Jaguar Plans Diesel Option for U.S. Version of XE Small Sedan

Jaguar intends to introduce its new XE small sport sedan in the U.S. with options that include a 4-cylinder diesel and all-wheel drive.

The XE, which was first shown last month in London, is being publicly introduced today at the Paris auto show. The aluminum-intensive car will compete with such models as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.

The $43,700 car will go on sale in Europe next spring as a 2015 model. But Jaguar won't bring the car to the U.S. until 2016 (as a 2017 model), and after it completes U.S. emission certification tests for a diesel option.

Powertrain choices in Europe will include 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmissions, two 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engines, two 2.0-liter turbocharged diesels and a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6. The engine lineup covers a power range from 163 hp to 336 hp and fuel economy ratings of 35 mpg to 75 mpg on the optimistic New European Driving Cycle test.

The XE will offer a long list of high-tech features and options. They include a color head-up display, forward-facing 3-D camera system, adaptive cruise control with emergency braking, semi-automated park assist, a low-speed rear-drive traction management system and blind-spot monitoring.