The Jaguar F-Type took the motoring world by storm when it was first released a handful of years ago.
The gobsmacking good looks of both the convertible and coupe wowed everyone who laid eyes on it. But it wasn’t just good looks.
A choice of a supercharged V6 or stonking supercharged V8 ensured the F-Type had plenty of punch and a seriously good soundtrack. Dynamically, it was an entertaining steer while still providing a comfortable ride.
Recently, Jaguar introduced a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo version. Purists were up in arms. Those that know what an engine of that size is capable of in 2018 understood that this version of the F-Type had serious potential. And after a week with the keys to said 4-cylinder version, I’m here to say the potential has been realised.
Exterior
It’s about the most beautiful car on the road. Classic yet contemporary, aggressive yet elegant.
Words don’t do justice to a car of this calibre.
Just make sure you have a glass garage so you can sit and look at it all the time.
Interior
The interior is beginning to feel a little old. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful, if not a rather snug place to be. The materials on display are obviously premium grade.
The architecture of the cabin is attractive, seats are great, as is the driving position.
The infotainment system is excellent – easy to use, intuitive. The screen however is a little on the small side, and the resolution could be better.
It’s a car that doesn’t do well in the cargo department. In fact, a bag of groceries, a mobile phone and a set of keys uses pretty much all the available space.
Now that there is no spare tyre in the boot, you could fit a back pack, maybe two. If space is high on your list of requirements, look elsewhere.
Features
The test car, the Jaguar F-Type Dynamic Convertible, came laden with standard features.
Think intelligent start/stop, adaptive dynamics, limited slip differential with torque vectoring by braking, dynamic stability control, gearshift paddles, electric parking brake, and infrared reflective windscreen.
Plus rain sensing windscreen wipers, heated door mirrors, flush exterior door handles, LED tail lights, cruise control and speed limiter, deployable front air vents, 5″ display with instrument panel (it goes up to 300km/h), Navigation Pro system, Meridian sound system, rear parking aid, valet mode (lockable boot & glove box) and a tyre repair system.
Told you there was a lot.
Drive and Engine
Under the bonnet is a brilliant new engine from Jaguar. It’s the Ingenium 2.0 litre turbo petrol that develops a staggering 221kw. It just loves to rev and remains crisp all the way to the red line.
There’s a healthy 400Nm of torque that makes for relaxed city driving, with the maximum 400Nm available from a lazy 1500rpm. It’s quick, sprinting to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds.
The gearbox is the tried and tested ZF 8-Speed automatic. It’s a decisive shifter, slurry around town, and aggressive when under load. Of course, you can take manual control if you like.
The engine note is engaging – it’s got a raspy edge to it, and with the exhaust baffles open (controlled by a little button in the centre console, or when Dynamic mode is engaged) it is a little more animalistic.
It falls well short of the glorious noises both the V6 and V8 versions make, but it is more than acceptable.
The drivetrain and soundtrack tick all the boxes, but it’s how this car drives that is the headline. With less weight sitting on the front axles, it’s a much pointier car than the bigger engine versions of the F-Type.
The steering is sharp and communicative, it changes direction quickly and with ease, and engenders more confidence behind the wheel. It is a really fun car to drive that will have you hunting out corners.
Safety
The F-Type hasn’t undergone independent crash testing. It does however have the full suite of safety systems available.
All other Jaguar products have received the 5 Star Rating, so there’s no reason to think Jaguar would have cut corners on one of their flagship models.
Good Bits
- Looks fantastic
- Surprisingly powerful engine and intuitive gearbox
- Brilliant handling
- Compliant ride
- Generous standard inclusions
- It makes you feel like a rock star
Not So Good Bits
- Snug interior
- Engine note not as inspiring as it could be
- Mind boggling options list
- Pricey
Summary
This could be the most fun Jaguar F-Type on the road. It’s lighter and more nimble than it’s siblings, it’s also the cheapest of the bunch by a considerable margin.
The best bit is only train spotters would be able to pick the entry level F-Type from the $300,000+ V8 version. With a Jaguar F-Type you gain entry to a very exclusive club.
And it seems time is also on the side of the F-Type thanks to Ian Callum’s stunning design. This car is a modern classic.
Facts and Figures: 2018 Jaguar F-Type R Dynamic Convertible
- Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder turbo petrol producing 221kW/400Nm
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited km
- Safety: Not tested
- Origin: UK
- Price: from $$133,512
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