Jaguar’s C-X17 concept turned out to be one of the stars of the recent Frankfurt Auto Show. It had a dual purpose; one was to gauge interest in a potential Jaguar-badged crossover and the other was to introduce a lightweight modular platform that will debut in a small Jaguar sedan in 2015 and eventually spawn the next XF as well as a possible production version of the C-X17. While a production version of the C-X17 is yet to be formally announced, test mules for just such a vehicle have already been spotted in the U.K., suggesting that development is already well underway.

In penning the lines of the C-X17, Jaguar design chief Ian Callum had to make sure the vehicle was instantly recognizable as a Jaguar while also maintaining a muscular stance and a look of agility and speed--not an easy task when working with an SUV platform. Design elements borrowed from the F-Type are obvious, such as the front fender detailing, muscular rear shoulder line and horizontal tail-light design.

Inside, however, the look is very different to that of any other Jaguar. The cabin is also quite spacious but has been designed with four individual seats. Here, you’ll find a mix of high-tech and traditionally crafted elements, along with a center console running the length of the cabin and featuring a series of interconnecting touchscreen displays.

Tell us what you think of the C-X17 in the comments below, and for more of our coverage from the Frankfurt Auto Show be sure to visit our dedicated hub.

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