Jaguar's SUV, the company's answer to the Range Rover Evoque, has been confirmed for production in 2016.
The £31,000 SUV is just one of six new models to be launched by Jaguar in the coming years. Jaguar's ambitous growth targets include tentative plans to look into a front-wheel-drive car for smaller vehicle segments. Here, car by car, is Jaguar's new model strategy.
2014
Jaguar F-Type coupe
Rumoured to be the definitive F-type, and likely to be cheaper than the drop-top. Some sources are suggesting it’s as much as a third stiffer than the roadster and is impressively lighter. There are hints the chassis could see significant hardware changes. With the drop-top rumoured to be shifting 1000 units per month, the coupé could add at least another 500.
2015
Jaguar Q-type saloon
This is a massive gamble for Jaguar because it has invested heavily in a sophisticated new compact PLA platform. It’s expected to be particularly compact and aimed directly at BMW’s 3-series, offering a more involving driving experience and touting class-leading all-aluminium construction. Most versions will get lightweight, super-frugal engines. Set to be priced from £28,000.
2016
Jaguar XQ crossover
Based on the same compact PLA aluminium platform as the saloon, the (tentatively named) XQ crossover could be the model to finally break Jaguar away from its traditional image and into the lucrative affluent family niche. It will compete with the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, but is expected to carve its own niche by combining very sleek styling and all-aluminium construction.
Jaguar XJ
Currently the last JLR car based on the original Jaguar aluminium architecture that made its debut in 2003 beneath the X350-gen XJ. Moving it on to the full-size PLA platform used by the big Range Rover models should greatly improve economies of scale and reduce the car’s build cost. There’s no news yet on whether Ian Callum’s controversial styling will be reprised.
The current XK is based on Jag’s original aluminium platform fitted with large extruded side members to provide stiffness for the cabrio. It’s relatively slow-selling and is going to be a decade old when it’s replaced. The next XK is expected to be underpinned by a modified compact PLA platform.
2017
XF Sportbrake’s recent launch was a clear indication that the current XF still has some time to serve. A second facelift is expected in 2014, when the car is likely to be re-engineered to take JLR’s new four-pot engines. The 2017 model will use the PLA platform and is likely to be made next to the new XJ at a revamped Castle Bromwich. Additional details are scarce at this stage.
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Don't get me started....
Don't get me started on the so-called reliability of German cars. I had a 5 series a while back - by far the least reliable car I have ever owned. German cars fill Warranty Directs list of least reliable cars. The whole German car reliability thing is a myth. If you want a truly reliable car the Japanese are the best bet - but they don't do premium luxury. My current car, an XF, has been impeccable, as have those of a couple of close friends. I expect to replace this one with another Jag, and the new models give me a choice previously not available under the company's under-invested past.
Halfabee wrote: Don't get me
Totally agree. The Japs make reliable cars when you look at the evidence and the Germans do not; I've had £10,000 worth of repairs on my Polo and 1 series this year! The problem though for Jag is perception which is often more powerful in decision making than facts which most people don't bother to look at.
I had to pick someone up the
I had to pick someone up the other week because they couldn't get their XF Sportbrake off their drive. The reason? The gimmicky gear-selector wouldn't raise from the centre console when the engine was started. The electric tailgate also failed to open within what must have been two weeks of ownership. Add to this loose interior trim and shoddy customer service from his local dealer, and I personally have no faith in the reliability of these cars. Not because they're British, but because they're problematic. When looking to buy a car, where it comes from isn't even something I take into consideration. Instead, I judge cars by their qualities, which is why no JLR product will appear on my shopping list for the time being.
It's also worth noting that the car in question is only a few months old!
@ lanehogger, you obviously
@ lanehogger, you obviously think that you are the one i wrote about, hence your rant, if you chose to think that then thats up to you, but i never once mentioned any names, so why be so quick to shout back.