Jaguar F-Type S 380 CV, road test (Engine, performance, handling and consumption)

In the automotive world there are cars and there are machines. Within the second category there are machines that, in addition to offering sportiness, also offer a luxurious and exclusive atmosphere. That is how we would describe the sports roadster we tested at Highmotor.

The F-Type is a convertible full of energy, a worthy successor to the Jaguar E-Type, though in convertible form. Its exterior design evokes the British classic: simplicity and at the same time elegance are the two models’ common points, along with their sportiness.

Rarely has a car surprised me so much. This one has not only surprised me but won me over, the F-Type gets under your skin. I couldn’t say whether it’s because of its untamable sportiness (ideal for enjoying on circuits and less suited to our roads full of paparazzi aboard the Seat Exeo and the like), its bold design, or its carefully crafted interior, where quality takes centre stage.

Engine and performance

340 CV or 380 CV? The Jaguar F-Type relies on powerful turbocharged petrol engines to move the English feline. The entry-level engine already has 340 CV, and in the case of the F-Type S the power rises to 380 CV. In both cases the engine is a three-litre turbocharged V6, with a maximum torque of 460 Nm, which gives an idea of the acceleration capability of this sports car.

As soon as we get in, we place the key in a recess in the centre console and press an orange button also located on the centre console, and at that moment, on start-up, the revs rise to the cut-off and we hear the V6 roar. That’s when we realise the feline has character (and plenty of it). The sound can be even more spectacular if you opt for the active sport exhaust system (an optional extra), which uses a valve in the two rear exhaust outlets to make our V6 sound like a V8 and emit a constant roar.

During the first few metres, we already notice that acceleration is its strong point; just pressing the accelerator pins us to the seat with great ease. The engine’s response is there from very low revs, at 2,000 rpm it already pushes, and it does so consistently up to 6,500 rpm.

Overtaking or joining a motorway are things the F-Type does in a matter of seconds. In fact, the large torque it has (460 Nm) is available between 3,500 and 5,000 rpm. It needs only 4.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, and the top speed is electronically limited to 275 km/h.

Paired with the engine is an eight-speed XF automatic gearbox, which can be operated with the centre console lever or the paddles behind the steering wheel. The gearbox works impeccably: if we drive calmly it keeps the car low in revs and shifts quickly, while if we decide to be more dynamic, the response is again quick and in line with what one expects from a sports car of this kind.

A curious detail is the presence of Start&Stop. I suppose that having it helps them homologate tighter urban consumption figures, but it is at least striking that a 380 CV sports car switches off at traffic lights.

And sportiness is not at odds with smoothness; it is a six-cylinder unit and that is noticeable. If we drive calmly (and have the active exhaust system disconnected), the F-Type is a refined, smooth and very pleasant car to drive.

Handling: designed for the circuit

The Jaguar F-Type is an emotional car, and I say so from the heart, because it makes you feel and enjoy driving to the maximum. But of course, given its power, it also belongs to the select group of cars to enjoy on a circuit.

It is a nervous and fun car, with plenty of stability even at high speeds, but in corners it is lively and the ESP leaves a lot of room for manoeuvre, barely intervening. For this very reason, I again think the best place to have fun with it is a good circuit. That said, after testing it on a demanding road, the condition of our unit’s tyres (which were fitted with Pirelli P-Zero) was not good enough to push it fully, although you can tell the rear is light.

On the road it is comfortable, the suspension is firm but never uncomfortable, and above 96 km/h the rear spoiler deploys to provide greater stability on the rear axle. The brakes match the power and size, very effective in all kinds of situations.

It also features a customisable Dynamic mode, which lets you select the response of the gearbox, throttle, steering weight and suspension. On the S and V8, the suspension adapts to our driving style by varying its firmness, or we can adjust it manually.

Consumption

This section surprised us: we expected a high-performance car but also high consumption, and it seems we were wrong about the latter. On the motorway, we averaged 8.3 litres per 100 km, a low figure for a car of this type.

Meanwhile, on country roads, along our usual test route it hovered around 9-10 litres per 100 km, again a low and very sensible figure. In town is where consumption rises a little more, up to 14 litres per 100 km.

In the second part of the test we will analyse the exterior design of this British convertible with plenty of character, as well as review its carefully finished interior (for two lucky people only) and its boot, where it’s best not to carry too much luggage (196 litres of capacity).

Photos | Diego G. Moreira

Technical specifications of this car

RoadsterJaguar F-Type8 versions · from 82,600 €