As the brand absorbed consistent positive feedback, it became clear that Jaguar would indeed introduce a production version. In the words of Design Director Ian Callum, “We received such an overwhelmingly positive response to the C-X17 concept car last year that we just had to make it a reality.”
Alas, the F-Pace was announced for a debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show … but that has proved to be the tip of the iceberg. Rumors began circulating about both a smaller and larger crossover to fill out the range. Now those rumors are taking shape thanks to a report from Autocar.
Following the F-Pace’s launch early next year, which will be the automaker’s first challenger to luxury rivals like BMW’s X5, Audi’s Q5, Porsche’s Cayenne, and Lexus’s RX, more high-riding models will follow. “Don’t think in terms of one more SUV — think a family of SUVs,” said company insiders.
Starting at the entry level, there are plans for a rival to MINI’s Countryman and Audi’s upcoming Q1. Jaguar believes there’s more value in a subcompact crossover than a subcompact car, both in potential sticker price and brand credibility.
Moving up the chain, Jaguar has all but ruled out a larger SUV to sit above the F-Pace. Since performance will be the main focus of its crossovers, a larger, heavier model will be harder to motivate and build for high-speed handling. That leaves coupe variants of the F-Pace and J-Pace (as the subcompact crossover will likely be called) highly likely.
More dramatic styling and direct rivalries with models like the BMW X2/X4/X6, Mercedes GLA/GLE Coupe, and upcoming Audi Q6/Q8 are pulls for Jaguar cross-coupes. In addition to sharper looks, the coupe variants may be the first to receive R and SVR performance versions akin to the Range Rover Sport SVR.
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