Jaguar F-Type review

The F-Type is the perfect flagship sports car for Jaguar. Whichever version you choose, it gives a thrilling driving experience, and it's almost universally acclaimed as one of the best-looking sports cars on sale. Together, these two points explain the F-Type’s success, as it satisfies the demands of driving enthusiasts and the style-conscious in one package.

With the F-Type range priced to take sales from both the Porsche Boxster S/Cayman S and the larger 911, higher-spec F-Types provide more value for money, although you wouldn't be making a mistake if you picked the entry-level F-Type over a Boxster or Cayman.

At the bottom of the range, the four-cylinder engine brings a welcome extra dimension to the line-up. And, if you’re thinking of a V8 F-Type, you can pick up a 4x4 version for around £5,000 more than the rear-drive version. The upgrade is worthwhile, because it makes the car safer and more secure without sacrificing any driving thrills.

The massively powerful SVR flagship is a bit of an indulgence as it's priced at almost £120k, but the 568bhp model has a near-200mph top speed. It doesn't quite have the sharpness to beat the best of its rivals on the road, but it’s not far off, and it looks and sounds amazing.

There aren't many cars for sale that can beat the Jaguar F-Type for head-turning looks. Whether its coupe or convertible, or in S, R-Dynamic, R or SVR specs, the F-Type is a striking piece of design that echoes the classic E-Type while still delivering a contemporary look.

With price tags ranging from around £52,000 to almost £120,000, the F-Type has a lot of coupe and convertible rivals. Entry level models can count the Porsche Boxster and Cayman as rivals, as well as more expensive versions of the Audi TT, BMW Z4, Alpine A110 and Alfa Romeo 4C, possibly even cars like the Ford Mustang and BMW M2.

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At the top end of the range, the V8 F-Type can challenge the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage, Mercedes SL and AMG GT, Porsche 911, Audi R8, Nissan GT-R and even possibly the Ferrari Portofino.

The F-Type range comprises the basic car, then R-Dynamic (replacing the old S model), R and SVR trims, while the special edition Chequered Flag is also available with extra kit over the R-Dynamic.

Power comes from a variety of engines. The entry point, and most recent addition to the range, is the P300, which uses a 296bhp version of Jag's Ingenium 2.0-litre turbo four cylinder. Next up is the P340, which uses a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 to make 335bhp, while the more powerful P380 has a 375bhp version of the same engine. The F-Type R and SVR both use Jaguar's powerhouse 5.0-litre supercharged V8, which is badged P550 or P575 and comes with 542bhp and 567bhp respectively.

The F-Type comes with either rear-wheel drive or Jaguar's AWD four-wheel-drive system: it's optional on the P380 and standard on the V8 models. All models bar the P340 come with Jaguar's great eight-speed auto. The P340 has a six-speed manual as standard, but can be had with the auto for extra cost.

The F-Type first arrived as a convertible roadster in 2013, while the F-Type coupe arrived in 2014. The hard top version is less expensive than the convertible, with the open-top version adding a premium of around £5,500 to every model in the range. All cars are two-seaters, but obviously the coupe is slightly more practical thanks to its hatchback rear end, but neither model is particularly practical.

Whichever model you choose, the F-Type is a thrilling sports car that handles superbly. The P300 is lighter than most, so feels a bit more agile, while the bombastic V8 models feel every inch the super car. But even the V6 models are huge fun, so if you're looking to buy an F-Type, your only real limit is your budget.

For an alternative review of the latest Jaguar F-Type Roadster visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk