Set to launch in 2015, the XE puts Jaguar back into a vitally important fleet segment against the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class – a sector which it hasn’t competed in since the X-Type ended production in 2010.

It debuts Jaguar Land Rover’s new Ingenium fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines, manufactured at the new £500m plant in Wolverhampton. Designed for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive compatibility, the highest performance versions are claimed to achieve a 186mph top speed.

Also new is use segment’s first aluminium monocoque chassis, previewed as the C-X17 SUV concept at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, which will help achieve the targeted best-in-class fuel economy as well as handling and performance benefits from its low weight. The C-X17 concept is also said to hint at a future SUV model, sharing the XE's platform and targeting another fleet-heavy sector of the premium market.

Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: ‘We announced just a few weeks ago that our new Engine Manufacturing Centre would produce a new family of premium, lightweight, low-friction, low emission four-cylinder petrol and diesel units. The first of our Ingenium engine range will be used in our all-new mid-sized Jaguar sports sedan. That car will be called the Jaguar XE, and it will be unveiled in production form later this year.’

The latest XE video is available to view here.