Jaguar C-X17 SUV should reach production, says design boss

A production version of the Jaguar C-X17 crossover SUV concept should be put into production, says the company's design director Ian Callum.

Although not officially confirmed for production, the C-X17's design and packaging "was feasible for manufacturing".

"We don't do concepts that overpromise," said Callum. "It is looking good. Although I can't confirm it for production, my personal view is that we should do it."

Callum has been pleased with reaction to the C-X17 since its reveal at the Frankfurt motor show in September and subsequent launches in shows in Dubai and Los Angeles.

"I had originally planned a speech with a defensive state of mind, saying we do have the right to do a car like this if we follow Jaguar values," said Callum.

"But I didn't need to use it as the world loves it. There has been no real dissenting voice, people are saying now it’s about time we joined the segment.

"It has been very well accepted. If we do it, it has to be a sports crossover, a driver's car, a performance car. It has to turn heads."

MARK TISSHAW, AUTOCAR UK

Photograph: C-X17 sports crossover concept vehicle premiered at the Dubai International Motor Show 2013 on November 19.