The two-seater Jaguar F-Type is one of the best, most characterful sports cars you can get. It certainly looks the part and feels great to drive – the most powerful models are positively thrilling. It’s comfortable enough for long journeys too, and while there are more practical options, it has enough space in the boot for a weekend’s worth of luggage.
The F-Type has been sold new since 2013 and was updated in 2019 with redesigned bumpers and distinctive new headlights. There are two bodies to choose from: the soft-top Roadster and the hard-top Coupe. Both have two seats.
You’ve got a choice of 2.0-litre, 3.0-litre V6 or a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, characterised by the different sounds they make and how much power they have. But any F-Type is a fast car that sounds great. Manual gearboxes are available, but some models have an automatic and some also have four-wheel drive.
You can also choose from several trim and equipment packages, and some special edition models feature unique exterior and interior styling details.
All F-Type models have a touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav and smartphone connectivity, as well as climate control and parking sensors. Most also have heated leather seats, adaptive cruise control and a more advanced infotainment system with extra features. Some Coupe models have a glass sunroof.
According to official figures, 2.0-litre F-Type models can give up to 32mpg, 3.0-litre models can give up to 30mpg and 5.0-litre models can return around 25mpg. All that performance does come at some extra expense when it comes to running costs; Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) costs are in the higher bands and most models are in higher insurance groups.
The F-Type’s rivals include the BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman, which like the Jaguar are all great to drive and practical enough to use every day. It’s the F-Type’s style and character that make it a really compelling option, although driving purists may tell you that the Porsche models feel slightly sharper to drive.
The F-Type is comfortable for two adults, with plenty of leg and headroom. Both the Roadster and Coupe have boot space similar to that of a typical small hatchback, so shopping trips and weekends away shouldn’t present any problems, although the shape of the boot means soft bags are easier to pack in than suitcases. The Coupe is ultimately the more practical option because you can fill its boot up to roof level, while some space in the Roadster’s boot is lost when the roof is folded down. Both models are strict two-seaters, so forget about putting the kids in the back. If you want a sports car with extra seats, look at the Porsche 911, Audi TT Coupe or Ford Mustang, as well as the BMW M2 Competition.
The F-Type is the only sports car available in Jaguar’s lineup, alongside its saloons and SUVs. If you’re after thrills from your Jag, check out the high-performance F-Pace SVR.
The F-Type hasn’t been assessed by safety organisation Euro NCAP, although all of Jaguar’s other cars were given a full five-star rating. That suggests the F-Type is likely to protect you and your passenger very well in an accident. The latest versions have lots of safety features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.
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