VOLVO XC40

exact timing at this stage, it has been earmarked for local introduction during the course of this year.

The facelifted EcoSport gets a completely new look upfront, mimicking its Kuga big brother with a large trapezoidal grille positioned higher up and giving the vehicle a more truck-like appearance.

Local specifications have yet to be confirmed, but European customers now get the option of all-wheel-drive for the first time, as well as a new 1.5litre EcoBlue diesel engine.

It will also be the first Jaguar since the X-Type to offer frontwheel-drive, although most versions are expected to have AWD.

Jaguar reckons the E-Pace is the “hot hatch” of the compact SUV segment, with the flagship powered by a 221kW version of JLR’s 2-litre turbo petrol, but there will also be a decent assortment of other 2-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engine options.