The latest version has also upped the technology on offer with its comfortable, premium interior
What is it?
Whenever there’s a discussion about the most beautiful cars ever made, the classic Jaguar E-Type is always involved. When Jaguar decided to re-enter the sports car market with the F-Type, it paid homage by being one of the prettiest cars on sale.
The latest version was introduced in 2019, bringing extra style and performance along with improved technology to both the coupe and convertible models.
What’s new?
From the outside it’s clear there have been changes, with the front end’s narrow headlights giving it a sharper look. Meanwhile the interior has been given an upgrade with a new infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and high quality sound system.
The V8 engines in particular have been updated with more performance, while the addition of a quiet start mode means you can enjoy their gorgeous exhaust notes out on the road without upsetting your neighbours close to home.
What’s under the bonnet?
There are three petrol engines on offer, with the entry level version being a 2.0-litre four-cylinder model. This makes 296bhp and is only available in rear-wheel drive form, giving it genuine sports car credentials despite being the least powerful variant.
There’s also a 444bhp supercharged V8 in the middle of the range that’s available with both rear- and all-wheel drive and 0-60mph times of 4.4 seconds.
Finally the top-specification R model has a bit more performance than the old one at 567bhp. It’s only available with all-wheel drive and can go from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds.
What’s it like to drive?
The Jaguar F-Type is not form over function, as all models are fantastic to drive. Even the 296bhp version has enough kick to put a smile on your face, and the engineers have done a great job of tuning its sound.
If performance is key though you’ll want the R model. It has incredible performance and a soundtrack to match, while the all-wheel drive system means there’s endless grip.
Despite this it’s still easy to drive in everyday conditions and is impressively comfortable, while the exhaust can be quietened down so that it’s not annoying on longer road trips.
How does it look?
Much like the E-Type that inspired it, the F-Type is certainly a looker. It has a sleek elegance that befits Jaguar’s premium image, and the 2019 facelift brought in those narrow LED headlights and a larger grille.
The rear lights are more slender too, and sit above a chunky lower bumpy that portrays a more sporty character than the rest of the car and really hints at the performance within.
How does it look?
Much like the E-Type that inspired it, the F-Type is certainly a looker. It has a sleek elegance that befits Jaguar’s premium image, and the 2019 facelift brought in those narrow LED headlights and a larger grille.
The rear lights are more slender too, and sit above a chunky lower bumpy that portrays a more sporty character than the rest of the car and really hints at the performance within.
What’s it like inside?
While some sports cars offer simple, pared back interiors as a nod to their race car equivalents, the F-Type is much closer in ethos to the rest of the Jaguar range, bringing high-quality materials and the latest technology.
The key upgrade is the 12.3-inch interactive driver display, which is configurable to display different information, including a map. Its default is to display a large central rev counter to make performance gear shifts easier to judge.
What’s the spec like?
The F-Type is available as both a coupe and convertible, with the latter commanding a premium over its fixed-top equivalent. Coupe models start at £56,110 while the convertible starts at £64,760.
The basic F-Type is only available with the less powerful engine, with equipment including an active sports exhaust, LED headlights, sports seats with leather and suedecloth upholstery and a Meridian sound system.
R-Dynamic is available with the less powerful of the two V8s, adding a switchable exhaust, more dynamic body kit and metal treadplates with R-Dynamic branding. An R-Dynamic Black is also offered with extra black parts for the exterior and new alloy wheels.
The top-spec R model is only available with the most powerful engine and brings Pixel LED headlights, Windsor leather performance seats, aluminium centre console and an R-branded leather steering wheel.
Verdict
In the sports car market there are plenty of compelling choices, but the Jaguar F-Type offers one of the most well-rounded experiences of all. Not only is it one of the prettiest cars on sale, it has some incredible performance engines and a fantastic driving experience.
The latest version has also upped the technology on offer with its comfortable, premium interior, only furthering its appeal