Jag yourself a bargain
Jaguar has a feisty, greener brother to the V8 F-Type, writes Geraldine Herbert
YOU no longer need to splash your cash on the top-of-the-range 5.0 litre V8 or 3.0 litre V6 Jaguar F-Type, as a new greener and, crucially, cheaper turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine has joined the line-up. And while Jag aficionados might baulk at the very idea, a recent test drive in Norway confirms that even they may be surprised.
Stylish and seductive, the two-seater Jaguar is an impressive sight to behold. Subtle changes to the 2017 car include new LED headlamps and redesigned bumpers.
Slip into the driver’s seat of the F-Type and everything is geared towards making you feel glamorous, right down to the sports steering wheel and sumptuous seats. The previous central touch-screen system has given way to Jaguar’s latest touch pro infotainment system. Luggage space at 310 litres means you won’t struggle to swallow the spoils from a day’s shopping.
While some may lament the arrival of the smaller, four-cylinder engine, it is more than simply “downsizing” and is the most powerful four-cylinder ever in a production Jaguar. It is also the lightest F-Type and with 300hp and 400Nm of torque ,it can accelerate from 0-100 in 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h.
On the road, it feels light, agile and just as responsive as its more powerful siblings. The engine sounds incredible and while it doesn’t have the depth or range of a V6 or V8 soundtrack, the satisfying growl is sure to turn heads. The steering is incredibly accurate and while constrained in Norway by low, stringent and well enforced speed limits, the true charm of the F-Type is that even zipping around at low speed is fun.
Also new to the F-type is the price tag — not cheap at €65,000, but when you consider it is €30,000 cheaper than its more potent brother, the new F-Type is a steal. Fuel economy is a decent 7.2 litres/100km and CO2 emissions are 163g/km, so it will cost €570 a year to tax.
The F-type is a pure driving machine, without a dash of practicality and is the perfect car for those who love driving and looking good while doing so.
As car-makers are on a mission to reduce CO2 output and increase fuel efficiency, the 2.0 F-Type is an excellent balance of style, performance and sheer fun.