September 26, 2014. Copyright 2014, Graphic News. All rights reserved New small Jaguar XE will wow the Paris Motor Show By Neil Winton LONDON, September 26, Graphic News: The new small Jaguar XE has big claims to be the star of the Paris Motor Show 2014 and not just because of its pretty face. Modern cars must take care to use as little fuel as possible to meet harsh government rules to cut CO2 emissions, while drivers also want the very latest in communications connectivity. The XE scores highly on both counts, featuring lightweight aluminium construction, and Jaguar describes the car as a WiFi machine on wheels. The WiFi allows connectivity for functions like unlocking the doors or starting the engine remotely. All the connectivity is accessible through an eight-inch (20cm) touch-screen, which also allows access to Apple and Android smartphone apps. All the devices can also be controlled by voice. There is a laser heads-up display. The XE won't have it all its own way as the spotlight spins in Paris. Other debutants include the new Mazda MX-5, the big selling and affordable little roadster, the huge but safe Volvo XC-90 SUV, Skoda Fabia, Opel-Vauxhall Corsa, Suzuki Vitara, and Volkswagen Passat. The top of the range Jaguar XE S will take some beating as a crowd-puller though. Powered by a 340hp, 3.0 litre V6 supercharged petrol engine, the car accelerates from a standstill to 60mph in 4.9 seconds. There will also be a range of new "Ingenium" 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel turbocharged engines developed for the XE by Tata of India, which owns Jaguar Land Rover. Expect subsequent models, which will include a convertible, an estate car, and four-wheel drive options, to offer a petrol-electric or diesel-electric hybrid. Driver safety aids are available too, including a device which intervenes if the computer detects an imminent collision, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and computerised parking. The Jaguar XE has the latest generation electric power assisted steering. Many components of the integral link suspension have been forged or hollow-cast in aluminium, which uses a design based on Jaguar's flagship F-type sports car. Inside, youÕll find much fine-grain leather, aluminium and wood, if youÕre buying a top-of-the-range version. Jaguar isn't modest about how terrific it thinks the XE is. "The XE combines thrilling performance, agile handling and precise, responsive steering, with outstanding levels of refinement. Jaguar will bring levels of innovation never seen before in this segment -- with its lightweight construction expertise and sophisticated chassis technology in addition to the new family of Ingenium engines", the company says. According to the Centre for Automotive Research at the University of Duisberg-Essen in Germany, global XE sales will hit an early 100,000 a year, rising to 200,000 by 2020 or shortly after. The XE must be a big seller. If it fails to excite buyers, this will undermine the whole Jaguar Land Rover project, which seeks long-term success in the luxury market against the German maestros BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Porsche. The XE goes on sale in Europe next year, and the U.S. in 2016. Prices have yet to be set, but a bottom of the range 4-cylinder version is likely to start at £27,000 (pounds). /ENDS Jaguar XE S Engine -- 3.0 litre V6 supercharged petrol Power -- 340hp @ 6,500rpm Torque -- 450 Nm @ 4,500 Drive -- rear-wheels Gearbox -- 8-speed automatic Acceleration -- 0-60mph 4.9 seconds 0-100km/h 5.1 seconds Top Speed -- 155mph-250km/h (limited) Fuel consumption -- not available C02 -- not available Emissions class -- not available Suspension -- double wishbone/integral link Length -- 4,672mm Width -- 1,850mm Height -- 1,416mm Wheelbase -- 2,835mm Weight -- 1,474kg Competition -- BMW 3 series, Mercedes C class, Audi A4 Price £50,000?