New Jaguar saloon aims for 75mpg

Good news for fans of fuel-efficient small British saloons: the upcoming XE is aiming to become the most economical Jaguar in history. Wait, come back!

Look, we know it's not a 986bhp track-spec P1, but this is important nonetheless. Jag's upcoming BMW 3-Series rival is claiming fuel economy of over 75mpg. In anyone's books, that's a lot.

We're told this frugality comes courtesy of extensive use of aluminium. In fact, Jaguar has invented a new aluminium alloy: RC5754 - which is definitely not a shape-shifting killer robot - uses highly recycled aluminium in its construction.

Like the XJ, XK and F-Type, the new XE will use ‘exceptionally stiff bonded and riveted aluminium structure' (75 per cent of the new XE's base is made from aloominum). Jaguar is targeting not only 75mpg, but also an official CO2 figure of under 100g/km.

Lack of weight isn't only good for economy but will also, says Jaguar, help the XE endear itself to the helmsman fraternity. "It will be the true driver's car in the segment," claims Jag. Them's fighting words.

What else do we know about the new baby Jag? That it'll take its front suspension from the F-Type with XFR levels of stiffness, will feature an integral link rear setup, latest-gen electric power steering, ‘all surface progress control' (think advanced traction control), and the new ‘Ingenium' range of engines around 80kg lighter than today's units.

The Ingenium building block is a modular 500cc cylinder, allowing Jag to scale up or down. We know the range will include a 2.0-litre diesel.

"We are on target to deliver a vehicle that dynamically outperforms our rivals," says Jaguar's chief engineer Mike Cross.

The global ‘star-studded' premiere is on 8 September. Watch this space.