Available to order now and priced from £34,170, the F-Pace is based on the C-X17 concept unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and is 4,731mm long with a 2,874mm wheelbase. It uses the carmaker’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture that also underpins the XE and XF. The light, stiff body structure comprises 80% aluminium and is said to be the only aluminium-intensive monocoque in the segment.

Jaguar also says the F-Pace brings with a spacious, luxurious cabin with room to seat five plus rear knee room said to be class-leading and a 650-litre luggage compartment.

The F-Pace features F-Type-derived double wishbone front suspension and Integral Link rear suspension along with Torque Vectoring as standard and an Electric Power Assisted Steering system. 

There’s also an optional electronically-controlled Adaptive Dynamics system and the Configurable Dynamics system first used in the F-Type that allows individual settings for the throttle, automatic transmission, steering, and, where fitted, the Adaptive Dynamics system. 

Three petrol engines are offered – one petrol and two diesels. The entry-level diesel is the 176bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel seen in the XE and XF and bringing CO2 emissions from 129g/km. In addition a 296bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 700Nm is offered.

The range-topping model is the supercharged 376bhp 3.0-litre V6 petrol, which delivers 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds.

Rear-wheel and all-wheel drive are offered, with the latter available with traction technologies including Adaptive Surface Response.

Five trim levels are offered, comprising Prestige, R-Sport, Portfolio, S and First Edition. Entry-level equipment includes variable heated front seats, 18-inch alloys and the Jaguar 80W sound system.

Infotainment and connectivity technology includes the InControl Touch Pro system based around a 10.2-inch touchscreen. 

In addition, a special model called the First Edition, priced at £65,275 in the UK, will be available in strictly limited numbers – just 2,000 worldwide, with 200 available in the UK. This model is powered exclusively by the 296bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, and brings a bespoke blue metallic paint colour plus 22-inch 15-spoke wheels with grey finish and contrast inserts, Adaptive Dynamics, Adaptive LED headlights, Gloss Black fender vents and a panoramic roof.