Jaguar's new XF Sportbrake 27 | 02 | 2012

IMAGES OF THE new Jaguar XF Sportbrake have been leaked. The photos, apparently scanned from a brochure, have made their way on to the web.

Due to be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week, the undisguised pictures show the car has received the same disguised C-pillar treatment as the Jaguar XJ.

The XF Sportbrake also boasts a sleek window line and a boot-lip spoiler. And what's also noticeable is that the rear light arrangement is carried over from the saloon. In fact, from the B-pillars forward, the Sportbrake appears identical to the saloon model.

Jaguar's new XF dips under £30k

The XF estate — let's face it, that's what we're all going to call it, rather than Sportbrake — will be pitched directly against the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5-series Touring.

Though no details have been issued, it's fair to expect the Jag will swallow similar luggage volumes as the Audi and Beemer.

But by retaining the saloon’s approximate wheelbase and not increasing the rear overhang, and sensibly sticking with Jaguar's sleek profile of the XF saloon, the luggage figures will fall below those of the class-leading Mercedes E-class estate.

Again, Jaguar has yet to release details of the powerplants, but it's safe to predict the excellent 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel will be the best-selling model in the range.

We roadtest the Jaguar XF

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Jim McGill