Distinctive, confident and original, the Jaguar R-D6 has a beautiful, pure style that triggers a simple desire: I want one.

Its blend of attributes inherent in the Jaguar psyche emotional engineering, stimulating performance, intelligent technology and downright sexy design makes R-D6 instantly recognisable. But the styling of the car heralds a design direction that makes no apologies to past, present or future.

At 4,330mm long, R-D6 is 342mm shorter than Jaguar's smallest car, the X-TYPE saloon and 760mm shorter than an XK8 coupe. The compact length of R-D6 is aided by short overhangs front and rear and is achieved with a wheelbase of 2,840mm.

R-D6 also takes advantage of Jaguar's lightweight structure strategy, as pioneered in the new XJ saloon. Using aluminium and composite materials for the chassis and body, R-D6 weighs just 1,500kg. This allows it to capitalise on the power and, more importantly, the torque delivered by its V6 engine.

With horsepower in excess of 230bhp and a massive 500Nm of torque, the V6 diesel engine endows R-D6 with the pace to satisfy its looks and R-Performance rating. Acceleration from standstill to the benchmark 60mph takes less than six seconds. Top speed is an electronically limited 155mph.

Whether it is the grille that draws your eye, or the vents integrated into the bonnet and flanks of the car, or the aluminium finisher swooping over the entire side glass area, there is some instant attraction for everyone in the design of R-D6.

The headlights reveal a fresh interpretation of the twin-lamp style featured by Jaguars so successfully for many years. Both front and rear lights use LED technology to deliver the best possible function while maintaining beautiful form.

Details include flush-mounted door handles, which pivot on the front edge to activate an electrical actuator that opens the door; centrally mounted twin-pipe exhausts; the aluminium boot finisher engraved with the Jaguar script; and the Leaper on the back of the car.

But the 'hidden' feature you will touch every time you get in the car is secreted in the top of the gearshift, below a swivelling top piece. Much like the safety-catch on a gun or the top of a fighter aircraft joystick this covers a silver button with a very important duty. Press it and the V6 engine and the R-D6 springs into life. Just the kind of dramatic touch you'd expect of a Jaguar.