With a powerful engine lineup and adept handling, the 2017 Jaguar XE is one of the most fun-to-drive vehicles in the class. However, this sports sedan sits in the bottom half of our luxury small car rankings because of its bland cabin styling, narrow trunk, and limited rear-seat space.

A Jaguar XE will cost about $11,824 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury sedan models by $137. There is also a 35.67% chance that a XE will require a major repair during that time.

The Jaguar XE R-Sport offers a sporty-looking twist on the XE saloon car. You can easily spot an R-Sport by its deeper front bumper, rear spoiler and bigger 18-inch wheels.

Apart from exterior trim etc (skirts etc) and suspension set-up the main difference is the seats and interior trim style. I also think the Portfolio came with the light oyster headlining, whereas R-Sport is Jet as standard. All a very personal taste.

Most Jaguar vehicles will last for at least 150,000 miles, but there's a lot that a driver can do to push this number much higher. With regular oil replacement, belt changes, spark plug replacement, and other basic maintenance services, you can ensure that your Jaguar lasts for 200,000 miles or more.

Overall, Jaguars require relatively expensive maintenance to keep them in good condition compared to other luxury vehicles. It will cost you approximately $1,300 per year in maintenance and an average of $17,636 over the first ten years of ownership.

The 2.0L diesel Ingenium engine found in the XE is also fitted to many other vehicles across the Jaguar Land Rover range and timing chain issues are unfortunately very common on this engine. The timing chains stretch over time and if not replaced can cause irreparable engine damage.

The R-Sport is a continuation of the Prestige model but goes in a sporty direction and includes the R-Sport bodykit, bi-function Xenon, 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, two-tone leather sports seats, gloss black window surrounds and R-Sport branding.

The company has performed well in customer satisfaction surveys but the XE and XF have earned a reputation for unreliability.

The XE adds bigger alloy wheels and automatic emergency braking. Jag's new XE just edges the 3 Series. It's even more fun to drive than its German rival, better equipped and cheaper to run as a company car, so unlike Jaguars of old it makes as much sense to the head as it does the heart.

XE S The most expensive model in the range is the XE S, which is headlined by the 3.0-litre supercharged 374bhp V6, and also comes with 19-inch alloys, the S bodykit with black gloss detailing, powered boot lid, keyless entry, the 380-watt Meridian sound system, perforated leather sports seats and 350mm front brakes with ...

The Jaguar XE provides an excellent alternative to its German rivals. On the plus side it offers great looks and lots of kit, but be warned - the infotainment is fiddly and the rear seat and boot space is below par.

Most Jaguar vehicles will last for at least 150,000 miles, but there's a lot that a driver can do to push this number much higher. With regular oil replacement, belt changes, spark plug replacement, and other basic maintenance services, you can ensure that your Jaguar lasts for 200,000 miles or more.

While modern Jaguars are extremely reliable , they're still apt to have issues that end in major repairs. During the first ten years of its life, a Jaguar vehicle is likely to need at least one major repair – in fact; there is a 40.5% chance that it will. That's a 5.5% greater chance than your average luxury vehicle.

The XE has delivered everything you'd want from a small Jaguar saloon. It's great to drive, looks stunning, rides nicely and has served up decent efficiency. A few niggles with quality are the only real criticism after nearly a year of hard motoring.

The 2.0L diesel Ingenium engine found in the XE is also fitted to many other vehicles across the Jaguar Land Rover range and timing chain issues are unfortunately very common on this engine. The timing chains stretch over time and if not replaced can cause irreparable engine damage.