New Jaguar F-Pace SUV spied testing

The Jaguar F-Pace has been spotted testing on international roads. The test mule has close-to-production bodywork, suggesting that preparations are in line with its 2016 international launch.

The images indicate that Jaguar's first production SUV, that the carmaker is touting as a 'sports crossover', will share its overall design and shape with the C-X17 concept shown at the Frankfurt motor show in 2013. The F-Pace's size and dimensions seem near identical to the C-X17, which is 4.72m long – 400mm longer than a Range Rover Evoque – and 1.65m tall.

The F-Pace gets a more upright stance as opposed to Jaguar's typically rakish car designs. However, the plunging roof at the rear means that it retains a sleek profile. The bluff front end treatment suggests it will follow the C-X17's lead in as much that the driver will look over the bonnet, rather than down it.

The C-X17 concept had what Jaguar called “an assured driving position” set at “a low height”, similar to that of an Evoque, which is likely to be a staple part of the F-type driving experience. The C-X17 also featured a muscular ridged bonnet. This hallmark of other Jaguar models also seems to have made its way on the F-Pace prototype.

While there's no word on what was powering the F-Pace test mule, or which engines will make its way to the final production model, it seems certain that the range will start with models powered by the soon-to-land Ingenium four-cylinder line-up. It is likely to include engines up to the 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6 used in the F-type, with power potential beyond 250bhp.

The pictures, however, offer a glimpse of the cabin and the dashboard on the F-Pace test mule. It bears little resemblance to any current JLR production model, suggesting that the F-Pace will get fresh interiors.

The new SUV squarely targets the Porsche Macan and the BMW X4. The F-Pace is expected to become one of Jaguar’s two best-selling models, performing strongly in major markets such as China and the US, and rivalling the volume of the forthcoming XE sedan.

Once launched, the two new cars should push Jaguar's total volume beyond 200,000 units a year, up from last year’s figure of about 80,000.

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