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Used test: Jaguar XE vs Volkswagen Arteon: verdict
Buy either of these two suave executive cars used and you'll save a packet on the cost of a new one, but should you go Jaguar or Volkswagen? We have the answer...
Our Verdict
There's no doubt that both of these two are good-looking and stylish cars, and bought at this age excellent value, too. However, if we had to choose just one to reverse onto our driveway and with which to impress the neighbours it'd be the VW Arteon.
It's fun to drive and comfortable, too, and it feels like a premium product. And if you thought that sleek roofline would ruin its practicality, you’d be wrong: it’s surprisingly spacious for passengers and luggage.
If you simply must have the best-handling car in the class, though, you should buy the Jaguar XE – it’s terrific. But you’ll have to put up with a lot that isn’t: iffy interior quality, a fiddly infotainment system and poor practicality. And for us, that’s just too much of a compromise.
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1st – Volkswagen Arteon
For Peppy engine; fine ride; huge boot; spacious rear seats; lots of equipment
Against Gearbox jerky in traffic; lacks premium-badge cachet
Verdict May not have the last degree in handling finesse, but it beats the XE everywhere else
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Used Volkswagen Arteon review >>
Buy a used Volkswagen Arteon with What Car? >>
2nd – Jaguar XE
For Sweet handling; composed ride
Against Awkward infotainment; poor perceived quality; cramped rear seats; small boot
Verdict A nice car to drive, but a flawed one to own
What Car? rating 3 stars out of 5
Used Jaguar XE review >>
Buy a used Jaguar XE with What Car? >>
Specifications: Jaguar XE 2.0t 200 Portfolio auto
Engine size 2.0-litre petrol
Power 197bhp
Torque 236lb ft
0-60mph 8.0sec
Top speed 148mph
Fuel economy 45.1mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 144g/km
Specifications: Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TSI 190 DSG R-Line
Engine size 2.0-litre petrol
Power 187bhp
Torque 236lb ft
0-60mph 7.4sec
Top speed 149mph
Fuel economy 47.1mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 135g/km
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