Without a doubt the all-new XE is an immensely important model for Jaguar. It has the potential to be the brand’s biggest seller and revenue-earner, but the compact executive segment is a tough market. Indeed, established rivals such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class mean the British contender has to be much better than the defunct X-Type which it effectively replaces.

One aspect that Jaguar has certainly got right is the styling. Looking like a shrunken XF with tauter surfacing, the rear-wheel drive XE manages to appear strikingly modern while retaining classic saloon proportions. Furthermore the body, which is largely made from lightweight aluminium, boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.26.

On the inside, a deep centre console and a dashboard that flows neatly into the door casings are among the notable design features. Available technologies are going to include a laser head-up display unit and a voice-controlled infotainment system which is based around an 8” touchscreen.

Full technical specifications are due to be announced at next month’s Paris Motor Show. However, Jaguar has already confirmed that the XE S variant will be powered by an all-alloy supercharged 3.0 litre V6 engine taken from the F-Type.

Connected to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, it develops 335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS) with 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) of torque. That output delivers a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 5.1 seconds and an electronically-limited 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. The XE S can only manage 33.9 mpg (8.3 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 194 g/km of carbon dioxide though, so efficiency isn’t that great.

Prospective owners seeking better economy are much more likely to be interested in the 2.0 litre ‘Ingenium’ diesel options. These four-cylinder units can achieve up to 75.0 mpg (3.8 l/100km) and a tax-friendly emissions figure of 99 g/km.

Although UK prices for the 2015 XE have yet to be published, Jaguar has indicated that they’ll start from around £27,000.