Leveraging the DNA of its Sister Brand

Jaguar's First Attempt at anSUV,C-X17, Has Been Revealed in Japan. Dubbed a "sports crossover" by the company, the front fascia, featuring Jaguar's signature rectangular grille, sharp headlamps, and large air dams, immediately catches the eye.

The C-X17was first unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.It was a concept model.While it was a four-seater at that time, the model brought to Tokyo has been converted to a five-seater. Its most significant feature is the adoption of an aluminum lightweight monocoque body, which will form the basis for future Jaguar vehicles. This platform is slated for use in the Jaguar "XE", scheduled for release in 2015.



Displayed at Aoyama Spiral Hall, the C-X17's unique "Shiny Clay" paint color effectively emphasized its new image. The body dimensions are 4,718mm in length, 1,959mm in width, and 1,649mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,905mm. Comparing it to its sister brand Land Rover's products, its size falls between the "Range Rover" and "Range Rover Evoque".

The premium SUV market was essentially created by Range Rover, and it is rumored that sports car brands like Lamborghini and Maserati will soon enter this segment. In this context, Jaguar Land Rover likely determined that leveraging the extensive SUV DNA within the group was necessary to compete with other premium brands and attract a broader customer base.




Distinctly Jaguar
"When designing this car, our top priority was to maintain Jaguar's signature proportions," stated Sandy Boyes, the designer responsible for advanced design, who accompanied the C-X17 to Japan.

"We've emphasized strength with large-diameter wheels, a long and seemingly tall hood, and a flowing roofline. On the body sides, we've incorporated character lines that arc from the front to the rear. We call these 'heart lines,' and they will become a styling identity that instantly identifies a car as a Jaguar."



The shortened overhangs are a functional element crucial for securing a good approach angle off-road, but they also contribute to proportions that feel consistent with Jaguar saloons. The actual car gives an impression of being very cleanly designed, with strong commonalities to the saloons, making one wonder if Jaguar had been planning this type of vehicle for a long time, though Mr. Boyes denied this.

Another highlight is the interior. The seats, essentially covered in a single piece of leather and then hand-stitched, use carbon fiber for their structure, making them luxurious yet lightweight. Mr. Boyes described this as "a fusion of cutting-edge technology and traditional craftsmanship, embodying Jaguar's unique worldview." The seat surfaces are also adorned with decorative elements reminiscent of "broguing," often seen in men's shoes, another detail that speaks to its British heritage.

The Future of the Promising Concept

"Jaguar's sales are currently showing remarkable growth worldwide. While the true sports car, the Jaguar "F-TYPE", is performing strongly, the "XJ" is also achieving unexpectedly good results, particularly in North America. Against this backdrop, Jaguar aims for significant advancement by leveraging its new-generation lightweight architecture," stated Global Brand Manager Anna Gallagher.



However, as seen with the Range Rover Evoque, which debuted with a styling very similar to its concept, Jaguar Land Rover may know that a product doesn't need to appeal to everyone to be well-received in the market.