Jaguar F-TYPE 2017 Review - International

Jaguar’s F-TYPE is a known quantity for me, having driven the car for its global launch in 2013, I subsequently piloted a V8-engined R model for Australia's Best Driver's Car in 2015, and a V6 S model with all-wheel drive in ABDC last year.

But nothing quite prepares you for the reality of driving the F-TYPE with a four-cylinder engine. The sports car's character is markedly different, and in a good way, on balance. Jaguar has tuned the turbocharged petrol engine for a classic, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder sound, but if you expect accompanying rattles, labouring, lumpiness and vibration, forget it.

In fact, Jaguar has contrived the engine to be noisy for four-pot enthusiasts. While not as snarly as the F-TYPE’s V6 or V8 powerplants, the turbo four sounds somewhat feral in the R-Dynamic model, as tested by motoring.com.au, due to the switchable active exhaust system, which is actuated from a centre console switch.

For ease of use, the four-cylinder has enough mid-range torque to potter around in higher gears at lower speeds, but there's also extra torque and power on tap for the F-TYPE to produce solid thrust right up to the redline. This is an engine which may not deliver V8 levels of power, but rest assured, it's up to the job of overtaking on country roads – and handles that task with ease.

The four-cylinder drives through a responsive eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, which can be operated sequentially through shift paddles. It will also kick down automatically, even in Sport mode, but it won't change up automatically once you begin shifting gears with the paddles. There's no manual transmission available with the four-cylinder engine, but the turbocharged torque delivers enough verve, even via the auto transmission.

Those big, wide tyres at the rear (the F-TYPE four-cylinder is rear-wheel drive only) are way too sticky for the four-cylinder/auto combination to break traction in the dry, but once on the move the F-TYPE is quick enough, with Jaguar claiming a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds (identical to the 250kW V6 model).

Over a short drive program in Norway, the F-TYPE used fuel at the rate of 9.9L/100km, according to the trip computer. That was the result of mostly open-road driving, but with occasional bursts of heavy acceleration.

Jaguar claims the four-cylinder F-TYPE is up to 55kg lighter than the V6 variants, and most of the weight loss is from the front end, yet the four-cylinder model doesn't necessarily feel lighter in the steering and nor does its front-end grip seem magically improved. If anything, the four-cylinder F-TYPE feels like its handling is closer to neutral and the car's independent rear end actually holds steadfast, whereas the V6 variant – either through weight distribution, larger displacement or both – could be relied on to step out at the rear on a trailing throttle... even the all-wheel drive model.

It's not easy to say for sure, without comparing the two back to back, but the four-cylinder's handling feels more secure, overall. Which of course equates to lower levels of enjoyment on a racetrack.

Nevertheless, the entry-level F-TYPE still offers plenty of fun, and turn-in is responsive, although the steering is prone to inconsistent levels of weight at times, particularly around the straight-ahead. There's enough steering feedback and chassis tuning smarts in this car for it to point where you want it, when you want it, however.

In keeping with the Jaguar's well established reputation as an every-day practical sports car, the four-cylinder rides comfortably, considering its dynamic abilities.

Tyre noise predominated on some sections of Norway's rural highways, which was the one significant blight on the F-TYPE's touring abilities. That said, it's possible the same car may not prove to be as noisy in Australia, since the Norwegian roads, at times, were quite coarse.

In most other respects, the F-TYPE four-cylinder is much like the V6. The seats are generally well designed, albeit slightly flat in the cushion. At least the powered lumbar support allows you to adjust the shape to suit. The car as a whole is practically on par with its V6 and V8 siblings for touring comfort.

Other features of the R-Dynamic model, which is $7800 more expensive than the base-grade four-cylinder F-TYPE include the switchable exhaust already mentioned, LED headlights (versus xenons), 19-inch alloy wheels (versus 18-inch for the entry-level model), and a 'Delta' aluminium centre console finish (versus knurled aluminium). Outwardly, the R-Dynamic models can be identified by the larger wheels, badging and gloss black trim for the front bumper splitter and rear valance.

There's a charm to the F-TYPE with the four-cylinder engine, despite its ultimate lack of aural presence. But for those buyers who want a sports car which is a grand tourer, one that's dynamically adept and looks slinky with it, the four-cylinder F-TYPE remains a lot of car for the money.

Price: $115,100 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Output: 221kW/400Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 163g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA

Related reading:
>> Jaguar drops turbo-four into F-TYPE