ABDC: Jaguar F-TYPE R

Jaguar's fist bona-fide sportscar since the legendary E-Type might have been a long time coming, but it lives up to the hype with sensuous styling, a solid chassis and a bruising British blown V8 that slams down bulk torque and a hairy-chested, NASCAR-like rumble at full noise. But far from is lithe ancestor, the big cat is the most expensive and thirstiest of the 15 vehicles in Australia's Best Driver's Car, and one of the heaviest.

In hindsight, Jaguar's decision to produce a slinky two-seat sportscar based on the aged XK before it invested in a high-tech modular platform developed under Tata ownership was a masterstroke.

Cashing in on the hallowed pedigree of the long lamented E-Type, the F-TYPE coupe and convertible was the credible sportscar so desperately needed by the British brand, and would provide a halo effect for an entire new family of models comprising everything from new mid-size and large sedans and wagons, an all-new mid-size coupe and convertible and even Jaguar's first SUV.

But heritage and design count for little when you line up against competitors in the tough ‘room’ that is Australia's Best Driver's Car (ABDC), as impressive as it is, Jaguar's top-shelf F-TYPE – at least until the SVR arrives — was never going to be a runaway winner on some of Australia's most challenging roads. In the wet.

Weighing in at 1650kg, the broad, buxom R is heavier than all but the Falcon XR8, HSV GTS and Nisan GT-R. The latter comes standard with all-wheel drive, with which the F-TYPE R will soon be available — but that will makes it even heavier and pricier.

As it stands, the Jag is the most expensive car in ABDC — as well as the equal thirstiest (alongside the HSV, which also consumed a hefty 17.5L/100km on test). Its rear and rear three-quarter vision was also among the worst and there was a surprising amount of wind noise inside the big coupe's relatively tight cabin, which offers paltry luggage space and a dearth of advanced driver safety aids.

But such practical considerations are of little concern to us here, where the Jag's supercharged 405kW/680Nm is outgunned only by the HSV's blown 6.2-litre pushrod V8. And mind that the Holden still doesn't match the British engine's (nor the XR8's) wonderful soundtrack.

As measured the Jag is the second quickest 0-100km/h of this bunch (5.1sec) — matched by the Porsche Cayman GTS and bettered only by the all-paw GT-R (3.6). Over 400m only the Nissan is quicker and faster (12.88 v 11.57sec).

The big Jag was further down the pecking order at a treacherously wet and twisty Baskerville Raceway, but not by much. Surprisingly, the near-200kg heavier and also rear-drive HSV GTS was faster.

But on the road, all who drove it were astounded by the F-TYPE R's immense reserves of sledgehammer-like mumbo from almost any revs, made even more accessible by a quick-shifting (particularly in R mode) eight-speed paddle-shift auto– a combination that never fails to impress with a menacing crackle on overrun (again, especially in R mode).

In fact, the best looking and sounding car here has so much torque that it can easily overwhelm the stability control system and along with the HSV requires careful throttle modulation in lower gears on greasy, cambered road surfaces.

But driven with respect, the R's combination of massive grunt, firm suspension and agile, accurate steering make it a far more responsive sportscar than its weight and width might initially suggest.

In terms of speed and accuracy, the Jaguar's steering is match for the best but it falls behind when it comes to feedback, some describing as flawed the way it's very sensitive to road camber and tram-tacking. Yet it almost always feels under-assisted and downright heavy at low speeds.

There's good grip from the broad rear rubber and the communicative chassis telegraphs plenty of warning as it approaches its limits (rated well above the RC F and M4), but an overload of initial brake bite makes it too easy to 'over slow' the car and at least one driver reported unexpected front-wheel lock up on more than one occasion.

Similarly, the stiff but purposeful suspension provides outstanding body control and unquestionable road holding. It’s not harsh, but some felt it too heavily damped, which contributed to the traction issues.

Far from a lead-tipped arrow, Jaguar's flagship sports coupe is a devastatingly quick, characterful and sure-footed coupe whose immense performance capability is matched by a highly ergonomic cockpit that's sumptuously appointed and fitted with some of the best seats we've sampled.

Everybody that drove it commented positively on the quality of the seats, which provide good support without restricting arm movement.

Undoubtedly, however, without the added traction – and weight – of all-wheel drive, the best part about this big, beautiful pussy cat in Tassie was its epic engine.

Jaguar F-TYPE R pricing and specifications:
Price: $226,970 (plus ORCs)
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8
Output: 405kW/680Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 11.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 259g CO2/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested

ABDC ranking: Third