Press the silver button hidden beneath the top of the gearshift and the 230 BHP, twin turbocharged V-6 diesel engine roars into life. Driven through a six-speed manual transmission, it produces a massive 500 Nm of torque, making the sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds with all the grace and agility of a true Jaguar. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The R D6 is 13 inches shorter than Jaguar´s smallest car, the X-TYPE. Its wheelbase measures just 112 inches for a compact design, but its width and height ensure all the road presence and passenger space of a genuine four-seater.

The R D6 rides on 21-inch wheels that are machined from solid aluminium specifically for this vehicle. With its sweeping lines, vented bonnet and flanks, and twin LED-powered headlights, it´s a futuristic interpretation of classic Jaguar style. Central twin-pipe exhausts - integrated in the bumper beneath the side-hinged tailgate with its iconic Jaguar ´leaper´ - emphasise the stylish parting view.

Inside, the R D6 juxtaposes classic, contemporary and future. The woven leather design of the seats, the broad, solid aluminium ´switch beam´, leather-trimmed instrument panel contrast with the foldaway, dual purpose touch-sensitive navigation and "infotainment" display screen. American walnut is used on the floor, as well as complementing the leather and aluminium on the doors and dash.

Rear passengers will find a surprising amount of room and comfort in the R D6. When unoccupied, the rear seats can slide forward and almost interlock with the front seats to double the luggage space. But it´s even smarter than that: the floor is a two-layer design. Its upper layer moves with the rear seats to allow additional load space without needing to repack the existing load.

Jaguar drivers don´t have to wait for a production derivative of the R D6 Concept to take advantage of its technology. Jaguar´s lightweight aluminium body architecture is already deployed in the new XJ. What´s more, the high-performance 2.7 litre diesel is available in the S-TYPE.