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The Jaguar C-X16 concept will give the public a first glimpse of Jaguar's smallest and most affordable sports car.

Set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 13, the C-X16 is a compact, rear-wheel drive, two-seater sports car set to take on the Porsche Cayman and Lotus Evora.

The concept features a hybrid powertrain to give searing performance with an environmental conscience. Its 375bhp 3-litre V6 petrol engine will help charge batteries supplying a 94bhp electric motor.

Using a Formula 1-inspired "Push to Pass" button mounted on the steering wheel, drivers gain access to the extra boost from the electric motor for as long as ten seconds.

The sprint from 0-62mph takes 4.4 seconds and the C-X16 has a claimed 186mph top speed. It's also able to travel at up to 50mph using electric alone and has CO2 emissions of 165g/km - costing £165 in annual road tax at current rates.

The production version will come to market with a V6 engine, though engineers have said the engine bay is big enough to fit a V8 if that decision is also taken.

Weight has been kept as low as possible by using a considerable amount of aluminium in the body, whose compact dimensions makes the C-X16 the smallest Jaguar since 1954.

Expected to reach showrooms next year in convertible Roadster guise, the coupe hybrid could follow close behind, for between £40,000 to £50,000.

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