Jaguar’s SUV makes another step towards production

An article from Tankkaart.be

Jaguar’s plans for its much anticipated SUV project look to have taken a step forward, with the British car manufacturer registering the trademarks ‘Q-type’ and ‘XQ’ with the EU – labels which are fitting with its current naming policy.

With the success of the critically acclaimed F-type, Jaguar is now looking to bridge the gap to its rivals that include BMW and Audi with its take on the SUV market. The sales of Jaguar’s cars have been rising through the year, but first-quarter figures were just a fifth of its sister firm Land Rover; a gap that is likely to grow as Land Rover step up its aggressive expansion plans.

Recent interviews with Jaguar honchos have suggested that the SUV would be of a compact nature, rather than something of a similar size to Land Rover’s larger models. As a result, we will likely see a car that will stack up to the likes of Audi’s Q3 and Q5 models, as well as BMW’s X3.

Also, as opposed to taking the easy route and harnessing the Range Rover Evoque’s platform, it is expected that Jaguar will adopt a new small car construction. This could also prove to be the same underpinnings for its upcoming small saloon rival to the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. We have already seen the smaller version of the XF testing in Sweden and Gaydon and when it comes into production will drive Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich plant into full capacity for sustainable profitability.

What is expected to be borrowed from Range Rover, however, is its engine range; with a turbocharged petrol and a pair of diesel units likely to be harnessed by the Jaguar SUV. The line-up could also be reinforced by the implementation of more powerful engines, such as the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that features in the F-type, XF and XJ. There is an added probability of a hybrid option, too.