Jaguar has announced its new compact saloon the XE will be unveiled to the world at a star-studded event in London on September 8.
The Castle Bromwich-based car-maker has pledged to deliver “a true driver’s car” and a vehicle that “redefines the concept of the sports saloon”.
Jaguar says the new saloon, which is set to rival the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4, will see the firm revisit a segment it first created more than 50 years ago with its famous Mark II.
Some analysts have tipped the XE to be the most important car Jaguar has ever made.
In the run-up to the unveiling Jaguar says it will be ‘drip-feeding’ details about the XE’s technical attributes.
Overall it said the XE would bring new levels of innovation to the segment with its lightweight aluminium construction and new family of Ingenium engines, which have been designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK.
The four-cylinder Ingenium engines are being made at Jaguar Land Rover’s new engine plant near Wolverhampton, with the car itself set to roll off the production lines at a new purpose-built facility at Land Rover’s Solihull plant.
Mike Cross, chief engineer of vehicle integrity at Jaguar, said: “Jaguars have always been renowned for a balance of precise handling and a high-quality ride.
“The XE is the culmination of everything the company has learned over the years.
“The integral link rear suspension provides a combination of supple ride and crisp handling that is unmatched in this segment.
“We are on target to deliver a vehicle that dynamically outperforms our rivals.”
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