Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe

Jaguar's F-TYPE Coupe gets further enhancements that will appeal to keen drivers. This story keeps getting better and better, as Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

Jaguar describes this improved F-TYPE Coupe as the most capable and involving car it's ever built. A fixed-top version of the F-TYPE Convertible, this model cements the Coventry brand's reputation as an ever more credible rival to Porsche, reviving memories of some of the company's legendary classic coupes. It handles. It goes. And it delivers.

Background

What, commentators like us wondered at the Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible's original introduction in 2013, would a more focused fixed-top version be like, a stiffer, sportier, even more dynamic thing? This Coupe model, launched early in 2014, gave us our answer. It's rigid, rakish and revs like a race car, whether you prefer V6 or V8 power. Depending on model, you can choose manual or Quickshift automatic transmission and either rear or All-Wheel Drive. This is, in short, a very complete, very special machine indeed. Now it's got even better.

This latest car offers five engine choices, including 340, 380 and 400PS supercharged 3.0-litre V6s, plus 550 and 575PS versions of the ballistic supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that comes with AWD. Plus there are now piercing full-LED headlamps. And owners can now use a 'world-first' 'ReRun' app developed with GoPro that creates high quality video with real-time performance data. In short, Jaguar's baby soft top just goes from strength to strength.

Driving Experience

As before, there are still two main engines that power the F-TYPE Coupe, a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and a 5.0-litre V8. First up is the standard model with a 340PS supercharged V6. The F-TYPE R-Dynamic offers buyers either this base unit or a 380PS version of the same engine, while the F-TYPE 400 Sport uses this powerplant in 400PS guise. The 380 and 400PS models get the option of AWD. With the 340 and 380PS variants, buyers can choose between manual and Quickshift auto transmission; with the '400 Sport', its 'Quickshift' only. You'll also be limited to the auto 'box if you opt for one of the 5.0-litre V8 models - and these potent variants only come with AWD. The F-TYPE R gets this powerplant in 550PS form, while the flagship SVR derivative uses this engine with 575PS on tap. Got all that? I'll be asking questions later.

Whichever variant you choose, performance is striking. Even the feeblest 340PS model makes 62mph from rest in just 5.7s, while the V8 F-TYPE R covers off that sprint in just 4.2s. As before, the 380PS F-TYPE variant most buyers choose gets a mechanical limited-slip differential, while the V8 gets an electronic item. Across the range, you get an all-aluminium chassis, double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link-suspended rear.

Design and Build

The visual changes made to this improved model are small but significant, centring mostly on a front end now embellished by full-LED headlights that sit above a re-styled bumper. Jaguar's distinctive J-Blade daytime running lights are retained, and these now double as the direction indicators, with the lamp's 'eyelid' indexing with the bonnet's cutline to further accentuate the lights' multi-layered graphics. Otherwise, it's as you were. Aesthetically, there are some lovely details such as the pop-out door handles and, inside, the single flying buttress that swoops down from one side of the centre console. Then there's the neatly styled gear selector, the giant TFT display in the dash and the deep-set driving position.

We still think that visually, the F-TYPE Coupe bodyshape works really well, with its short wheelbase, power-packed set of rear haunches and elegant roof line. It manages to make the Porsche Cayman seem rather hall-of-mirrors in its proportioning and while it's not as instantly beautiful as an Aston Martin Vantage, it looks as if it would thoroughly work the Vantage over in a bar fight. The boot is relatively big, giving the F-TYPE Coupe genuine GT potential.

Market and Model

All F-TYPE models now get full-LED headlights, plus a more sophisticated 'Touch Pro' infotainment system which includes online services such as real-time traffic and live weather reports. Even the entry-level variant gets sports suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and sports seats with leather and suede-cloth. And buyers can also expect features like USB, auxiliary and iPod connections, a rear parking aid, climate control, six-way electrically adjustable sports seats, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and Jaguar's clever Pedestrian Contact System.

True enthusiasts will be able to capture and share their driving experiences using the new ReRun app developed in collaboration with GoPro. In a world-first, ReRun combines real-time video from the driver's GoPro with key vehicle performance data including speed, throttle position, gear selection, braking force and g force. The high quality video - including unique 'highlights' sections - can be downloaded to the driver's smartphone and shared on social media.

Cost of Ownership

Although there are some better performers in its class when it comes to economy and emissions, the F-TYPE Coupe is there or thereabouts. Bear in mind that on the V6, there's a big penalty for chooing maual transmission rather than the Quickshift auto; on the 340PS variant for example, the Quickshift variant's figures (33.6mpg, with emissions of 199g/km) fall to 28.8mpg and 234g/km if you stay with a stick shift. Go for the 380PS version and those figures change to 32.8mpg and 203g/km with the Quickshift auto box, while the manual car can only record 28.8mpg and 234g/km. The unreconstructed hooligan that is the supercharged V8 F-TYPE R manages 26.4mpg and 255g/km on an extremely good day. Go all-wheel drive and you'll be looking at 25mpg and 269g/km. If you average more than 20mpg in this car then you're not using it properly and it deserves a better home. You know where I am.

Summary

And in summary? Well, the only real problem we had with the F-TYPE before was that it could be a bit too in-your-face at those times when you just wanted something low maintenance. Now you can spec your F-TYPE to be more or less white-knuckle. This is going to get interesting.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe

PRICES: £51,000 - £115,000

INSURANCE GROUP: 46-50 [est]

CO2 EMISSIONS: 199-269g/km [est]

PERFORMANCE: [V6 S] 0-60 4.8s / top speed 171mph [est]

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [V6 S] (combined) 32.9mpg [est]

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ESP stability control, traction control, ABS with EBA & EBD, twin front and side airbags

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4470/1923/1309 [est]