This is absolutely the automotive surprise of the year — a fully capable, brand-faithful, fun and great-looking mini-SUV. Its design is sleek and sharp, with an aggressive stance and bountiful yet tasteful cues from Jags past and present. Also notable is the availability of a diesel engine, which should appeal to fuel-savers. Its handling is smooth over the bumps, firm on the straights, and flat in the turns. Its tech chops are on par with anything from German or Japanese competitors, including a 10-inch tablet-like touchscreen, an app that can start the car and set the climate control remotely, and a 17-speaker Meridian sound system. Everyone expected Jaguar to produce a crossover SUV, but nobody expected the car to be this good.
Engine: 2.0-liter diesel inline four or a supercharged 3.0-liter V6
Horsepower: 180, 340, or 380
Torque: 318 lb-ft, 332 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
0–60: 5–8 seconds (est.)
Top Speed: 129 mph
Curb Weight: 3,913