Jaguar, Land Rover explore vehicle forms in Geneva
Jaguar describes the XF Sportbrake as “the most versatile Jaguar ever created.” — Picture courtesy of JaguarGENEVA, March 7 — Luxury auto brand Jaguar has unveiled its first large estate model (also known as a station wagon) at the Geneva Motor Show, while sister brand Land Rover has experimented with a convertible SUV.
The new Jaguar XF Sportbrake is a large estate designed to take on the likes of the BMW 5 Series touring among wealthy families, with the Indian-owned automaker describing the car as “the most versatile Jaguar ever created.”
Although the model is loosely based on the Jaguar XF, the rear is completely new, allowing the brand to work in a total volume of 1,675L and some innovative new features such as ground lights which illuminate when the trunk is open and a soft-close mechanism, which means it can’t be slammed.
Prices for the model are set to be released later this year, with the Sportbrake planned to go on sale in the third quarter.
While Jaguar was playing it safe by launching a new family model, its sister brand Land Rover was having a little more fun at its stand in Geneva.
The Range Rover Evoque concept it premiered was designed to explore the concept of a premium convertible SUV, building on the overwhelming positive reception it has seen for the Evoque.
Of course, convertible SUVs are nothing new — witness the Suzuki X-90 or the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, for instance — but if the Evoque Convertible ever made it into production it could radically shake up a market regarded by many as in desperate need of a refresh.
The Geneva Motor Show is open to the public March 8 - 18. — AFP/Relaxnews
