Codenamed iQ[Ai] the car will be based on a new modular, scalable platform shown as the C-X17 SUV Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, a design study said to illustrate how it could underpin several forthcoming models.

Targeting high volume areas of the premium segment, these will all be built on the same production line, a new facility in Solihull, and use Jaguar Land Rover’s latest petrol and diesel engines manufactured at its £500m engine plant in Wolverhampton.

Crucially in fleet, though, the platform will allow Jaguar to compete in the vital compact executive sector for the first time since the X-Type ended production in 2009. Its first in segment aluminium monocoque will allow Jaguar to offer CO2 emissions of under 100g/km for its sub-XF saloon.

Adrian Hallmark, global brand director at Jaguar said: ‘With this technical foundation, we will dramatically expand Jaguar's product offering, market potential and customer appeal. This new philosophy will bring technology from our luxury products into an accessible price segment, and when combined with our new ultra-efficient engines, we will set a global standard.’