Its based on the recently updated XF sedan but the Sportbrake’s overall length has grown by only 5mm; Jaguar promises it is the most versatile Jaguar yet created.
Although its shares its underpinnings with the XF sedan, every panel on the wagon - at least from the B pillar backwards - is new. It shares its glossy black C pillar with the sedan and the slim rear lights cluster extends into a cross-member that stretches across the tail hatch.
BIG LOADS
The load volume is 550 litres with the rear seat in place; the boot, though said to be framed by a set of useful compartments, grows to 1675 litres with the seats folded.
The roomier Sportbrake’s cabin design gives people seated on the rear split seat 48mm more headroom than the sedan.
OPEN WIDE: The XF wagon's voluminous boot is modular to allow one to carry items of various sizes.
The boot floor can be split in sections to allow smaller items to be neatly wedged and a tray, mounted under the boot floor, is useful for hiding valuables.
DIESEL ENGINES
STYLE OVERLOAD: The Sportbrake's added load space doesn't detract from the XF's stylish design.
Changes to the XF suspension to accommodate the potential extra loading include revisions to the rear suspension and a self-levelling air suspension that should be useful when towing.
The Sportbrake will be available in Europe in the third quarter of 2012 with a choice of 2.2-litre four-cylinder and three-litre six-cylinder engines, each driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed auto transmission.
Jaguar SA has confirmed to Wheels24 that the Sportbrake will not be sold in South Africa.
Read more reports from the 2012 Geneva auto show.