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

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Tinted glass

Brakes

Emergency brake assist

Electronic brake force distribution

380mm Front and 376mm Rear brakes

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Emergency braking

Electronic parking brake

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive dynamics

Configurable dynamic mode

Communication

Bluetooth telephone connectivity

Apple CarPlay

E-call

Remote

Android Auto

InControl remote premium

Incontrol pro service

Driver Aids

Lane departure warning system

Power assisted steering

Lane keep assist

Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter

Cruise control + speed limiter

Rear view camera

Driver Convenience

Boot entrapment release lever

Push button start

Stop/start system

Driver Information

Interactive driver display

Driver condition monitor

10" touch screen

Trip computer

Connected navigation pro

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming/power fold heated door mirrors with memory function

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Limited Edition aluminium instrument panel finisher

Entertainment

Audio remote control

Digital Audio Broadcast radio-DAB

InControl app

InControl protect

Exterior Body Features

Quad outboard mounted exhaust pipes

Rear boot

Flush exterior door handles

F-Type badge

'75' silhouette badge on front wing

Switchable active exhaust

Exterior Lights

Adaptive driving beam

Automatic headlights

LED 3rd brake light

Animated directional indicators

Pixel LED headlights with signature DRL

LED tail lights

Headlight washers

Static Cornering lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Rain, Ice and snow mode

Pollen filter

Deployable front air vents

Interior Features

USB with 12V socket in centre console

Low line cubby box

Electrically adjustable steering column with memory

Windsor leather upholstery with performance seats

Power socket

Overhead console

Leather steering wheel

Silver gearshift paddles

Twin front cupholders

Front centre armrest

Jaguar sense

Suede cloth headlining - Ebony

Bright metal foot pedals

Interior Lights

Premium cabin lighting

Packs

Online pack - F-Type

Interior black pack - F-Type 75

Smartphone pack - F-Type

Safety

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Pedestrian contact sensing and deployable bonnet

Seatbelt reminder for driver and front passenger

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

Front/rear seatbelt pre-tensioners

Seats

12 way heated and cooled electric memory front seats

Front headrests

Single front passenger seat

Lumbar support

Security

Engine immobiliser

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central locking

Perimetric and volumetric anti theft alarm

Deadlocks

Keyless entry

Drive away door locking

Two stage unlocking

Valet mode

Transmission

Electronic active differential with torque vectoring by braking

Vanity Mirrors

Suedecloth sun visors with mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

Bespoke wheel roundels in gloss & satin black

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 237

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 240

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 237

Engine and Drive Train

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: AJ133

Cylinders: 8

Cylinder Layout: V8

Number of Valves: 32

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: SUPERCHARGER

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 9.5:1

Transmission: AUTO

CC: 5000

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 93

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 92.5

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 27.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 27.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 26.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.4

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.5

General

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

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: 108

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 16000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 144000

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

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: 450

Badge Engine CC: 5.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Coin Series: 75

Coin Description: P450 Supercharged V8

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Performance

Top Speed: 177

Engine Power - BHP: 450

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.6

Engine Power - KW: 331

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 428

Engine Torque - NM: 580

Engine Torque - RPM: 2500

Engine Torque - MKG: 59.1

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Wheel Style: 5 SPOKE STYLE 5102

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Tyre Size Front: 255/35 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 295/30 R20

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2042

Height: 1311

Wheelbase: 2622

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 1885

Length: 4470

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2050

Minimum Kerbweight: 1706

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 344

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 336

No. of Seats: 2

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.63

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Max. Roof Load: N

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Heated front windscreen

Brakes

Red brake calipers

Carpets/Rugs

Nubuck edged carpet mats

Driver Aids

Park assist with parallel parking

Driver Convenience

Powered tailgate/boot lid

Entertainment

Meridian 770W surround sound system with 12 speakers

Exterior Body Features

SVO ultra metallic gloss finish paint

SVO ultra metallic satin finish paint

Fixed panoramic roof with manual black blind

Premium metallic paint

Illuminated metal treadplates with brand name script

SVO special effect satin finish paint

Metallic paint

Tailgate/boot lid spoiler

SVO special effect gloss finish paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air quality sensor

Two zone climate control

Interior Features

Full extended leather upgrade

Heated steering wheel

Packs

Climate pack - F-Type

Exterior design Pack - F-Type - R Dynamic/75 Coupe

Blind spot assist pack - F-Type

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Santorini black

Metallic - Giola green

Metallic - British racing green

Metallic - Portofino blue

Metallic - Firenze red

Metallic - Eiger grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fuji white

Paint - Special

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Flux silver

SVO ultra metallic satin - Flux silver

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Petrolix blue

SVO ultra metallic satin - Ionian silver

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 - Amethyst grey purple

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Ionian silver

SVO ultra metallic satin - Sunset gold

SVO ultra metallic satin - Tourmaline brown

SVO ultra metallic satin - Velocity blue

Premium metallic - Cian grey

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Desire red

SVO ultra metallic satin - Ligurian black

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Ligurian black

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Ethereal silver

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Constellation

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Sorrento yellow

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Atacama orange

SVO ultra metallic satin - Ethereal silver

SVO ultra metallic satin - Sorrento yellow

SVO special effect gloss - Icy white

SVO special effect satin - Icy white

Security

Secure tracker

Trim - Leather

Windsor leather with performance seats - Ebony with Light oyster stitching, 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

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