DIESEL and liquefied petroleum gas versions of Jaguars could become part of the line-up in future as the manufacturer considers what future environmental legislation will bring. Chairman and chief executive Nick Scheele said at the British International Motor Show: 'I can see us going below 3.0-litre engines in the future, but not as far as having four cylinders. We would have to look at what legislation brings before taking any proposals for diesels off the shelf.'

Jaguar has already produced LPG versions of some of its models for the Royal household and consideration is being given to providing a factory-prepared alternative fuel model. But environmental pressures which are transforming the shape of the motor industry must be balanced against the needs of British manufacturing to remain competitive.