Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe 2.0 First Edition (A) Facelift Review

In 2021, calling a two-seater sports coupe the core of brand seems almost outrageous. In this day and age of SUVs and electrified models, small, two-seater sports cars have become increasingly niche.

And yet, for Jaguar, the F-TYPE is somewhat fundamental to the brand identity. Yes, it's not going to be a volume seller (not even close), but it's the one model that still captures and exemplifies the brand's racing heritage. Before becoming a luxury brand pumping out executive saloons for the masses, Jaguar first made its name in the world of motorsports. Cars like the C-TYPE and D-TYPE racked up victories at Le Mans, while the E-TYPE's combination of beauty and high performance made it an automotive icon.

Launched in 2013, the F-TYPE is the next evolution of the brand's sporting DNA. It combines sleek looks, nimble handling and ample performance (especially with the outrageously powerful V8 models).

Now, we have a facelifted model that looks to carry on the brand's sporting legacy.

What’s changed?

Visually, the F-TYPE has been lightly revised. With redesigned head lights and slimmer taillights, along with a wider front grille, the car now has greater visual width. The car remains a muscular yet beautiful sports coupe, sure to attract envious looks wherever you go.

The updates are more notable in the interior, with a notable digitalisation of the cabin. You now get a 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display on which you can choose a variety of display modes.The 10.0-inch Touch Pro infotainment system offers improved usability and functionality.

This First Edition model also gets some additional equipment, including aluminium gearshift paddles, as well as Windsor leather performance seats, and Ebony suedecloth headlining.

The cabin is an undeniably classy place to be in. Yes it's not particularly spacious, and the high door sill makes getting in and out a little inelegant in tight carpark spaces, but otherwise there's little to complain about.

Oh, and Jaguar has now remove the spare tyre from the boot and put in a tyre repair system instead. So, the boot is now actually usable, and provides surprisingly reasonable amounts of space.

How sporty is it?

Mechanically, this 2.0-litre F-TYPE model is essentially unchanged (the fire-breathing V8s have been endowed with more power and more dynamic trickery).

The 2.0-litre engine produces 296bhp and 400Nm of torque, which allows the F-TYPE to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds. The engine is probably the least-impressive part of the whole mechanical package. While undeniably capable and powerful above 2,000rpm, the engine lacks character, and doesn't sound very nice when extended.

The rest of the mechanical package is impressive. The steering feels great - there's nice weight to it, and there's an oiliness to the steering that feels really nice. The suspension setup strikes a nice balance between sporty firmness and sufficient pliancy to make long journeys surprisingly comfortable and forgiving.

And, dive into corners and the F-TYPE's immense grip and well-judged balance makes for a fun, dynamic experience.

So should I buy one?

At $377,999 for this First Edition model, the F-TYPE is most certainly not cheap. Even the standard R-Dynamic variant, which costs $342,999, is more pricey than a comparable Porsche 718 Cayman (though once you get into the options the pricing will probably come up to the same).

The updates to the F-TYPE have improved on its already stellar everyday usability and quality. It's not the most exciting car to drive, but it comes with a certain motorsport pedigree and visual aplomb that stands it uniquely apart from most other cars on the road. That has its own particular appeal, and it's hard to really put a definitive price on that. 

The F-TYPE has been, and always will be, a niche product. And you know what, that's how it should be. It's a special kind of car that carries the torch for Jaguar's motorsport heritage, and we're just glad it still has its place in an automotive landscape that is increasingly shunning cars of this ilk.