Jaguar producing a SUV is something that was always going to happen, and that happened this week when the F-Pace made its debut and will next spring be released in the United States. This may make some people cringe, however coming at a time where Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche and other traditional luxury brand are all developing (or planning to develop) SUVs, then it is only natural that Jaguar do too.
Although it may seem like a big step for Jaguar to be building a SUV, it is something that has been in the works for years according to longtime design director Ian Callum. He said: “The first time I was asked the question was when I arrived 16 years ago”
So Jaguar were already thinking about building a SUV in 1999 (and most likely earlier than that). Why has it taken this long? “It wasn’t a priority,” Callum said. Jaguar were focusing their attention on getting its existing lineup fixed, which was plagued with holes and products that weren’t selling well, such as the X-Type. Then Ford sold Jaguar and sister brand Land Rover to Indian conglomerate Tata Motors.
Fast forward a number of years and Jaguar and Land Rover are both making a comeback in the United States and elsewhere globally. The lineup for Jaguar sees the modern successor for the E-Type, the F-Type, as well as a new version of the XF. The XJ was given a makeover for 2016 and the smaller XE sedan will also be heading our way.
Jaguar made sure that its crossover was made at the right time. They kept fuel prices quite low, and consumers in the US and China kept hold of their love for utility vehicles of all stripes. It became a priority to create a Jaguar SUV. “The world was telling us in no uncertain terms this is what they wanted,” Callum added. “Not to be in the sector would be a little naïve for the sake of purity.”
Jaguar launched the C-X17 crossover concept at Frankfurt two years ago and proved what their intentions were. The finished production model is very similar to the prototype’s striking looks. “I thought we managed to maintain that spirit,” Callum stated.
It is a real Jaguar, with hints of the 1968 XJ, the F-Type and other popular models. Who would ever have believed that Jaguar would produce an SUV? “I certainly didn’t,” was Callum’s reply.
One thing is for certain and that is that the F-Pace is here. If Callum has no problems with that, then either should purists.
