Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe 2.0 (300PS) (A) Review
10 Jan 2018|16,225 views
What We Like
Sexy good looks
Turbocharged engine provides enough punch for mischievous behavior
Well-balanced in corners
Cabin is a thoroughly pleasant place to be in
What We Dislike
Lacks the aural delights of its more decorated siblings
"You wouldn't have that problem with a V8," said American actor Lucas Black to his female co-star in Tokyo Drift as he mocked her 1.3-litre Mazda RX-8.
Sure, a beastly V8 in a little coupe would solve all power-to-weight ratio problems in a drag race and that's exactly what Jaguar put into its F-TYPE when it launched four years ago.
While the V8-powered F-TYPE, with 488bhp and 625Nm of torque, was as fast as lightning and as loud as thunder, it wasn't exactly something the average driver could drive his heart out in.
If he did, he'd probably be spending more time taming the beast than actually enjoying the spirited drive itself. At the same time, he'd also probably be slapped with a noise complaint or two on his way home.
The more rational and also more affordable option back then was one with a lighter-nosed V6, which we preferred. Granted, you'd have to give up the visceral bark of the V8 if you opted for that.
However, because the V8 is no longer available in Singapore, the V6 models are now the range-toppers and in their place is a new entry-level offering - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Yes, downsizing has grasped another sports car and this decision follows those such as Mercedes' and Porsche's.
This ting doesn't quite go skrrrahh, pap, pap, ka-ka-ka but you can manhandle the hell out of it
Whilst such an engine option would initially seem as fitting in an F-TYPE as an Ikea coffee table in an oceanfront property in Sentosa Cove, the outcome isn't bad at all. For those who have always wanted an F-TYPE but aren't inclined $400,000 for one, this in fact, comes as great news.
For starters, the F-TYPE 2.0 costs $345,999 (as of 5th January 2018) and is no slouch. Aided by a turbocharger that helps its four cylinders churn a rather impressive 296bhp and 400Nm to the rear wheels, it'll smash the century sprint in 5.7 seconds.
As an everyday sports car, it's more than enough to put a smile on the face. Push on through the revs and there's plentiful muscle in the mid-range.
The beauty of it is that it has extremely usable power, and you'll probably never be confident enough to drive any F-TYPE harder than this one. With its lighter nose, you're also able to take on corners that bite sharper, in a superbly well-balanced manner and with no fear of the rear axle giving you a nasty surprise.
The ride is composed, secure and damped with a pleasing honesty and consistency.
And even though it lacks the outright mischievousness and aural delights of the V6 and V8 variants that we've come to love, it will still entertain with its own blend of pops and cackles if you keep the revs about 3,000rpm, especially with the exhaust valves open in Dynamic mode.
It's the perfect piece of machinery for those who like their cars excitingly fast, not unreasonably furious and dripping in unadulterated beauty.
Crouching feline
Oh, and beauty is definitely something the F-TYPE delivers in spades as well. Along with its new engine, the car has been given some light aesthetic refreshments, of which include a bolder grille flanked by large aggressive-looking intakes and a single large rhomboid tailpipe.
Inside, the F-TYPE 2.0 doesn't disappoint. It's every bit a classy British cat; well-furnished and finished although the infotainment system is a step behind German rivals. If you're planning on getting one, the optional sports bucket seats like those on our test car are a must-tick.
Beyond shadow of a doubt, adding this four-cylinder variant into the F-TYPE litter is a resounding success. Jag's once boisterous sports car is now lighter, more nimble and still plenty quick enough for less money, proving that you don't need a V8 to solve problems.
What We Like
Sexy good looks
Turbocharged engine provides enough punch for mischievous behavior
Well-balanced in corners
Cabin is a thoroughly pleasant place to be in
What We Dislike
Lacks the aural delights of its more decorated siblings
"You wouldn't have that problem with a V8," said American actor Lucas Black to his female co-star in Tokyo Drift as he mocked her 1.3-litre Mazda RX-8.
Sure, a beastly V8 in a little coupe would solve all power-to-weight ratio problems in a drag race and that's exactly what Jaguar put into its F-TYPE when it launched four years ago.
While the V8-powered F-TYPE, with 488bhp and 625Nm of torque, was as fast as lightning and as loud as thunder, it wasn't exactly something the average driver could drive his heart out in.
The more rational and also more affordable option back then was one with a lighter-nosed V6, which we preferred. Granted, you'd have to give up the visceral bark of the V8 if you opted for that.
However, because the V8 is no longer available in Singapore, the V6 models are now the range-toppers and in their place is a new entry-level offering - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Yes, downsizing has grasped another sports car and this decision follows those such as Mercedes' and Porsche's.
This ting doesn't quite go skrrrahh, pap, pap, ka-ka-ka but you can manhandle the hell out of it
Whilst such an engine option would initially seem as fitting in an F-TYPE as an Ikea coffee table in an oceanfront property in Sentosa Cove, the outcome isn't bad at all. For those who have always wanted an F-TYPE but aren't inclined $400,000 for one, this in fact, comes as great news.
For starters, the F-TYPE 2.0 costs $345,999 (as of 5th January 2018) and is no slouch. Aided by a turbocharger that helps its four cylinders churn a rather impressive 296bhp and 400Nm to the rear wheels, it'll smash the century sprint in 5.7 seconds.
As an everyday sports car, it's more than enough to put a smile on the face. Push on through the revs and there's plentiful muscle in the mid-range.
The beauty of it is that it has extremely usable power, and you'll probably never be confident enough to drive any F-TYPE harder than this one. With its lighter nose, you're also able to take on corners that bite sharper, in a superbly well-balanced manner and with no fear of the rear axle giving you a nasty surprise.
The ride is composed, secure and damped with a pleasing honesty and consistency.
It's the perfect piece of machinery for those who like their cars excitingly fast, not unreasonably furious and dripping in unadulterated beauty.
Crouching feline
Oh, and beauty is definitely something the F-TYPE delivers in spades as well. Along with its new engine, the car has been given some light aesthetic refreshments, of which include a bolder grille flanked by large aggressive-looking intakes and a single large rhomboid tailpipe.
Beyond shadow of a doubt, adding this four-cylinder variant into the F-TYPE litter is a resounding success. Jag's once boisterous sports car is now lighter, more nimble and still plenty quick enough for less money, proving that you don't need a V8 to solve problems.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Also read our comparison article on:
Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe 2.0 vs Porsche 718 Cayman PDK 2.0
Car Information
Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe
CAT B|Petrol|13.9km/L
Horsepower
221kW (296 bhp)
Torque
400 Nm
Acceleration
5.7sec (0-100km /hr)
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