The Jaguar F-Type is a premium sports car from a well-respected brand and looks as good now as it did at launch, way back in 2013. It was refreshed in 2019 with a leaner range of engines, which makes buying a used example straightforward.
There’s no doubting the kerb appeal of the Jaguar F-Type, which is why it can hold its own against the likes of the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster models. It’s even an option against the ever-popular Porsche 911.
Perhaps the best thing about it is that you don’t get to see as many F-Types on the road as those Porsche rivals either. However, this elegant sports car is also great to drive, with either engine variant proving up to the job. If you drive low miles and aren’t too fussed about economy, then the supercharged V8 is the model to track down.
Along with the striking exterior looks, if you buy a used Jaguar F-Type you’ll also be treated to an exquisite interior, which has been improved over the years. Later models, 2020 onwards, got given a revamp and feature a better infotainment system. There’s plenty of comfort on offer too, which makes the F-Type brilliant for long runs.
If you like a proper sports car that isn’t one of the many Porsche 911, 718 Boxster/718 Cayman, BMW Z4, Audi TT rivals out there then the Jaguar F-Type makes a good alternative.
Jaguar hasn’t sold loads of the F-Type, which means it comes with a degree of exclusivity. Added to that, it offers great looks, excellent performance even if you plump for the more frugal P300 and lots of comfort too.
Later models have also been spruced up inside, so along with lots of leather and better quality trim components, the infotainment system is beefier while features and functions are plentiful.
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Jaguar offers the Jaguar F-Type with those three power outputs spread over two engine choices, with three trim levels encompassing Jaguar F-Type, R-Dynamic for the P300 and P450, and R – reserved for that P575 model. A fourth, limited First Edition choice being offered at launch in 2020 on the P300 and P450 for the first year of production only.
It’s difficult to argue against the P300 model, which might lack the muscularity of those V8’s performance, but also do without their more punitive running costs. It’s a fine handling, quick enough car, which in R-Dynamic trim benefits from slightly more assertive styling thanks to some glossy black exterior finishes, while the wheels grow an inch to 19-inches.
Crucially, with the R-Dynamic you get an active, switchable exhaust system, which helps give that four-cylinder a more appealing sound. The only real decision is open or closed, and that probably depends on how you’re using it, but if it’s a daily driver the coupe makes more sense, though a convertible for the weekend would be very pleasing, too.
The Jaguar F-Type 2.0L turbocharged petrol: Offers up 300PS and 400Nm of torque, which is capable enough to deliver a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds. Expect fuel economy to be in the region of 29.1-29.9mpg.
The Jaguar F-Type 5.0L supercharged petrol: The thirstier V8 is a much beefier option, with 450PS and 580Nm of torque or 575PS and 700Nm in the R version proving very alluring. This gives a 4.6 second 0-62mph time in the P450 or 3.7 seconds in the R, with the latter also boasting a 186mph top speed. Neither variant will be particularly economical though, with 25-26mpg being the likely average.
The Jaguar F-Type is available with three trim levels including Jaguar F-Type, R-Dynamic for the P300 and P450, and R, which covers the P575 model.
The Jaguar F-Type is still pretty good even in the base spec. A 10-inch central screen contains the sat nav, an online pack, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The 380W 8-speaker Meridian sound system with DAB is a treat too. Lookout for the Meridian Surround Sound System upgrade, which boasts 770W and has another pair of speakers. There’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connection too plus a supplementary 12.3-inch interactive display.
The Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic offers the benefit of the V8, which should keep you amused, but inside the car is nicely appointed too, with the likes of lane keeping assistance, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system, electric memory seats which also boast 12-way memory and heating and a premium sound system.
The Jaguar F-Type R is range-topping so gets keyless entry, memory added to the steering column adjustment and a wind deflector for when the roof is down if you’ve bought a convertible. All convertibles benefit from a powered hood, which lowers impressively fast and easily at the push of a button.
The Jaguar F-Type’s dimensions are:
Length: 4470mm
Width: 2042mm
Height: 1311mm
Ground clearance: 100mm
The Jaguar F-Type’s boot size is:
310-litres
207-litres convertible
With the Jaguar F-Type attracting attention due to its performance credentials, expect to pay for the privilege of driving one when it comes to VED. CO2 emissions for the basic P300 forced new buyers to pay £1,420 in the first year dropping to £520 thereafter. Similarly, the P575 R with AWD was an eye-watering £2,015 for the first year but calms down to a relatively modest £520 afterwards.
The Jaguar F-Type, even in its P300 incarnation is a high-performance sports car, so expect insurance premiums to reflect that. Indeed, the P300 model gets the ball rolling by being in group 41 so from there the only way is up.