2017 Jaguar E-Pace tests on the Nurburgring ahead of summer launch

The Jaguar E-Pace compact SUV has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring ahead its anticipated debut this summer.

Sitting below the F-Pace and similar in size to the Range Rover Evoque, the five-seat E-Pace will rival models such as the Audi Q3.

The new SUV is set to use the Land Rover Discovery Sport’s steel platform and could be built alongside that model at Jaguar Land Rover's Halewood plant.

First spotted near JLR’s Gaydon HQ and more recently seen in the Arctic Circle, the E-Pace resembles the F-Pace...

The Jaguar E-Pace baby SUV has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring ahead its anticipated debut this summer

Sitting below the F-Pace and similar in size to the Range Rover Evoque, the five-seat E-Pace will rival models such as the Audi Q3

The new SUV is set to use the Land Rover Discovery Sport’s steel platform and could be built alongside that model at the brand’s Halewood plant

First spotted near JLR’s Gaydon HQ and more recently seen in the Arctic Circle, the E-Pace resembles the F-Pace...

...with both the grille and roofline reminiscent of those of its larger sibling.

It will also feature the latest development of Jaguar’s InControl Touch Pro infotainment system and showcase the firm’s improving interior quality.

It is expected to use 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel Ingenium engines...

...which are produced at Jaguar Land Rover’s Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton.

In the Discovery Sport, the 178bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel achieves 0-62mph in 9.9sec and 53.3mpg combined fuel economy...

...while the 148bhp diesel records 11.7sec and 57.6mpg.

The E-Pace will be lighter than the Discovery Sport, so these figures should improve.

Launching a car in such a fast-growing segment is likely to boost Jaguar’s sales.

The F-Pace is the fastest-selling Jaguar yet, and a smaller SUV could do better still.

The new Jaguar is set to be unveiled in the coming months, away from the motor show circuit.

Its arrival comes just two months after the Range Rover Velar, emphasising the pace of Land Rover's range growth plans.

The E-Pace is expected to undercut the Evoque, which starts at £30,600...

...meaning it will cost significantly less than the F-Pace, which is priced from £35,020.

A Jaguar spokesman said: “We do not discuss our future product plans, but we are expanding our product ranges...

"...As a result, there are many Jaguar and Land Rover development vehicles being tested at any one time.”