It may have been decades in the making but does the new F-type, the spiritual successor to the iconic E-Type, live up to expectations, Geraldine Herbert finds out.
What is it? Jaguar has roared back into the open top market with a dazzling looking convertible.
Who is it aimed at? This is the perfect car for posing in; no rival looks like or sounds like the Jaguar F-Type,
Styling? Stylish, sassy, sexy, this seductive two seater is simply one of the most stunning looking cars.
Under the Bonnet? We drove the mid ranged ‘S’ version powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and this is one fast cat, as its 4.9-second 0-to-100 kmh time and electronically limited 275 km/h top speed attests to.
What about inside? Inside the seats are supremely comfortable but it is cramped and the central touch-screen system, which allows you to control pretty much everything in the car, is fiddly and far from user friendly. But, then the F-type is so much fun to drive you will hardly have time to look up.
Luggage space is tight at 196 litres and while you would struggle to swallow the spoils from a days worth of shopping whoever bought a convertible to be practical?
On the Road? Press the start button and it positively roars with a raw engine noise to surpass any tune from the stereo. On the corners it is light and nimble, and while it doesn’t carve through bends with quite the clinical precision of a 911, there is something far more visceral and earthy about this Jag. Low, flat and stable at speed the eight-speed sports transmission is smooth but on occasions you wish it would respond just a fraction faster. With 380bhp loitering under the bonnet it is also shockingly fast, shooting from standstill to 100km in 4.9 seconds. It’s comfortable, too and much less jarring then you would expect.
The roof is simple to use and goes up and down in seconds so when the sun shines it’s the only way to travel but be warned with the roof down you’ll need to raise your voice at higher speeds and ladies just two words, Bridget Jones.
And Safety? The F-Type has yet to be tested by the EuroNCAP but it comes equipped with a full array of safety features including blind spot monitoring, rear camera, traction and stability control and anti-lock brakes. In addition the F-Type’s aluminium structure is designed to be resilient.
Options? Three models of the F-Type are available, – F-Type, F-Type S and range topping the F-Type V8 S with its 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol producing 495bhp.
Economy? The extensive use of aluminium is an elegant solution to weight in terms of performance but does little to aid fuel economy. Official figures for a mix of motorway and city driving is 7 litres per 100kms or 40.4mpg though we didn’t get anywhere near that while driving it and the 209g/km makes for an eye watering €1,200 annual motor tax bill.
Verdict? The F type is a serious style statement and the engine’s growl is sure to turn heads but it not only looks fabulous it drives like a dream. On the downside it’s not cheap or particularly practical and there is virtually no rear visibility but press the start button and all reservations disappear. The F-type is a pure driving machine, without a dash of practicality and is the perfect car for those who love driving and looking good while doing it.
Why you’ll buy one? Engine Note; driving dynamics; Stunning Looks
Why you won’t? F-Type Coupe; Price; Cramped
Rivals
Porsche 911 – Prices from €185,310
Audi RS5 Cabriolet – Prices from €113,890
Jaguar F-TYPE 3.0 V6 S Convertible
Engine: 2995cc, 380bhp @6,500 rpm,
Max speed: 275km/h
0-100 kph: 4.9 seconds
Emissions (Motor Tax) : 209g/km (€1200)
Model price range: €108,250 – €151,750 (Test Car – €136,015)
No of Doors: 2 doors
Euro NCAP : to be tested
Fuel type: Petrol
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 7.0 l/100km (40.4 mpg)
Boot Capacity Seats up(down) : 196 litres
Length: 4470mm
Width: 1923mm
Height: 1296mm
Wheelbase: 2622 mm
For more information on the Jaguar F-Type check out Jaguar Ireland
Geraldine Herbert
14th May, 2014
