Jaguar to consider car smaller than the new XE, will it be feasible ?

Jaguar could consider a smaller car than its new XE saloon in the coming years, according to design director Ian Callum.

“I think it’s something we should investigate without compromising the brand values," he said. ‘It’s got to be true to Jaguar’s standing as having cool, fast performance cars that look fantastic."

However, he said its new architecture could not be adapted for any models smaller than the XE: “If we want to go smaller, we’d have to find another new platform."

Callum also said that he hoped plans for a SUV model, shown as the C-X17 concept at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, would go ahead: “I hope we do it because they’d be huge potential. The reaction to the car has been very good."

He added that he had initially been sceptical of the idea, believing Jaguar needed to focus on sporty saloons and coupes, but was now won over: “We did a lot of research and the world loves SUVs and crossovers, so we have to take the idea seriously."

NO F-TYPE TARGA

The designer, who created the acclaimed F-Type roadster and coupe, also quashed rumours that a F-Type Targa would be introduced: “It would only be 10% if our volume, which doesn’t justify for the investment."

Jaguar’s BMW 3-Series rival, the XE, will be the next focus for the brand, with the model expected to make up the most volume when it launches. While a handful of people that have glimpsed of the car have described it as a “baby XF", Callum said the car has “its own character" and is designed to appeal to a younger audience and to have “a bit of excitement".

The new Jaguar XE

A Jaguar spokesman said the car is a massive part of the brand’s growth, but that it wanted to keep its premium niche: “We want it to be our top-selling model, but we’re not trying to take a third of the segment."

UPDATED XJ COMING

The XJ is also rumoured to be receiving a facelift this year, after launching in 2010. However, Callum said that when an update is revealed, there will be no need to make any massive changes: “XJ sales are going well. We are selling more now than ever before," attributing some of its success to a halo effect from the arrival of the F-Type. “I love the XJ, it still looks fresh," he added.

Instead, Callum hinted that any updates would mostly be focused on in-car technology.

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