Jaguar SUV to launch in 2016 31 | 03 | 2014
TWO YEARS BEFORE it enters Scottish showrooms, Jaguar has started testing its new SUV, which will go head-to-head with the Porsche Macan.
The technical developments of the new Jaguar SUV were hidden beneath the shell of a new heavily-disguised Land Rover Discovery mule (pictured) during cold weather testing.
Codenamed C-X17, and penned by Jaguar's Scots design chief Ian Callum, the new Jaguar SUV — due to be launched in 2016 — will be built on the same basic aluminium architecture as the company's new XE compact saloon.
Rather than an out-and-out off-roader — that will remain the domain of Land Rover products — the Jaguar SUV will focus primarily on maximising its sports car on-road dynamics.
Related: 'Baby' Jaguar to be badged XE
It's expected the production model of Jaguar's sports crossover will mirror the 4.7m size of the concept car unveiled in Frankfurt last year. It's ride height will also be the same as the Range Rover Evoque.
“It’s an innovative sports crossover," Dumfries-born Callum said, "one that uniquely combines our exciting sports car heritage with flexibility, usability and space.
“It is a Jaguar, but in a completely different form. It demonstrates our desire to push the boundaries of technology, performance and, of course, design.”
The Jaguar SUV will utilise the new generation of Ingenium four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The engine range is so diverse that at one extreme, in the forthcoming XE, it will offer CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km. It will also be capable of hitting 186mph when mated to twin turbochargers.
It's also likely that, in addition to the 4WD version, a rear-wheel drive model will also be introduced for lower-powered versions. The added benefit of this is that these models will have a lower fuel economy.
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Jim McGill