It looks like things are going pretty well at Whitley headquarters in the UK, as Jaguar->ke39 has announced one new model after another. It’s true that after the new F-Type hit the market, we were waiting for some kind of confirmation on that long-rumored crossover. Not anymore, as the model has been pushed back and Jaguar will begin focusing on models that luxury buyers are clamoring for.

This new model will be a compact sedan that will be built not as a direct competitor to models like the BMW 3-Series->ke290, but rather one that Jaguar hopes will overtake it by offering an "lightweight aluminum construction and cutting-edge, super-frugal four-cylinder engines."

The new compact sedan will be built on the same Premium Lightweight Architecture (PLA) aluminum platform as the next-generation XF and XJ, and will feature a "blend of performance and efficiency, as well as very sophisticated equipment."

The new model - set to be unveiled in the next three years - will be offered in numerous body variations, including: sedan, station wagon, coupe and convertible. It will also be offered up with different engine levels.

Before you Bimmer enthusiasts start scoffing at the thought of Jag overtaking the beloved 3-Series, keep in mind that the BMW 3-Series has become more and more expensive over the years, while offering fewer and fewer standard options. For example, the 3-Series comes standard with “leatherette” upholstery, which is fancy speak for high-end vinyl stamped out to look like leather. Name us a Jag that has fake leather… You can’t. This is the same attention to detail that Audi has paid to make a sizeable dent in BMW and Mercedes’ market shares lately.

Jaguar has an uphill battle because of its recent reliability and build-quality issues, but the idea of it at least trying harder to compete with the big boys is refreshing.

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