Jaguar C-X17 full details

The long-awaited Jaguar SUV in all its glory. But the production car is still some way off...

So perhaps the worst kept secret of Frankfurt 2013 is now official; the C-X17 is a Jaguar SUV, but won't make production until after the sub-XF saloon is launched, due in 2015.

Hang on, those lights look very familiar...

This seems a shame because, as SUVs go, the C-X17 is a rather appealing design. The familiar Jaguar styling cues, including the XJ-inspired grille, XF headlights and 'sculptured haunch lines' reminiscent of the F-Type actually transfer rather well to the crossover silhouette.

Designed by Ian Callum, the C-X17 'had to instantly stand out from the crowd, yet retain the sense of timeless sophistication that is typically Jaguar'. For once, the PR bumf doesn't seem too far from the truth, but don't expect the production version to be rollin' on 23-inch rims though...

The C-X17 is underpinned by Jaguar's iQ[Al], a new and very significant modular aluminium monocoque architecture that will form the basis of the 2015 small saloon as well as a new range of 'more accessibly priced future Jaguars'.

Like an XJ, but taller

It's keen to stress iQ[Al] is more than a platform, promising a 'high degree of flexibility in design, packaging and production'; on the latter point, for instance, it will allow a series of different models to be assembled on the same production line. Perhaps all this will mean a properly lightweight aluminium Jag too...

For now though, we have the C-X17. In keeping with its crossover billing, there's a raised ride height (210mm), an 'intelligent' all-wheel drive system (that's RWD predominantly) and a Torque Vectoring by Braking system to maximise grip.

The flexibility of the platform will allow a wide range of engines to power a production C-X17 and other iQ[Al] cars. As well as the existing V6 petrols and diesels, it will also accommodate the latest range of 'high-output' engines to be built at a new Wolverhampton engine plant from 2015.

Styling is production ready; interior not quite...

According to Jaguar, the iQ[Al] cars will range from sub-100g/km models right up to those capable of over 186mph. Those two attributes together would make quite some car...

As with the C-X17's styling, the interior is familiar Jaguar with a few motor show embellishments. The designers reputedly drew inspiration from 'a variety of sources, from extruded aluminium lampshades and lattice-framed stools to premium leather shoes'.

Mercifully, the interior still resembles a mainly conventional car interior, albeit with four bucket seats trimmed in Connolly leather, a rather complex panoramic roof and ruthenium (it's related to platinum) trim. That trademark rotary gearshift dial now incorporates an off-road driving mode selector too.

It's 80mm longer and 26mm lower than an X3

Perhaps the most notable feature inside though is the Interactive Surface Console. It's essentially a touchscreen infotainment system, but one that runs the entire length of the C-X17 along the transmission tunnel. A wi-fi network allows plenty of scope for socialising with people other than those in the car.

With Jaguar apparently as keen to push the C-X17's underpinnings as its actual SUV status, we're no closer to knowing when a Jaguar 4x4 will made production. With the C/D segment saloon due in 2015, it seems unlikely to arrive for a few years just yet. Still, if this new iQ[Al] platf... sorry, architecture, can deliver on its promises, then it, the new saloon and the future Jags should be worth the wait.

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TheFungle

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