Frankfurt show: Jaguar unveils F-Pace teasers

JAGUAR has given the world a sneak peek at its first SUV, the F-Pace, ahead of its official unveiling in September at the Frankfurt motor show. The teaser reveals key design elements and a shape matching the 2013 concept on which it is based.

In a one-minute video on the British car-maker's YouTube channel, Jaguar details the development process, from sketches through to the debut of the C-X17 concept from the 2013 Frankfurt show, and onto to the production model.

The rear of the F-Pace is teased in the video, revealing through the dark footage almost identical tail-lights to the F-Type sportscar – and mirroring those on the concept – while the wide shoulder-line is also evident.

Up front, an evolution of the C-X17's headlight design is revealed, which appears to feature a series of smaller LED lights in the shape of a circle, while the 'boomerang' daytime running lights have carried over from the concept.

The production five-seat F-Pace will be built on Jaguar's new iQ aluminium platform shared with the XE mid-size sedan that arrives in Australian showrooms in late August.

The two models will likely share powertrains, including the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 from the F-Type, as well as the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel that sips just 4.0 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres under the bonnet of the XE.

Jaguar has previously said that the F-Pace will have “class-leading” interior space and “exceptional” dynamic ability, making it a “true performance crossover”.

A blurb accompanying the video announces that the F-Pace “is coming”, adding that the high-riding wagon “is a blend of exhilarating performance, intuitive technology and class-leading practicality.

“Underpinned by our Aluminium Intensive Architecture and based on the C-X17 concept, F-PACE is set to redefine the crossover segment. Offering a unique combination of sporting design fused with spacious luxury, the Jaguar F-PACE is the first of its kind,” Jaguar said.

Jaguar Australia has a busy year ahead, with the launch of the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-baiting XE in August, followed by the facelifted XJ flagship in November. The XJ re-launch will reveal a re-jigged line-up and a host of new technology and safety features.

The second-generation version of the hugely successful XF range arrives in the first quarter of 2016, and will be built on a platform that is 75 per cent aluminium, allowing a weight reduction of 190kg over the outgoing model. The F-Pace is expected mid next year.