Skip advert
Advertisement

Jaguar has BMW 3 Series in sight

Jaguar will launch a 3 Series rival in 2015 and will be available in saloon, estate and coupe versions.

The Jaguar C-X17 SUV grabbed headlines at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. But before that arrives, the brand will launch its new BMW 3 Series rival. And the saloon – confirmed for 2015 – is set to be joined by a coupe and an estate, revealed in our exclusive images.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Jaguar news and reviews

Global brand director Adrian Hallmark told us the cars could “comfortably” double sales for Jaguar. “We have given three messages here,” he said. “It’s the saloon, the architecture and a vision of what else that architecture could deliver.” He also claimed the new 3 Series rival would “redefine” the compact executive class.

Referring to bodystyles beyond a saloon, Hallmark added: “If you don’t get in fast, you don’t get the payback.Our biggest challenge with the [XF] Sportbrake is that it’s a regional product – 90 per cent of the volume is in Europe. It cost a lot to produce and we didn’t get the full eight-year payback.”

As a result, Jaguar will launch the new estate and coupé as close to 2015 as it can – and the new iQ[Al] aluminium architecture will be key to this, as its flexible dimensions and common manufacturing processes provide the basis for rapid expansion.

An aluminium monocoque is also a first for this market and on this sort of scale, and by the time they go on sale, the new saloon, coupé and estate will be the most efficient, refined and advanced cars in their class, according to Hallmark. They’ll get a sleek and simple look, similar to the C-X17, but retain the strong, muscular proportions of larger Jags. “We want to build the best-looking car in the segment, so design appeal is number one,” Hallmark added.

Plus, when the new chassis is combined with Jag’s latest small-capacity 2.0-litre turbo petrol and diesel engines, it will mean entry-level cars emit less than 100g/km without the need for hybrid tech.

Even so, Jaguar is readying three new hybrid drivetrains – different from the one in the new Range Rover Hybrid. These will cut CO2, but also boost performance, “even if only for short bursts, like KERS in F1”, said Hallmark. Expect the new range to start at around £25,000.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Exclusive: Jaguar Land Rover boss sets the record straight on thefts, insurance, parts supply, electrification and more
JLR interview
News

Exclusive: Jaguar Land Rover boss sets the record straight on thefts, insurance, parts supply, electrification and more

JLR’s UK managing director, Patrick McGillycuddy, talks to us about the issues facing the business and its big future plans…
3 Feb 2024
Jaguar Land Rover CEO hits back over Range Rover theft issues
Range Rover action
News

Jaguar Land Rover CEO hits back over Range Rover theft issues

Insurance companies are “not using the data” according to CEO Adrian Mardell
2 Feb 2024
Range Rover offers in-house insurance scheme to fight theft fears
Range Rover Sport - front
News

Range Rover offers in-house insurance scheme to fight theft fears

JLR-owned brand continues its battle against a wave of car crime hitting luxury cars
19 Dec 2023
TWR reveals big plans to reimagine the Jaguar XJS
Magnus Walker and Khyzyl Saleem standing in front of a Jaguar XJS
News

TWR reveals big plans to reimagine the Jaguar XJS

TWR will look back in its history with the Jaguar XJS for a “reimagined” sports car
13 Nov 2023

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024