Jaguar F-Type Review
It's classically designed, but the Jaguar F-Type has the latest engine technology for maximum power
Strengths & weaknesses
- Sharp and responsive steering
- Heady roar from the engine
- Stylish inside and outside
- Small, awkwardly-shaped boot
- Extra equipment is expensive
- High running costs
Jaguar F-Type prices from £21,599 Finance from £522.30 per month
Mercedes, Porsche, and Jaguar: iconic names that have historically battled it out on race tracks around the world and produced some of the most desirable cars to turn a wheel. Today, they continue to create cars that make your heart beat a little faster, and in any Jaguar showroom it’s the F-Type that draws a crowd.
The stylish two-seat sports car was launched in 2013 in convertible bodystyle and was an instant hit. Critics compared it with the E-type from Jaguar’s heyday, and the following year the coupé version of the F-Type roared onto the road. In 2017, the car was given a substantial update, with new engines, and today it’s sold from around £52,000 for the coupe and £57,000 for the convertible.
Its catwalk image and dramatic looking interior press all of the right buttons, while a selection of turbocharged four-cylinder, and supercharged V6 and V8 engines, will please even the most eager drivers.
Whichever model you opt for, you’ll be treated to precise handling. Some versions power only the rear wheels, which can be entertaining in the right conditions, others have a four-wheel drive configuration to help keep everything pointing in the right direction.
The cheapest F-Type, powered by a 2.0-litre engine, has half an eye on fuel economy. Although quick, it lacks the aural drama the other engines provide.
The best engine is the more powerful of the two V6s. It’s nearly as quick as the more powerful V8 engine but because it’s lighter gives the car more agile handling.
The V8 is available in two power outputs and both are boisterous. Owners with neighbours in close proximity might want to forewarn them before firing up their engine early in the morning, while on the move the exhaust can be rowdy.
The F-Type is strictly for two where rivals such as the Porsche 911 can accommodate four people (two adults in the front and two children behind). That may put some people off. However, choose the coupe and there’s a useful amount of space for carrying luggage, with 310 litres - about the same size as a Ford Fiesta’s. But switch to the roadster and that shrinks to a decidedly snug 207 litres.
A deep storage bin, cupholders, decent door pockets and a roomy glovebox are a welcome surprise. The convertible’s hood can be operated at speeds up to 30mph, a useful feature given the UK’s changeable weather.
Key facts
Warranty | 3 years / unlimited mileage |
---|---|
Boot size | 196 litres |
Width | 2042mm |
Length | 4470mm |
Height | 1308 to 1311mm |
Tax (min to max) | £830- £1760 in the first year; £450 each year in the first standard rate years |
Best Jaguar F-Type for...
Best for Economy – Jaguar F-Type 2.0 300PS Coupé
The 'entry-level' F-Type does 35.8mpg and costs £830 to tax in the first year. It starts from around £51,000 on the road but beware the options list. Adding niceties gets expensive quickly.
Best for Performance – Jaguar F-Type R SVR 5.0 575PS Convertible
Its 5.0-litre supercharged engine develops 575hp for a 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 200mph.
One to Avoid – Jaguar F-Type 2.0 300PS Coupé
It may be the most economical version but saving fuel is not why you buy an F-Type; instead, drama and performance are, which the only slightly more expensive 3.0 340hp serves up in spades.
History
- 2013 The F-Type is launched in a Roadster version only; with the choice of either a 374bhp supercharged V6 or a 488bhp V8 engine.
- 2014 A Coupe version is added to the line-up but is only offered with the V6 engine to begin with, although 'S' trim models develop 374bhp, while the standard car develops 355bhp. The lack of folding roof means the Coupe is also treated to a functioning boot. It's small but useful.
- 2014 The potent 'R' model arrives soon after with a 542bhp supercharged V8 engine.
- 2015 The F-Type R convertible arrives, offering customers unrivalled power with the thrills of an open-top platform.
- 2016 Minor tweaks to the interior see an improved sat nav system.
Understanding Jaguar F-Type names
Trim level R-Dynamic
The F-Type comes in five trim levels: standard, R-Dynamic, Chequered Flag, R, and SVR. Each level brings more equipment and – in some cases - more performance, and a higher price.
Engine 3.0 V6
There are three petrol engines to choose in a choice of five power outputs. The first number refers to the six of the engine in litres and the following alphanumeric, the number of the cylinders and their formation. .
Jaguar F-Type Engines
2.0-litre turbocharged, 3.0-litre supercharged, and 5.0-litre supercharged
The entry-level F-Type comes fitted with the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that’s found in the Jaguar XE and XF executive models. It was only recently introduced in response to demands for a more economical and tax-efficient engine. It produces an impressive 300hp and with a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds can see off most hot hatchbacks, but it lacks the aural excitement sports car drivers crave.
There is also the choice of 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engines, one developing 340hp and the other 380hp. Like turbocharging, supercharging is a way of forcing more air into the engine for extra performance. The less powerful 340hp engine is not much more expensive than the 2.0 litre and is worth the extra money.
However, although it’s much more expensive than the V6 340hp engine, the more powerful V6 380hp unit is our favourite. Unlike the banzai 5.0-litre supercharged V8 that comes next in the engine line-up, it doesn't overwhelm the rear wheels at the slightest prod of the accelerator, meaning it inspires more confidence through twisting roads. It can be specified with a manual or automatic gearbox too.
Should they want greater traction on the road, buyers can opt to have all-wheel-drive with the V6 380hp engine. This combination is regarded as the sweet spot in the F-Type range, where hair-raising power meets razor sharp handling.
The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine is offered in 550hp and 575hp outputs. The former is reserved for the R coupe and convertible, and the latter, the range-topping SVR, also in coupe and convertible forms. Both are only available with all-wheel drive and give the F-Type almost supercar levels of performance.
Fuel |
Fuel economy |
Power |
Acceleration |
Top speed |
|
P300 i4 Turbocharged |
Petrol |
35.8mpg |
300hp |
0-62mph: 5.7s |
155mph |
P380 3.0-litre Supercharged V6 S Manual |
Petrol |
26.6mpg |
380hp |
5.5s |
171mph |
P380 3.0-litre Supercharged V6 S Auto |
Petrol |
28.8mpg |
380hp |
4.9s |
171mph |
P380 3.0-litre Supercharged V6 S Auto AWD |
Petrol |
27.7mpg |
380hp |
5.1s |
171mph |
P550 5.0-litre Supercharged R V8 AWD |
Petrol |
25.5mpg |
550hp |
4.1s |
186mph |
P575 5.0-litre Supercharged SVR V8 Auto AWD |
Petrol |
25.9mpg |
575hp |
3.7s |
200mph (convertible: 195mph)
|
Jaguar F-Type Trims
Standard, R-dynamic, R, SVR
Since the car was launched, Jaguar has raised the F-Type’s level of standard kit so that today, even the basic or standard F-Type has an active sports exhaust, xenon headlights, leather and suede-finished electric seats, a 10-inch trouscreen with sat nav and a premium Meridian sound system.
Move up to R-Dynamic and the xenons become LEDs and the centre console, aluminium. The more powerful 380hp version gets adaptive suspension, a smart limited slip differential for improved traction and 20in wheels. There are also electric seats.
A newly introduced trim level is Chequered Flag. It brings adaptive driving programmes, embossed sports seats, a heated steering wheel, red finishing for the brake callipers and a roof finished in a glossy black that’s a contrast to the body colour.
To cope with their extra power, F-Type R models are all-wheel drive as standard, have an even smarter limited slip diff, 20in wheels and a full leather interior. The range-topping SVR goes the whole nine yards with a lightweight exhaust, unique wheels, special seats and suede trim.
Climate packs, parking packs and even seat memory packs can be added to increase the amount of luxury and convenience lavished on the car but expect these to cost anywhere between £500 and £3,000.
Jaguar F-Type Reliability and warranty
The Jaguars of old often suffered with reliability issues and although the F-Type is a completely new car from a new era at Jag HQ, it seems the British marque can't escape its past. The F-Type made its debut on the Auto Express Driver Power satisfaction survey last year and ranked a reasonable 34th out of 200 cars.
However, it only came 72nd for reliability and 51st for build quality but Jaguar has some of the best customer service in the industry, so expect any problems to be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
New Jaguars come with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty as standard, but you can pay to extend it for up to five years’ cover. The picture is pretty similar across the board in the premium sector.
Used Jaguar F-Type
Previously, budget-conscious buyers have avoided Jaguar sports cars due to the fact they have suffered with terrible residual values. Terrific styling and a driving experience to back it up means the same cannot be said of the F-Type.
There are currently 75 Jaguar F-Types available on BuyaCar, with prices ranging from £21,599 to £72,790 for nearly-new models. Monthly finance payments start from £522.30 per month.
A used F-Type is a great value way to get behind the wheel of the best British sports car in years. For example, the earliest, 2013 models with a supercharged V6 engine are now just dipping below the £30,000 mark - still a significant sum but it’s a lot more tempting than the £55,000 or so to buy a new model.
From there, unsurprisingly, the values depend greatly on the age, mileage and specification of the F-Type. Those who prefer the growl and power of the V8-powered F-Type will find used cars for sale from around £37,000.
Jaguar F-Type: used car prices | 1 year old | 2 years old | 3 years old |
Best for performance Jaguar F-Type SVR |
N/A | N/A | N/A |
Best for economy Jaguar F-Type 2.0-litre |
£21,599 | £21,599 | N/A |