Jaguar will officially enter the highly lucrative SUV sector in 2015, with its brand new 4x4 F-PACE.
Production plans were unveiled by the British sports car firm in Detroit last night, at the start of the North American International Auto Show.
Experts believe the car will appeal to both men and women who want the luxury and performance offered by Jaguar – but who also want a safe and practical family-friendly car.
The F-PACE's female-friendly credentials have seen it dubbed the 'She-Type' by some.
Boasting a top speed of 186mph, the new Jag will also deliver impressive fuel consumption of 70mpg and CO2 emissions of just 100g/lm.
Jaguar's design director Ian Callum said of the new car: ‘The F-PACE is our family sports car. It will encapsulate everything that Jaguar stands for – beautiful design, precise handling, a supple ride, luxurious interior finishes and cutting-edge technology.’
Buyers can choose from ultra-efficient 2.0 litre 4 cylinder petrol and diesel engines, or, if they desire more muscle, a 3.0 litre V6.
The new model is great news for the Midlands economy, too, as 1,300 additional jobs will be created to meet demand. Manufacturing will take place in Jaguar Land Rover's Solihull plant near Birmingham.
The 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engine will be made at the company's new £355million engine plant in Wolverhampton.
As well as appealing to UK urban dwellers, the F-PACE will no doubt be attractive to those who venture further afield. With superb fuel consumption figures, short European breaks in the F-PACE will be kind on the pocket, with any off-tarmac driving a synch. Indeed, JLR will certainly ensure the new model benefits from Range Rover's market-leading 4x4 knowledge.
The F-PACE will cost around £38,000.
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