A NEW estate version of the popular Jaguar XF saloon will be the next model to be launched by the Big Cat.

The news was confirmed at the Paris Motor Show by Jaguar's sales operations director Andy Goss who said the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake will arrive next year.

He said: "There are going to be more additions to the Jaguar family in 2017 and I can confirm that one of these will be the new XF Sportbrake."

Camouflaged prototypes of the Sportbrake are already undergoing testing and development on UK roads ahead of the launch.

Goss also referenced the offer of all-wheel drive and advanced traction technologies across the Jaguar range.

"We will continue to grow our reputation as all-weather experts with all-wheel drive available on every vehicle and a toolbox of traction technology to give our drivers confidence whatever the conditions," he said.

Meanwhile actor Nicholas Hoult, known for his roles in blockbusters like Mad Max and the X-Men series, drove a Jaguar XF AWD R-Sport onto the Paris show stand after putting the sports saloon through its paces as part of the Europe-wide Jaguar Art of Performance Tour.

And Jaguar also showcased its racing credentials as the new I-TYPE 1 racer made its global motor show debut.

Panasonic Jaguar Racing will compete in the third FIA Formula E season with the first ever all-electric Jaguar racing car from next month.