We have tested a number of Jaguar F-TYPE in both convertible and Coupé versions, but never the P380 R Dynamic as we are testing here.
Jaguar F-TYPE, first launched in 2012, is the spiritual and visual embodiment of the E-TYPE classic sports car. The all-aluminium sports car is a unique design that has received acclaim worldwide.
Exterior
The F-TYPE is a beautiful design from the low sloping bonnet with power bulges and vents to the rounded hatchback design its pure symmetry.
The full LED headlights boost visual appeal and Jaguar’s distinctive J-Blade daytime running lights now double as the direction indicators.
The P380 R Dynamic is differentiated by the front bumper’s Gloss Black aperture bezels. The distinctive Gloss Black finish is also applied to the front splitter, bonnet vents, side sills and rear diffuser. On the rear is also the P380 badge as well as central dual exhausts.
Interior
There is a sense of sophisticated simplicity about the interior.
For a two seat sports car the F-TYPE is surprisingly roomy. I recently tested the BMW Z4 and it was tighter than this. There is more room inside for the driver than a Lexus LC 500 as well.
There is enough seat travel for me to find a comfortable driving position. The slimline lightweight Grained Leather and Suedecloth seats have a lot to do with that.
The 12 way electronic memory seats were part of an option package, and while very comfortable, weren’t air-conditioned.
In front of the driver the perfectly sized three spoked steering wheel frames a three sectional instrument panel. Twin external dials with humps over them and a configurable MFD in-between.
Between the seats is a smallish console bin with USB and other plugs and a lid that allows free movement of the cords, which is clever. Air conditioning controls are easy to use, but like a lot of cars now you have to press the recycle button for 3-5 seconds to keep it on, then remember to do that every time you start the car.
Above is the 10 inch Touch Pro infotainment screen. This is easy to use, now allows Apple CarPlay and Android. It also houses the reversing camera. The graphics are excellent.
Overall visibility is better than you might expect. The bonnet disappears in front of you but you quickly get a feel for where the edges are. The reversing camera is excellent and over the shoulder visibility is greatly enhanced by rear quarter windows. The rear window is a little small.
Boot space is larger than you would imagine, plenty of room for luggage for two for a weekend or even a week. Soft bags are best and the wide rear wheel arches provides little pockets for extra bits as does a small hidden bin below the floor.
Features
Every F-TYPE features the Touch Pro infotainment system with 10-inch touchscreen. Its super-fast responses with a quad core processor, intuitive tablet-style operation, intelligent navigation functions such as Share ETA and online services through an ultra-fast Ethernet network provides real-time traffic and live weather reports. There is also a high speed 60GB SSD.
The home screen is configurable and now comes with a choice as the F-TYPE includes Apple CarPlay and Android auto. It also houses the standard 10 speaker Meridian™ Sound system. You can either store your own music on the SSD or Jaguar has developed a unique app in collaboration with Spotify for streaming music.
Options fitted to the test car include: Metallic Paint (Loire) – $2,950 Seat Memory Pack (incl. Auto-dimming, power fold, heated door mirrors with memory, 12-way Electric Front Seats with Memory, Electrically Adjustable Steering Column with Memory) – $2,150 20″ 5 split-spoke ‘Style 5039’ with Gloss Black Finish Wheels – $1,790 380mm front and 376mm rear brakes – $1,690 Black Exterior Pack – $1,350 Keyless Entry – $1,200 Rear Camera – $1,060 Blind Spot Assist – $900 Front Parking Aid – $710 Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB+) Radio – $640 Flat-bottom Leather Steering Wheel Red Seat Belt – $270 Sun visors with Vanity Mirrors – $110 Rear Traffic Monitor – NCO
Drive and Engine
The P380 R Dynamic if powered by the 3.0L Supercharged V6 engine that produces power of 280Kw @ 6,500rpm and torque of 460 Nm @ 3,500-5,500rpm. This drives the rear wheels through an eight speed Quickshift transmission. The P380 will go from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds and tops out at 275 km/h.
This is the same engine as used in the F-PACE 35t S that we reviewed earlier in the year.
Fuel usage is rated at an ADR figure of 8.6L/100K and Co2 is 203g/km
Driving the F-TYPE is pure hedonistic pleasure. The supercharged V6 is powerful enough for most drivers.
The suspension soaks up almost all road irregularities, although the extremely low profile tyres occasionally let you feel them through the steering wheel. Steering is precise and direct and there is excellent feedback.
Play with the dynamics and the car transforms. Plant the right foot and hold on, its screams into action. The balance is superb and the driver feels absolutely connected to the car and the road.
Safety
The latest F-TYPE range also offers a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems underpinned by the integration of a highly sophisticated forward-facing stereo camera. These systems help to improve safety and reduce driver workload, and include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Auto High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Speed Limiter and Driver Condition Monitor.
The rear camera and front park aid are now provided as standard.
There’s also a semi-automated park-assist function designed to make parallel parking in even the tightest of spaces quicker and easier. The system will also guide the vehicle out of the space when it’s time to leave.
Good Bits:
- Simply beautiful design
- Hedonistic pleasure
- Overall balance and Engine/transmission
Not so Good Bits:
- Long and expensive options list
- No air conditioned seats
- Hated giving it back to Jaguar
Summary
Ok let’s see, what is the F-TYPE like? It’s a beautiful design, provides sublime ride and handling as well as more than adequate performance.
Possessing a level of sophisticated simplicity that not only pays homage to its heritage but also belies its futuristic appeal it has character aplenty.
If it is possible for a car to become an extension of a person, for a driver to be at one with the machine, the F-TYPE was that for me.
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Facts and Figures: 2019 Jaguar F-TYPE P380 R Dynamic Coupé
- Engine: 3.0L V6 Supercharged petrol producing 280kW/460Nm
- Transmission: Eight-speed sports automatic RWD
- Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000 km 3 Yrs. Roadside Assist
- Safety: TBA
- Origin: England
- Price: From $158,778 MLP* $173,598 MLP* as tested.
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.