Jaguar hatchback still on?

Jaguar R-D6 Concept. The basis for a Jaguar hatchback?

It seems likely that Jaguar are planning a hatchback to slot in below the XF. Similar to the R-D6 Concept and arriving in 2013/2014.

Rumours about new cars crop up every day. Some have more credibility than others, and we do try to sort the wheat from the chaff before we jump in and report here. Lately there have been more rumours than ever circulating around Jaguar. But that’s probably because Jaguar is seen is a company very much on the up with some terrific new product. And any company that can bring us the XF and the XJ isn’t going to stop there.

We are certain that the Jaguar XE is well on the way and the XF Estate is still not out for the count. There’s a Jaguar XJ hybrid (Limo Green) under development and then there’s the XF Coupe and Roadster, the XJ Coupe…

So it’s no surprise that speculation continues to revolve around Jaguar’s plans, especially for a future model below the XF (now we know the ill-conceived X-Type that belongs firmly to the Ford era has now bitten the dust). But Jaguar are unlikely to make the mistake of re-clothing a lesser car again, so we’re looking at an all new Jaguar model. One of the consistent rumours is that Jaguar will make a premium hatchback based on the 2003 R-D6 Concept.

And that’s starting to look even more likely after Auto Week reported a Jaguar insider as saying “There’s a growing feeling with the R-D6 that we really had something very innovative, fresh and different. Maybe we missed something back then, but the idea is even more applicable now.”

Which makes a whole heap of sense. The R-D6 wouldn’t have to be perceived as a ‘Cheap’ jaguar, rather as another take for another purpose on the strengths of the XF. It won’t matter if there’s a crossover in price – that can be managed very successfully if the perception is the car fits a different purpose. Just look at what Audi has achieved with its never ending takes on a theme.

But any new hatchback from Jaguar is probably a good 4 or 5 years away. They have plenty to keep them occupied in the meantime.

We haven’t asked Jaguar to comment on this, as we know what the response will be: ‘Sorry, we don’t comment on future projects’. In other words ‘Don’t ask daft questions, John!’

Makes a lot of sense to us, though.