Jaguar F-Type Review - FQ Magazine

Jaguar has broadened the appeal of the F-TYPE with a state-of-the-art four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine.

The award winning F-TYPE family now spans from the four-cylinder model to Jaguar’s 200mph all-weather supercar – the F-TYPE SVR.

The pairing of Jaguar’s all-aluminium two-seat sports car with the advanced 300PS 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant delivers Jaguar sports car DNA with enhanced agility and improved efficiency. This is a true F-TYPE, with its own unique character.

Performance

The model retains the performance expected from the F-TYPE, and can accelerate from zero to 60mph in only 5.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155mph. The turbocharged engine’s high maximum torque of 400Nm, generated from just 1,500rpm, together with the eight-speed Quickshift transmission, delivers exceptional response throughout the rev range.

Not only is the 300PS Ingenium engine the most powerful four-cylinder unit ever offered in a production Jaguar, it also generates the highest specific power output of any engine in the F-TYPE range: 150PS per litre. It also makes this the most efficient F-TYPE in the range, with a 16 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the 340PS V6, together with low CO₂ emissions.

Like all members of the Ingenium family, the F-TYPE’s 300PS powerplant was designed and developed in-house. It is manufactured in the UK at Jaguar Land Rover’s £1billion Engine Manufacturing Centre.

The Ingenium engine contributes to an overall vehicle weight reduction of 52kg – most of which is over the front axle – and this is key to the four-cylinder F-TYPE’s enhanced agility. Meticulous tuning of the chassis to complement the new engine delivers even greater steering response, body control and ride comfort.

The introduction of the four-cylinder does not mean that you lose out on aural feedback or reward: these have always been an essential part of the F-TYPE’s appeal, and have not been compromised. A meticulously-tuned active exhaust is standard on entry-level F-TYPE models, while the R-Dynamic variants feature a switchable active exhaust for an even more involving driving experience.

Design

The latest Jaguar F-TYPE features visual enhancements to give the sports car an even more powerful presence. Redesigned bumpers, together with optional full LED headlights enhance the F-TYPE’s design and provide greater differentiation between each model in the range.

At the rear, the four-cylinder model features a unique single tailpipe finisher to distinguish it from the twin central exhausts and quad outboard exhausts of the V6 and V8 models. Lightweight 18-inch wheels also identify the car and help to minimise unsprung mass, contributing to the enhanced ride and handling.

The changes to the F-TYPE’s interior, including lightweight slimline seats, Touch Pro infotainment system and new chrome and aluminium trim finishers, heighten the driver-focused feel. A sleek frameless rear view mirror adds another contemporary touch.

Tech

The F-TYPE range also offers a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems underpinned by the integration of a highly sophisticated forward-facing stereo camera. These systems help to improve safety and reduce driver workload, and include Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning as standard, and optional Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Speed Limiter and Driver Condition Monitor.

Basically, this is a car where you get to leave the kids at home. Okay, you might take one of your children for a trip occasionally, but in your heart of hearts you know this car won’t be doing the school run – unless a special birthday’s involved. This Jag is all about fun – and you. It’s your personal space – and will remain so. Selfish? Yeah. But, so what – you earned it.