Jaguar F-Type review

Just like the new London Bus is the modern interpretation of an icon, The Jaguar F-Type is very much the modern interpretation of one of the world’s most beautiful cars, the iconic E-Type.

It’s a sleek, two-seat coupe with a long bonnet and powerful engines, doing battle with cars like the Aston Martin Vantage and Porsche 911. However, if you like your coupe with less roof, there’s an open-top Convertible model too.

Around the back, the F-Type looks much the same for 2020 save for some new lights, although it didn’t need much changing as it still looks superb. Many would argue the front didn’t need much, either, but Jag has gone ahead and given it new lights, a new grille and front bumper anyway.

Inside there hasn’t been quite so much nip and tuck. The F-type still can’t rival Porsche in terms of quality and although it has a new 10-inch widescreen infotainment system it isn’t actually the latest screen Jaguar has access to, which is a shame.

Sure, the screen is fairly high-res and responsive, but there are easier touchscreen systems to navigate menu-wise and the built-in sat-nav is better ignored in favour of your smartphone navigation app via the car’s standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Outside, the F-Type’s new look is brilliant, but underneath it’s much the same car and Jag could have made more of an effort updating its interior.

Unlike the Porsche 911 which has a couple of small seats in the rear, the Jaguar F-Type is a strict two-seater. That said, the space for two adults is very good, but don’t expect to have much space to take along luggage for a week away. Better make it a weekend trip instead.

Previously the F-Type was available with 2.0-litre four-cylinder, V6 and V8 petrol engines, but for 2020 the V6 is gone. However, there are still three choices: there’s the 300hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 550hp 5.0-litre V8 and 575hp V8 ‘R’ model.

The price gap between 2.0-litre and 5.0-litre cars is substantial, but then, so is the performance. The four-cylinder feels smooth at a cruise but spritely when accelerating, whereas the V8 models feel outright blistering when pushed hard.

The R model is the most raucous, and the most agile thanks to its sportier set-up, but the fact is, a Porsche 911’s more precise steering and more predictable handling will appeal to keen drivers more. Still, both V8 models can be specced with four-wheel-drive, so grip isn’t an issue and the F-Type does steer well, although there’s no manual gearbox.

Which leaves the F-Type where it was before. It looks superb, sounds fantastic and is comfortable yet fun enough to excite the majority. If you’re looking for the best lap times, a Porsche will be for you, but if you want to stand out and smile, check out our Jaguar F-Type deals page.