- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 2 seats
- Engine
5.0SC, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
364kW, 625Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 11.1L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Jaguar F-Type V8 S new car review
When it comes to classics, Jaguar's legendary E-Type generally ranks somewhere towards the pointy end of dinner-party conversation. The swoopy two-door that first appeared in the 1960s is often referred to as the most beautiful car produced.
Big shoes to fill, then, which is part of the reason Jaguar has taken 40 years to release what is effectively the successor to the E-Type. While the name may have been easy with the first two-seat Jaguar in decades, the design and ethos of the flag waver for the brand were more in-depth.
The F-Type arrived here this year with Porsche firmly in its sights. For now it's only an open-top Roadster, but the coupe is on the way.
What do you get?
Pricing has been a point of contention. Within months of it going on sale the company admitted it may have to reduce the ask, partially in response to an unexpected price reduction by rival Porsche.
So the $138,645 (plus on-road and dealer costs) for the entry-level supercharged V6 model might end up ''repositioned'' or extra equipment added. Which is good, because things like a reversing camera, dual-zone air-conditioning and heated seats are optional - a bit rich in a car costing this much. Thankfully there's classy leather and suede, as well as a sporty aluminium finish. There are 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, colour touchscreen controller, rear parking sensors, electric seats, trip computer, satellite-navigation, Bluetooth, cruise control, xenon headlights, LED tail lights and a Meridian sound system that lacks the punch and vibrancy of systems used in various Land Rovers.
Safety: stability control and a quartet of airbags, also a pop-up bonnet designed to cushion the blow with a pedestrian. But auto braking and blind spot assistance are part of the long list of options.
There's also a space-saver spare tyre but it eats boot space. The can of repair goo could be a better bet.
Step up to the V6 S ($171,045) and you get bigger (19-inch) wheels, bigger brakes, a limited-slip differential and a programmable ambient lighting system.
The top-of-the-range V8 S cracks the double tonne at $201,945. Wheels (20 inches) and brakes increase in size again, while there's an electronic differential and quad exhaust system replacing the bigger, more dramatic-looking twin pipes on V6 models.
What's inside?
The theatre begins before you open the door, with the flush-mounted doorhandles popping out once you hit the unlock button. Press the start button inside and central air vents rise out of the dash; it looks the part, although on one earlier car we drove it was accompanied by a haunted house-style creaking. On another the vents occasionally refused to rise initially, 10 minutes later suddenly appearing.
The cabin feels cosy, accentuated by the steeply raked centre stack that houses the touchscreen with its easy-to-use menus and buttons. The large speedo is surprisingly difficult to read with its 20km/h increments, but the digital speedo on the trip computer is a welcome backup.
Vision with the roof up is impeded out the side, although the wide field mirrors ensure you'll see most things. And at higher speeds you can see the Jaguar "leaper" badge in the rear-vision mirror as the wing rises for additional stability.
The boot is a joke - at best. Compact to start with, it's not helped by the space-saver spare lumped in the middle. It's a struggle to fit a modest laptop bag in, no room for a couple's overnight gear. Sure, in sports cars there are compromises, but this boot seriously limits what you can carry.
Inside, too, storage space is at a premium, although the glovebox and two smaller covered centre binnacles provide space for smaller items.
Under the bonnet
With 364kW the supercharged V8 isn't lacking in punch and it backs it up with a hearty 625Nm. That torque peak kicks in from 2500rpm, ensuring there's ample pull from low in the rev range. There's also a broad spread of power, bringing flexibility at any speed.
Relatively close gearing in the eight-speed auto ensures the engine is rarely left wanting.
It's a sweet unit, too, with the 5.0-litre spinning freely and with an enthusiastic verve as it surges towards 7000rpm. It's claimed to reach 100km/h in 4.3 seconds.
It does it with a personality in keeping with the soft-top bravado. The roar from the exhaust is addictive, especially once you hit the button that opens some flaps in the mufflers for more cracks and a louder bark. Revving it beyond 5000 or 6000rpm unleashes a ruckus that is sure to offend the neighbours.
It can get thirsty on the premium unleaded, though, slurping 14 or 15 litres per 100km, more than the 11.1L/100km windscreen claim.
On the road
The low-slung, lightweight aluminium body translates to a sub-1.7-tonne kerb weight, which isn't bad for a sizeable drop-top. It also ensures it maintains its composure when pushed. Through bends it stays relatively flat and there's only mild shuddering from the windscreen (scuttle shake) over bumps and lumps. Although quite light, the steering is also very sharp for instant response.
You can firm the suspension at the flick of a switch, but it maintains respectable compliance over a decent-sized bump. Even a deeper grate or sharp-edged join is tackled with tautness but little harshness.
On the flowing roads it was designed for the F-Type remains poised and feels confident, with the stability control system containing any unwanted movement.
The roof folds in a brisk 12 seconds and can be operated at up to 50km/h. Once down, it's neatly tucked largely out of sight.
The design also does a good job of sending higher-speed wind over the occupants' heads, with just enough ruffling of hair to reinforce the open-air experience.
Verdict
If it's a stylish and engaging roadster you're after then the F-Type ticks plenty of boxes, but it's not without its faults, not the least of which is the impractical boot. While not as agile as some, it's a competent and accomplished sports car that is a fitting modern-day incarnation of an icon.