Jaguar SUV to be named F-Pace

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The car that will set the tone for Jaguar's growth will also set the pace for the British car maker - literally.

The company has confirmed its first SUV, which is set to be revealed in final production trim later this year ahead of its arrival in showrooms in 2016, will adopt the name F-Pace.

The new badge was revealed on the eve of this year's Detroit motor show as the British brand begins its 80th anniversary celebrations.

The F-Pace will become a critical vehicle for Jaguar as it deviates for the first time away from its traditional line up of sports sedans, coupes and roadsters.

It will be based on the same lightweight aluminium-intensive architecture that underpins the new XE small sedan that hits the road later this year and the next-generation XF mid-sizer currently under development.

The F-Pace will take its styling cues from the highly acclaimed CX-17 concept car that was the star of the 2013 Frankfurt motor show as a rival for the likes of the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe (which will be officially revealed Monday) and Audi Q5.

Jaguar's design boss, Ian Callum, says the SUV's obvious reference to the company's F-Type roadster and coupe is intentional as it claims the F-Pace will be the sportiest compact SUV among its peers.

"The Jaguar F-PACE, inspired by the F-TYPE, represents a perfectly judged balance of performance, style and practicality," Callum said.

"It offers a unique combination of Jaguar sports car inspired exterior design, fused beautifully with a thoroughly practical and spacious luxury interior. The F-PACE is our family sports car."