Previewed as the C-X17 concept car two years ago, the five-seater will enable Jaguar to rival models such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and Porsche Cayenne when it goes on sale in the fleet-heavy sector in 2016.

It shares its aluminium-rich construction with the XF, and it’s likely to offer a similar engine line-up to the saloon – possibly including the 180bhp version of Jaguar Land Rover’s four-cylinder ‘Ingenium’ diesel, as well as six-cylinder units in line with segment norms, both equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Production will take place at Jaguar Land Rover’s plant in Solihull, alongside the XE saloon.

Kevin Stride, Jaguar Land Rover vehicle line director, said: "2015 is Jaguar's 80th anniversary and it has been a monumental year of transformation for the brand. First, with the introduction of the innovative Jaguar XE and followed closely by the class-leading all-new XF. Today is a proud moment for Jaguar as we launch the F-PACE, our first performance crossover."