The Jaguar F-Type. Following in the footsteps of great cars that came before it. Nearly 40 years since the glorious E-type, Jaguar has bestowed upon us another great. Similarities between the two vehicles are evident merely when looking at the silhouettes of the two. A long swooping bonnet. Beautiful curves.
This particular vehicle is fitted with the standard 3.0 V6 with 336bhp (340PS) and a torque figure of 450Nm all sent to the rear wheels capable of getting to 62mph in 5.2secs. Now I can understand why a potential buyer might go for the S with 375bhp and the mechanical differential but I don’t really see the need for the monster V8. Some might argue that bigger is better and power is what you need. But this car isn’t one that should be used for racing. If you want a car to take on track, buy a track car. The F-type is a true GT.
Sitting in the F-type doesn’t give you the sensation of sheer speed but one of luxury and comfort. The seats hug you as you find the right position and both the driver and passenger can set the bolsters. Soft supple leather covers most surfaces and expensive feeling plastics fill up the rest. Little details stand out, such as the little pieces of aluminum peppered around the cabin letting you know that you did in fact buy a Jaguar.
Looking at the steering wheel from the passenger seat, it looked awkward and off centre, however as soon as you sit in the driving seat, it immediately feels natural. The thick rimmed wheel has an electric feeling to it however is quite weighted when you change modes. You are in an environment designed to cocoon the driver and passenger and eat miles.
The car has two modes, Comfort and Dynamic. Comfort mode does exactly what it says, makes everything more comfortable. Steering is lighter, suspension is softer, gear changes are set to economy and the noise from the large exhausts is more like a tame house cat.
But put into Dynamic mode, and the tame house cat finds its inner beast. A cheeky little chequered flag pops up on the display, the ambient lighting around the dials and the doors go red. The noise gets turned up to 11. The steering and suspension get heavier and harder whilst the throttle response and gear changes get quicker.
Put your foot down and the animal lets out a fierce growl as you surge forward picking up great pace. But thanks to its eight-speed ‘QuickShift’ transmission, you can float through the gears and easily break the speed limit without very little trouble. However, I did find that using the rubber coated aluminum paddles on the steering wheels to be a little ‘PlayStation’ like. It wasn’t a sense of occasion, merely a push of a button.
Back off the accelerator and the sports exhaust pops and bangs. I think every sports car should do that. Actually no. This is what makes the Jaguar that much more special to drive.
The noise is terribly addictive. I found myself looking for routes, which involved tunnels just to let the noise echo off the walls.
As a GT, this car lacks the space to carry luggage. Well it will barely carry basic shopping. So if you decide to cross-continents, buy everything when you get there as the boot can only hold a measly 190litres.
Reports from Jaguar say that 90 percent of F-type owners are first time Jaguar buyers and I think that they have all made the right choice. So should you if you can live with its lack of boot space. The looks and the noise will make up for it.
Tech Specs
Price: as tested £68,185
Engine: 3.0Litre V6
Power: 336bhp
Torque: 450Nm
0-62mph: 5.2s
Top Speed: 161mph
Weight: 1,597kg
Mpg: 32.1mpg
CO2: 205 g/km
SCDW 
£68,185 sounds like a lot but it’s actually worth it!