Jaguar confirms SUV for 2016

The most radical new Jaguar for decades has been given the green light for production in 2016, our sister magazine, Autocar UK can reveal.

Company insiders say the new model could become “Jaguar’s Evoque” — both changing perceptions of the brand and selling in substantial volumes. It is expected to be priced to rival the BMW X3.

First exposed by Autocar UK in March 2012, the Jaguar crossover concept has been in development for over two years already. It’s thought that Jaguar could unveil a teaser concept as early as this September’s Frankfurt show.

Sources who have seen the new car at customer clinics held in the Midlands have described the crossover as “stunning”. One source — a current XF owner — told that the styling proposal was “unlike anything that Jaguar had done before” and “easily the best-looking vehicle in the room”. The line-up at the clinic included the current Infiniti FX and Porsche Cayenne, although both are bigger than Jaguar’s crossover. It’s thought that the coupé-like FX has been something of a stylistic influence for the new Jaguar.

The new crossover will provide Jaguar with a direct rival for Porsche’s upcoming Macan SUV, which is similar in size and is also defined by its dramatic styling. Continued..