Used Jaguar F-TYPE Review (2013-2019) MK1
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Brilliant to drive
- Plenty of style
- Heart-racing powertrains
- Sacrifices practicality in the name of performance
- On the pricier side
- Quite thirsty
What's the Jaguar F-TYPE like?
Jaguar still produce some of the most scintillating cars, and they beautifully continue its marvellous sporting history.
As the spiritual successor to the legendary E-type, which Enzo Ferrari called the most beautiful car in the world, but there's no doubt that the gorgeous F-TYPE will, in years to come, also take its place among the top and most sought after classic cars.
Convertible and Coupé versions are available, as well as a soft top Roadster variant.
Lowering or raising the hood takes just 12 seconds, and can be done at up to 30mph if the need arises. With it closed, things are water and windproof and reasonably refined and quiet.
Engines
The range of engines – mostly V6s and V8s – sound so fantastic with the roof down that most enthusiastic owners will leave it there even in the winter.
Latterly, there's been a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with 300bhp, but all the earlier models had supercharged V6 and V8 units.
The 2.0-litre is no slouch – as you would expect with so much power. It covers the 0 to 60mph sprint in 5.7 seconds and is capable of 31mpg.
Next up the range is the V6 Supercharged with 340bhp, which reaches 60mph in 5.3 seconds and has a best of 27mpg. Above that comes the V6 S. This has 380bhp or a later 400bhp and can get to 60mph in 4.9 seconds with economy best of 32mpg.
The S is available with rear or four-wheel drive (4WD), while the first two models are only available with rear-wheel drive (RWD).
The S also comes with a switchable exhaust system, where the driver can change between fairly quiet and overrun popping hooligan at the touch of a button, plus a limited slip differential and adaptive suspension.
Finally, there's the R models, all of which have an amazing sounding 5.0-litre V8. The R-Dynamic has 450bhp and gets to 60mph in 4.5 seconds, while the R has another 100bhp and gets there in a storming 4.1 seconds.
Finally, the range-topping SVR boasts no less than 575bhp, and brings the sprint down to a true supercar level of just 3.5 seconds.
All the V8s are rated at 25 or 26mpg, but don't expect much better than 20mpg in everyday driving.
Driving Experience
The F-TYPE offers brilliant and astonishing abilities that have delighted many, from stupendous performance to top-notch handling and a decently comfortable ride. What’s not to like.
Peter Hayward
The gearbox has Sport, Snow, and Manual modes, and manual changes can be made using paddles behind the steering wheel.
Many may find that in Sport mode, the auto did everything quicker than they could do themselves. Tremendous levels of grip can also be enjoyed, especially on British B-roads on a summer's day.
Equipment
Inside, the cabin is a bespoke and sumptuous place to ride. All models have leather upholstery with excellent seat adjustment, sat nav, keyless entry and starting, a very good sound system and a huge raft of electronic safety devices to keep you on the straight and narrow.
You may also be interested in...
Find your Jaguar F-TYPE your way with CarStore
The Jaguar F-TYPE boasts true British sports car pedigree with its brilliantly dynamic driving experience and range of powerful powertrains. Being a Jaguar, the F-TYPE also possesses a top level of refinement and prestige, making it a highly sought after car and a great used buy.
