Jaguar F-Type buyer’s guide

FROM £25,000 Renaissance sports car is more affordable than ever. Here’s what to look for

British sports car is a stylish, powerful second-hand buy

THE word ‘iconic’ is frequently misused in motoring. But if there’s one car that’s more than worthy of being called an icon, it’s the Jaguar E-Type, a sports car launched in 1961 to massive critical acclaim.

Replacing such an incredible machine was always going to be tough – so Jaguar didn’t. Instead, it came up with the XJS in 1975, which was more of a grand tourer. This was superseded by the XK8 in 1996, while the XK of 2006 made a pretty good job of being a sporting GT.

Jaguar gave us more of the same in 2013 when the XK’s replacement was announced: the dynamically excellent and gloriously designed sporting GT that is the F-Type.

History

JAGUAR unveiled the F-Type roadster at the Paris Motor Show in September 2013, and the car went on sale soon after. Buyers could choose between 3.0-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines; both were supercharged, and the V8 model is known as the F-Type R.

In spring 2014 the F-Type coupé arrived, with the same engine and transmission options, then in November 2014 four-wheel drive became available on some models.

The 567bhp F-Type SVR arrived in summer 2016 with a 200mph top speed and ceramic brakes as standard. A spring 2017 facelift brought a new model with a 296bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, a revised interior that had redesigned seats, a much-improved infotainment system, LED headlights plus a raft of minor styling changes.

Which one?

EVEN the four-cylinder F-Type can do 155mph and 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, so the 186mph and 4.2 seconds of the V8 models is a bit OTT, never mind the SVR’s outrageous pace.

The four-pot car has the lightest engine, so it handles more sweetly than its more powerful siblings, but all F-Types are great to drive. V6 F-Types come with a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto; only the latter was offered with AWD and V8 cars.

All F-Types are well equipped, and even the entry-level cars get bi-xenon headlights, sat-nav, an eight-inch touchscreen display and 18-inch wheels. The V6 S adds 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, sports seats, upgraded brakes and ambient cabin lighting. V8-powered F-Types feature 20-inch wheels, premium leather trim and stronger brakes.

Alternatives

FOUR-cylinder F-Types are rivals for the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, while the V6 and V8 models face the 911 coupé and convertible. All are formidable adversaries, with the 911 offered with rear or four-wheel drive and manual or auto transmissions.

A more left-field alternative is the Ford Mustang, especially in V8 guise, while the previous Aston Martin Vantage V8 (from

£27k) is another alluring rival. The Nissan GT-R isn’t as engaging to drive as the Jag, but it’s astonishingly capable, fast and usable. Running costs can be high, though.

Less obvious rivals include the BMW M4, Audi RS 5 and Mercedes-AMG C63, all of which are available in open or closed forms.

Verdict

WITH its gorgeous looks and electrifying performance, the F-Type is a fabulous successor to the XK and very much worthy of its lineage from the classic E-Type.

All F-Types are fast but, while the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine has the right numbers, the V6 and V8 offer the sense of occasion that an F-Type should have, and are worth shelling out for. The F-Type comes with an extensive options list, so you must pin down exactly what you’re getting for your money.

But even without any extras, these Jags are easy to recommend, with their gorgeous styling inside and out, manageable running costs and reasonable reliability. The latter can be a sticking point, which is why a pre-purchase inspection is essential.