Jaguar may have introduced its first SUV, the F-Pace, last year, but the British brand has just revealed its soft-roader alternative.

The Leaping Cat has taken the covers off its second-generation XF Sportbrake, a stylish mid-sized station wagon that will join its local line-up later this year after a stalled attempt to bring the original load lugger Down Under.

Sharing its aluminium-intensive underpinnings and front-end styling with the conventional XF sedan, the Sportbrake incorporates a sleek wagon body that it claims improves practicality, not only in terms of cargo carrying capacity but increases space for rear-seat occupants.

"As with the XF saloon, every line on the Sportbrake serves a clear purpose, creating a fast sweeping silhouette. This gives the car a sense of speed and a very dynamic appearance. As a result, I think it looks just as sporty as the saloon, if not more so," said Jaguar's director of design, Ian Callum.

While Jaguar's Australian division has yet to lock-in prices and specifications for the Sportbrake, it is likely to be offered across a smaller model range than the sedan while commanding a price premium over the equivalent models.

Jaguar has confirmed the car will be available with a range of its latest Ingenium 2.0-litre turbo charged four cylinder engines, starting with a turbo diesel that produces 132kW of power and consumes an average of 4.8L/100km and a more powerful 184kW version, as well as a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel that generates 221kW and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds.

Measuring 4955mm in overall length, the second-generation Sportback is marginally shorter than the model it replaces but its wheelbase has been stretched by 51mm to improve interior space while contributing to the boot's 565L of cargo space.

The car will be offered with a full length panoramic sunroof that introduces a blind that can be opened and closed by waving your hand with a pre-determined gesture command.

Jaguar says the Sportbrake's suspension has been tuned specifically to "reflect the demands placed on premium lifestyle wagons" with a self-levelling air-sprung rear set-up standard on all models in order to maintain its sporty dynamic character even with carrying a full load.

Further enhancing its on-road manners, the Sportbrake is claimed to have a perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, thanks in part to the rear tailgate being made of a lightweight polymer rather than aluminium.

Like the F-Pace, the Sportbrake will be available with Jaguar's unique Activity Key, a wearable device that lets users secure the vehicle while participating in outdoor activities while leaving the regular key fob locked inside.

Full details of the XF Sportbrake will be revealed closer to its Australian launch later this year.

• For more information visit our Jaguar showroom