Jaguar boss: "We need small car" 08 | 02 | 2013
JAGUAR LAND ROVER UK boss Jeremy Hicks has given the strongest hint yet that a new, smaller Jaguar saloon is on the cards.
While rumours and speculation continue to abound about the new Jaguar, which is set to go head-to-head against the BMW 3-series and Audi A4, Hicks admitted there was a 'need' for the new car.
"Would I like to see a smaller Jaguar in the range? Yes: I think we need it," Jaguar Land Rover UK managing director Hicks (pictured) stated.
"We need it, absolutely, to establish Jaguar as a true alternative to the other premium brands that are out there.
"I'm not saying what style: I'm not saying what size. But we're looking at a number of opportunities. The first new expansion we've done is with F-Type. Others will naturally follow."
Though Hicks, understandably wouldn't be drawn on details of the baby Jaguar, he did admit it would be the smallest Jaguar in the range.
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"How small is small?," he continued. "That's what we're deciding at the moment. But it definitely needs to be smaller than the XF."
And he was quick to deflect talk that the new Jaguar will merely do battle against the 3-series and A4.
"We're looking at taking on a number of brands," Hicks explained. "There are many brands we will compete against.
"But there is no doubt our small car will deliver a viable alternative choice for buyers compared to that offered by other German premium manufacturers.
"I think the customers are ready for it now. And that's what we need to do."
While certain Jaguar departments continue their attempt to throw a veil of secrecy over what is becoming probably the worst kept secret in the automotive industry, Jaguar’s global brand director, Adrian Hallmark, further fuelled the speculation.
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“The 3-series is an easy simile for where we could go, but it’s not the only gig in town,” he said. “All the cars are good in that segment. All have the blend of performance and efficiency, as well as very sophisticated equipment.
"We have to find ways of expanding our business profitably and we’re well developed in that process. We are undergoing creative analysis of competitors and consumers.”
And Hallmark even went as far as to suggest the new compact will eventually deliver a comprehensive line-up of body styles.
“All makers in that segment have a successful strategy of different versions: coupés, cabrios, estates, engines," he said. "You have to be flexible in that segment.”
Roadtest: 2013 Range Rover
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Jim McGill