Jaguar XE

Our Euro spies have snapped Jaguar's long-overdue compact exec - officially announced as the XE - strutting its stuff on the white stuff. The Jaguar XE will pick up where the X-Type left off to have a second stab at the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.

When it launches next year, the Jaguar XE will be the first car to use the new iQ[Al] advanced aluminium architecture showcased in the C-X17 concept. Power will come from a new Ingenium engine family, which will include a 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine that will replace the current Ford-sourced motor.

There should also be four-cylinder diesel and supercharged V8 powerplants - the latter could bestow the XER performance model with well over 500 hp. There exist rumours that estate, coupe and convertible bodystyles could happen as well.

For now, check out the spyshots below. It's not often you see a roof spoiler on a sedan, but there you go.