Jaguar F-PACE - Performance Crossover SUV

Jaguar C-X17 based Crossover SUV, Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar announced the imminent arrival of the first crossover SUV in company history this week at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. The SUV — christened the "F-PACE" — will be based on Jaguar's well received C-X17 concept car. 

Jaguar C-X17 based Crossover SUV, Jaguar F-Pace

Founded in 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar Company, Jaguar has built a fine reputation for building stylish, luxurious, and sporty vehicles. However, it has never ventured into the booming luxury crossover SUV market.

"The Jaguar F-PACE, inspired by the F-TYPE, represents a perfectly judged balance of style, performance, and practicality," Jaguar design director Ian Callum said.

"It offers a unique combination of Jaguar sports car inspired exterior design, fused beautifully with a thoroughly practical and spacious luxury interior. The F-PACE is our family sports car."

Jaguar C-X17 based Crossover SUV, Jaguar F-Pace

Since 2008, both Jaguar and its stablemate Land Rover/Range Rover have been under the direction of India's Tata Group.  Many questioned whether the launch of a Jaguar off-roader would cannibalize sales from Land Rover — especially with presence of smaller models such as the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Jaguar C-X17 based Crossover SUV, Jaguar F-Pace

However, company executives told Business Insider that not only will the crossover not steal sales from its corporate siblings, the research shows that 90% of future F-PACE sales will involve stealing customers from its competitors.

This assessment makes sense. Although a Jaguar SUV and Land Rover/Range Rover may seem like direct competitors based on price and available features, the brands are actually going after different customers.

While LR/RR possesses a more rugged go-anywhere-in-luxury feel, Jaguar is more urbane and suave. It's difficult to picture the family hunting hound in the back seat of a Jag. 

As for the somewhat goofy name, Callum told AutoExpress that the goal was to convey a sense of sportiness. Although a few other names, such as the "X-Type" were considered — the company eventually settled on the F-PACE designation. Besides, there was already a Jaguar X-Type, a compact luxury sedan from the early 2000s

The Jaguar F-PACE crossover is expected to go on sale in 2016. We will follow up as soon as more information is available.