Jaguar has confirmed it will launch its ‘baby’ saloon in 2015. Jaguar claims its BMW 3-series rival will be “the most advanced, efficient and refined sports sedan in its class”.

The new model will be based on the firm’s long-awaited modular platform architecture, dubbed iQ[Al] and will be powered by Jaguar’s new family of petrol and diesel engines built at the firm’s new facility in Wolverhampton. The news was confirmed today ahead of the Frankfurt motor show.

Jaguar global brand director, Adrian Hallmark said the new platform "provides flexibility to develop a broad and more accessible range of Jaguars that will all deliver efficiency and driving pleasure to a whole new generation of Jaguar owners.

"The first product that will be built on the new architecture will be delivered in 2015. It will be an all-new, midsized, premium sports saloon, priced just below the existing XF. Jaguar will deliver a sports saloon with an unparalleled breadth of performance and efficiency…A true Jaguar and the car that will revolutionise this segment."

It is expected that the new saloon will spawn other variants, including a coupe and an estate.