great car even better".

With a sleek aerodynamic design, a widened grille with all new 'J' blade signature LED running lights, larger air intakes and sportier bumpers - the car appears more assertive. 18-inch alloys come as standard, with optional 19-inch and 20-inch available.

The new sporty XE seduces you with its premium looks and it's not just the outside that's been redesigned - a completely new interior with improved technology lies in wait.

The contemporary interior with soft leather trims, better storage and improved comfort feels more premium. The front is spacious, though rear space will be tight for anyone taller than six-foot.

With plenty seating adjustments the driving position is excellent. Good visibility - aided by a new optional first-in-class, 'ClearSight' switchable rear view mirror which doubles as a screen. It works well, giving you an uninterrupted rear view, from a small mounted camera.

Precision handling, balance and good steering, compliment a refined, comfortable drive on the open road, with no intrusive road or wind noise.

The all-new Touch Pro Duo system on the centre console features dual screens borrowed from the I-Pace. They're responsive, easy to use, include a 10.2-inch screen and give the cabin a fresh feel. You can swap between Sat Nav and climate control with ease.

Ian Callum, insisted on having 'proper' dials and switches as opposed to large touchscreens on the dashboard.

Available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, the new XE features a smooth, responsive eight-speed automatic gear box, with a new sportshift lever replacing the old rotary dial. New manual paddle-shifts on the steering wheel also offer an engaging drive.

Smart setting technology uses AI to learn preferences of drivers and can adjust seats, audio and climate controls automatically.

Wireless phone charging and heads-up display are optional.

Customers can choose from S, SE and HSE trims, with each available in sporty 'R-Dynamic' guise and option packages for greater personalisation.

Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, rear camera, lane keep assist and 12-way electric front seats come as standard.

In a bid to attract buyers, Jaguar have included over £1,000 of extra kit as standard too.

There are three powertrains available: Two turbo 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Ingenium petrols - offering 250PS and a punchy range-topping 300PS. And a 2.0-litre 180PS turbo diesel.

The new XE provides a refined, effortless drive, with no turbo lag.

Petrol CO2 emissions are 153-167g/km with the diesel 130-138g/km.

With a top speed of 155mph, 0-62mph in the diesel is 8.1seconds returning 57.6mpg, with 0-62mph in the petrol from 5.4seconds returning 38-42.6mpg.

The new XE range starts from £33,915 for the P250 rear-wheel drive S, up to £45,835 for the top end P300 AWD R-Dynamic HSE and comes with a three year/unlimited mileage warranty.

The new revamped XE has been let loose.

The Jaguar XE feature as published in the national press.

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