Jaguar XF Sportbrake due November

Jaguar has committed to introducing the XF Sportbrake wagon to the Australian market in November.

As recently as last week the date wasn't locked in, according to Tim Krieger, General Manager for Communications and Public Affairs at Jaguar Land Rover Australia.

Speaking with motoring.com.au for the global launch of the Range Rover Velar and the four-cylinder Jaguar F-TYPE in Norway, Krieger said of the XF wagon: "We'll be launching that in late Quarter four this year; at the moment it's looking like November."

Since then, the importer has announced the XF Sportbrake will definitely launch here on November 1, priced from $90,400 for the R-Sport 20d model. The importer advises that the Sportbrake will be marketed here in multiple variants, including a flagship model powered by a 3.0-litre diesel V6, producing 221kW and 700Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 6.6 seconds.

In addition to the 132kW diesel at entry level, there'll be a mid-range model – the XF Sportbrake R-Sport 25t – with a 184kW petrol Ingenium four-cylinder under the bonnet. Jaguar will release the range in Australia with a First Edition model featuring the V6 diesel. All variants will be auto-only, with the four-cylinder models offering ZF's 8HP 45 transmission, and the diesel V6 bolted up to ZF's 8HP 70 transmission. Both are eight-speed units.

The base model's four-cylinder diesel officially uses 4.8L/100km in combined-cycle testing, helped in part by the 'aluminium-intensive' platform that keeps the kerb weight down to 1705kg for the lightest variant. Weight is capped at 1855kg for the V6 models. Jaguar claims that the new construction makes the Sportbrake both stronger and lighter than its predecessor, and weight is further reduced by adopting a polymer tailgate. The weight distribution will approach 50:50.

At 4955mm in length, the new Sportbrake is 6mm shorter than the previous model, but the wheelbase is 51mm longer, at 2960mm.

The wagon's rear end will be supported by a self-levelling air suspension setup, which Jaguar claims will walk the line between sporty dynamic character and payload-carrying ability. Along with steering, transmission and throttle the suspension can be configured to suit individual tastes. Among the driver-assist technology on board there will be All Surface Progress Control and Adaptive Surface Response for driving on low-friction surfaces, and Tow Assist.

Boasting luggage capacity of 565 litres, a panoramic sunroof measuring 1.6m², a towing capacity of 2000kg and a drag coefficient figure of 0.29Cd, the XF Sportbrake promises to respect few of the boundaries that often define wagon packaging. Jaguar reveals that the Sportbrake will offer "enhanced knee room and improved headroom", thanks to the longer wheelbase.

Comfort and convenience features available for the Sportbrake will include a clean-air zone (air filtration/ionisation), Driver Condition Monitoring, gesture control (for sunroof blind and tailgate), 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system and a waterproof activity key.

The Sportbrake is the next new model to roll out in Australia, but Jaguar has more arriving hot on the heels of the XF wagon, says Krieger, beginning with the small E-PACE SUV.

"Start of sales will be early quarter two, 2018," Krieger told motoring.com.au last week.

We'll see I-PACE next year, in its production form, says Krieger.

"I-PACE will be revealed next year... [as] the production version – and most likely towards the end of 2018 [on sale]."

The high performance XJR 575 is close, but Krieger would say little other than "The press release is imminent..."

Definitely ruled out for Australia, as we knew already, is the XE SV Project 8.

"We were very interested, and put up our hands," says Krieger, "but unfortunately the decision was taken that they would only do it in left-hand drive."

Prices for the XF Sportbrake range:
R-Sport 20d 132kW Auto RWD – $90,400
R-Sport 25t 184kW Auto RWD – $91,400
S 30d 221kW Auto RWD – $123,450
S First Edition 30d 221kW Auto RWD – $137,300