JAGUAR F-TYPE COUPE 2.0 P300 R-Dynamic 2dr Auto

Jaguar's F-TYPE Coupe gets a sleeker look and swaps its supercharged V6 for an even more potent V8. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

Jaguar describes this improved F-TYPE Coupe as the most capable and involving car it's ever built. It's sleeker, faster and classier, cementing 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, first launched early in 2014, gave us our answer. It was rigid, rakish and revved like a race car. Well now, Jaguar claims to have made it faster, better looking and even more desirable. Still want that Porsche 718 Cayman S? Try one of these first.

Driving Experience

Jaguar has now pensioned off its 3.0-litre supercharged V6, but instead, offers F-TYPE buyers who don't want the entry-level 2.0-litre four cylinder 300PS unit a new 450PS version of its classic supercharged V8. This fiery powerplant develops a prodigious 580Nm of torque from just 2,500rpm. If that's not enough, the F-TYPE R continues at the top of the range with a 575PS version of the same V8. In terms of drive formats, the four cylinder model comes only with rear wheel drive; the 450PS V8 can be ordered with either rear wheel drive or AWD; and the F-TYPE R comes only with AWD. Got all that? I'll be asking questions later. Personally, I usually like my automotive sound effects to come from the engine rather than, as here, the tailpipes at the back but even I have to admit that this car hums an addictive tune. Whichever variant you choose, performance is striking. Even the feeblest 300PS model makes 60mph from rest in just 5.7s, while the 450PS V8 models make 60mph in just 4.4s on the way to 177mph. Finally, the F-TYPE R covers off that sprint in just 3.5s en route to 186mph. Across the range, you get an all-aluminium chassis, double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link-suspended rear. All F-TYPES feature auto gearboxes (the manual previously available in the four cylinder car has been discontinued). Changes to the Quickshift auto transmissions in both the F-TYPE R and the 450PS V8 models promise a more engaging driving experience. The F-TYPE R specifically offers even faster, crisper gear changes when the driver commands shifts manually via the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the SportShift gear selector. Both upshifts and downshifts are more immediate and give an even more connected and responsive feel.

Design and Build

The visual changes made to this improved model are significant, centring mostly on a front end now embellished by super-slim pixel LED headlights that blend into the 'liquid metal' surfacing' of the restyled clamshell bonnet. There's also a new front bumper and a subtly enlarged grille that aim to deliver more visual impact and presence. And the slender rear lights have been revised too, featuring an LED chicane signature inspired by the Jaguar I-PACE. 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 interior hasn't changed much, continuing to combine traditional Jaguar craftsmanship with rich, contemporary materials such as Windsor Leather and satin-finish Noble Chrome. Beautiful details include monogram stitch patterns in the seats and door trims, Jaguar Leaper motifs in the headrests, and subtle 'Jaguar Est.1935' markings on the centre console finisher, glovebox release button surround, and seatbelt guides. The boot remains relatively big, giving the F-TYPE Coupe genuine GT potential. You'll get 315-litres in up to the parcel shelf and 407-litres to the window line. A 72-litre fuel tank gives a realistic cruising range of over 340 miles.

Market and Model

This Coupe F-TYPE bodystyle will save you around £5,500 in comparison to its Convertible counterpart, which means that prices start at around £54,000 for the base 4 cylinder 300PS version with base trim - or around £47,000 if you want the same engine with ritzier 'R-Dynamic' trim. An 'R-Dynamic'-spec 450PS 'P450' V8 model costs around £60,000 - or around £65,000 with AWD. The 'P575' top R Coupe costs over £97,000. All F-TYPE models get full-LED headlights, plus a 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. The F-TYPE R gets an R body kit, 20-inch wheels with red brake calipers and a special 'R' interior finish.

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. Let's get to the WLTP-rated figures. At the base of the range, the automatic 2.0-litre 300PS RWD F-TYPE records up to 29.8mpg on the combined cycle and emits up to 216g/km of carbon dioxide. You'll need deep pockets to run the V8 models. With the 450PS V8, the figures fall to 26.6mpg and 241g/km for the rear-driven model and 25.9mpg and 248g/km for the AWD version. The F-TYPE R Coupe manages 26.4mpg and 243g/km. Overall, we think that all of that's irrelevant. 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. Depreciation on the F-TYPE hasn't been at all bad. Taking the P300 2.0-litre variant as an example, you can expect to get 45% of your original purchase price back after the usual industry-standard three year / 30,000 mile ownership period.

Summary

As before, the F-TYPE Coupe takes all that was great about the Convertible version and builds on it with a stiffer chassis and a more affordable asking price. The result is a very special car indeed, especially in this improved form. Even if you can only stretch to a four cylinder version. After all, compared to a rival Porsche 718 Cayman S, Jaguar has brought us a machine that's arguably better looking, unarguably better equipped, more powerful and endowed with a greater sense of occasion, inside and out. While it won't match the Porsche's delicacy of response at the limit, the F-TYPE Coupe looks as if it's got its chief competitor's measure in enough areas that count to really give the German brand something to worry about.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Infra red reflective glass

Solar attenuating windscreen

Tinted glass

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Brakes

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Emergency brake assist

Emergency braking

Electronic parking brake

Electronic brake force distribution

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Chassis/Suspension

Passive suspension

Communication

Bluetooth telephone connectivity

E-call

Apple CarPlay

Incontrol pro service

InControl remote premium

Android Auto

Remote

Driver Aids

Lane departure warning system

Power assisted steering

Lane keep assist

Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter

Rear view camera

Cruise control + speed limiter

Driver Convenience

Push button start

Boot entrapment release lever

Stop/start system

Driver Information

10" touch screen

Driver condition monitor

Interactive driver display

Trip computer

Connected navigation pro

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Delta aluminium centre console

Entertainment

InControl app

InControl protect

Digital Audio Broadcast radio-DAB

Audio remote control

Exterior Body Features

Rear boot

F-Type badge

R-Dynamic exterior body kit

Switchable active exhaust

R Dynamic badge

Quad outboard mounted exhaust pipes

Chrome exhaust finisher

Flush exterior door handles

Exterior Lights

Static Cornering lights

Pixel LED headlights with signature DRL

LED 3rd brake light

Animated directional indicators

LED tail lights

Adaptive driving beam

Headlight washers

Automatic headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Rain, Ice and snow mode

Deployable front air vents

Pollen filter

Interior Features

Overhead console

Front centre armrest

Low line cubby box

USB with 12V socket in centre console

Power socket

Silver gearshift paddles

Twin front cupholders

Jaguar sense

Bright metal foot pedals

Packs

Online pack - F-Type

Smartphone pack - F-Type

Safety

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front/rear seatbelt pre-tensioners

Seatbelt reminder for driver and front passenger

6 airbags - Driver, front passenger, curtain and side airbags

Pedestrian contact sensing and deployable bonnet

Seats

Front headrests

Single front passenger seat

Lumbar support

Security

Engine immobiliser

Valet mode

Two stage unlocking

Drive away door locking

Deadlocks

Perimetric and volumetric anti theft alarm

Remote central locking

Locking wheel nuts

Transmission

Open differential with torque vectoring by braking

Wheels - Alloy

Bespoke wheel roundels in gloss & satin black

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 184

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 214

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 302

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 306

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 218

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 225

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 190

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 195

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 201

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 207

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 218

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 214

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.3

CC: 1997

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 9.5:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: AJ200

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 30.1

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 21.3

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 21

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 29.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 28.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 33.9

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 32.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 31.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 31

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 30.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 29.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 9.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 13.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 13.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 9.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 9.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 8.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 8.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 9.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 9.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 9.5

General

Coin Series: R-Dynamic

Coin Description: P300

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 47E

Service Interval Mileage: 16000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 144000

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: 108

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 300

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.9

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 300

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 221

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295

Engine Torque - NM: 400

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - MKG: 40.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/35 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 295/30 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 SPOKE STYLE 5060

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4470

Width: 1885

Wheelbase: 2622

Width (including mirrors): 2042

Height: 1311

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1553

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1925

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 63

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 372

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 336

No. of Seats: 2

Max. Roof Load: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.63

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Heated front windscreen

Brakes

380mm Front and 376mm Rear brakes

Red brake calipers

Black brake calipers

Carpets/Rugs

Nubuck edged carpet mats

Driver Aids

Park assist with parallel parking

Driver Convenience

Powered tailgate/boot lid

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming/power fold heated door mirrors with memory function

Auto dimming/power fold with heated door mirrors

Entertainment

Meridian 770W surround sound system with 12 speakers

Exterior Body Features

SVO ultra metallic gloss finish paint

Metallic paint

Fixed panoramic roof with manual black blind

Illuminated metal treadplates with brand name script

Tailgate/boot lid spoiler

SVO special effect gloss finish paint

SVO special effect satin finish paint

SVO ultra metallic satin finish paint

Premium metallic paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air quality sensor

Two zone climate control

Interior Features

Windsor leather upholstery with performance seats

Suede cloth headlining - Ebony

Electrically adjustable steering column with memory

Heated steering wheel

Windsor leather upholstery + sport seats

Extended leather upgrade

Full extended leather upgrade

Interior Lights

Premium cabin lighting

Packs

Black exterior pack - F-Type - R Dynamic Coupe

Blind spot assist pack - F-Type

Exterior black design Pack - F-Type R Dynamic/R Coupe

Interior black pack - F-Type

Climate pack - F-Type

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Eiger grey

Metallic - Santorini black

Metallic - Portofino blue

Metallic - British racing green

Metallic - Firenze red

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fuji white

Paint - Special

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Amethyst grey purple

Premium metallic - Cian grey

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Desire red

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Flux silver

SVO ultra metallic satin - Flux silver

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Petrolix blue

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Sanguinello orange

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Velocity blue

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Tourmaline brown

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Sunset gold

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Ionian silver

SVO ultra metallic satin - Ionian silver

SVO ultra metallic satin - Velocity blue

SVO ultra metallic satin - Sunset gold

SVO ultra metallic satin - Tourmaline brown

SVO special effect satin - Icy white

SVO special effect gloss - Icy white

SVO ultra metallic satin - Sorrento yellow

SVO ultra metallic satin - Ethereal silver

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Atacama orange

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Sorrento yellow

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Constellation

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Ethereal silver

SVO ultra metallic satin - Ligurian black

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Ligurian black

Seats

12 way heated and cooled electric memory front seats

12 way heated electric memory front seats

Security

Keyless entry

Secure tracker

Trim - Leather

Leather/Suedecloth with sport seats - Ebony, Ebony colourway

Windsor leather with sport seats - Ebony, Ebony colourway

Windsor leather with performance seats - Ebony, Ebony colourway

Windsor leather with performance seats - Light oyster, Ebony/Light oyster colourway

Windsor leather with performance seats - Tan,Tan/Tan colourway

Windsor leather with performance seats - Mars, Ebony/Mars colourway

Vanity Mirrors

Suedecloth sun visors with mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

20" 5 spoke technical gloss grey with contrast diamond turned finish alloy wheels - style 5102

20" 5 split spoke gloss black alloy wheels - style 5039

20" 6 split spoke gloss dark grey with contrast diamond turned alloy wheels - style 6003

Wheels - Spare

Reduced section alloy spare wheel