Jaguar F-Type S 380 hp, road test (Equipment, price and assessment)

All good things come to an end, and we have to bring to a close a road test that has left a lasting mark on us. Over the past week we have told you everything about the Jaguar F-Type S that we have tested, a powerful English convertible with 380 CV that delivers driving fun behind the wheel.

In the first part of the test we analyzed the engine, a powerful 380 CV turbo V6, along with the handling and fuel consumption of the F-Type. In the second part of the test we reviewed the striking and distinctive exterior design, while also analyzing the interior of this two-seater. And now, in the third part, we turn to the equipment, the safety features and the prices, and we close with our overall assessment.

Equipment

As always, our review of the equipment begins with the safety features that come as standard on the car. In this case the F-Type comes with: front and side airbags, emergency brake assist, roll-over protection bars, ABS, stability control, a pedestrian protection system in the event of impact, and a “High Performance Jaguar” braking system with 380 mm (19″) discs at the front and 325 mm (17″) at the rear, with black brake calipers, among other elements. We have no results from the Euro NCAP tests because the car was not submitted for testing. As for safety equipment, the blind-spot warning for the mirrors (164 euros) can be added as an option, while standard features also include Bi-xenon front headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Among the standard equipment of the F-Type S, the following highlights stand out: multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen (although satnav is an extra and Bluetooth is another extra), LED rear lights, automatic climate control (although dual-zone is an extra), configurable ambient interior lighting, a 5-inch colour TFT instrument panel, and electrically adjustable seats, among other features. Certain extras draw a lot of attention, such as the two-zone climate control, automatic air recirculation or parking sensors. In our view, on a car priced close to 100,000 euros, these should be standard.

Within the optional equipment on our unit, there is the Jaguar 180 W sound system with 6 speakers, a decent system, and also the navigation system with hard drive and Bluetooth, which together come to 3,756 euros for the pack. Mind you, from the touchscreen we can control everything, from the navigation, the climate control and the on-board computer, and it includes several apps to measure G-forces and even a stopwatch to record lap times on track.

Another notable detail among the optional equipment are the seats on our unit, sports seats in leather with multiple adjustments, but with a final price of 3,420 euros. The active exhaust, which we already discussed in the first part, is also optional, at a very affordable price of 266 euros.

Prices of the Jaguar F-Type

• F-TYPE V6 3.0 Convertible 84,400 euros
• F-TYPE S V6 3.0 Convertible 97,500 euros
• F-TYPE S V8 5.0 Convertible 114,600 euros

The final price of our test unit, with the extras, comes to 112,431 euros. Among the optional equipment are: Vision Pack, Technology Pack, Convenience Pack, Seat Memory Pack and Climate Pack.

Overall Assessment

The Jaguar F-Type is a sports car built to win hearts. I recommend that anyone who can afford one try it first and sit inside one. The feeling that wraps around you the moment you sit down and start it multiplies after the first few kilometres, and in the end it becomes a very addictive sports car.

The F-Type S’s 380 CV engine is more than enough for those seeking sportiness. It is a well-judged middle ground between the 320 CV of the entry-level V6 and the powerful 495 CV V8. That said, whichever engine you choose, you had better live near a circuit, because that is where you will have the most fun with this feline. With 495 CV (or less) in the F-Type, it is dangerous to venture onto our roads and come back with all your licence points intact.

One detail that surprised us is the low consumption of our unit, since it could cruise on the motorway at around 8 litres per 100 km, a very good figure for the performance and power of the car.

If there are not many drawbacks mechanically, there are even fewer in terms of design. Jaguar has produced a very eye-catching car, with clean lines yet something different. Inside, the quality matches the price paid. The boot, however, could do with some more thought to distribute its 196 litres better.

The only area for improvement is the optional equipment, since there are features we believe should be standard. Otherwise, the Jaguar F-Type will not disappoint anyone looking for a sports car that is different and full of character, without giving up good finishes and premium quality.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira and test team

Technical specifications of this car

RoadsterJaguar F-Type8 versions · from 82,600 €