First pictures of Jaguar’s new XF Sportbrake

THESE are the first pictures of Jaguar’s new estate car, or the XF Sportbrake as they would prefer you to call it.
It will be making its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show and promises to be the most versatile Jaguar ever created, says the company.
Sharing its underpinnings with the XF saloon, the Sportbrake’s overall length grows by just 5mm, its weight by less 70kg and its chassis structure matches the strength of the conventional XF. These characteristics mean the Sportbrake can closely match the acclaimed handling of the XF saloon yet offers a large and highly practical load space.
Every panel on the XF Sportbrake, from the B-Pillar rearwards, is new. Slim rear light units extend into a strong chrome crossmember that dominates the rear of the car. The result is a car that blends style and function with the rear seat occupants benefitting from 48mm of extra rear headroom.
The large, practical tailgate can be specified with power struts. Its versatile load space measures 550-litres with the rear seats up, the boot is framed by a set of useful cubby compartments.  With the seats folded, the total volume grows to 1,675-litres.
Practical touches comes as standard on the XF Sportbrake and include remote fold levers are mounted within the boot area to lower the rear seats – negating the need to stretch into boot. Powerful LEDs throw a pool of light onto the ground when the boot is open while the tailgate itself features a soft close function, avoiding the need to slam it. Set into the boot floor is a panel that splits into three sections to allow smaller loads to be neatly wedged and avoiding a precious or fragile cargo being thrown about. A tray mounted under the boot floor helps protect valuable items.
Self-levelling air suspension at the rear aids driving dynamics and means the Sportbrake can serve as an accomplished tow vehicle.
Powering the XF Sportbrake will be a range of diesel engines in 2.2-litre four cylinder and 3.0-litre six-cylinder form, each directing drive through the rear wheels via an advanced eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Prices and specifications will be announced nearer the time of the launch of the Sportbrake, set to take place in the third quarter of 2012.