Jaguar F-Type S 380 hp, road test (Exterior design, interior and finishes)

We continue with our particular feline, a rather wild feline. In the first part of the test we told you everything about the performance and handling of the Jaguar F-Type, as well as reviewing the virtues of its powerful 380 hp petrol engine and its consumption.

And in this second part of the test we turn to the design, another area where the F-Type stands out: a car that does not go unnoticed on the street and turns heads wherever it goes. It is a daring design, but the end result gives the car a great deal of personality. We also need to talk about the interior and the finishes (we can already say they are first class). The interior, however, is only suitable for two occupants and little luggage.

Exterior design

The F-Type is the roadster version of the CX-16 concept presented two years ago at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. In fact, the coupé version of the F-Type we already know is closely based on the concept shown at that show.

The front end is aggressive, highlighted by its very low ride height and the generous air intakes on the sides, which give it a sporty character. The grille carries the S badge, indicating that this is the 380 hp version.

The bonnet is considerably sized, as is normal to house a V6 or the powerful V8. The bonnet opening is notable, hinging in the opposite direction to any other car. On the side, the first thing that catches the eye is the door handles, which are integrated and pop out automatically when the car is unlocked and retract again when it is closed.

The underbody protection stands out, with a plastic guard, because the car is quite low and can easily scrape in garages or over speed bumps. The soft top, as is typical of a convertible, is fabric; it insulates very well and is quick both to lower and to raise.

As for the wheels, the feline uses 19-inch rims with low-profile tyres on both axles, perfect for the road and for making the most of the car’s performance. The brake discs, 380 mm at the front and 326 mm at the rear, have black calipers bearing the Jaguar name and deliver excellent braking.

The bodywork and chassis are made almost entirely of aluminium, giving the structure great rigidity. At the rear, the slim LED headlights frame the tail, along with the two large exhaust outlets. The rear spoiler is also present: it rises automatically above 96 km/h, or can be raised from a button on the centre console.

Interior design

The interior takes care of every detail for the two occupants on board, the sports seats on our test unit are an extra, but practically everything else is standard. The dashboard is almost entirely trimmed in leather, the materials and finishes are sublime, and the design is quite avant-garde.

The touchscreen controls the navigation and multimedia system; below it is the climate control, and on the centre console the gear lever stands out (it is not a rotary dial like in other Jaguar) along with the various buttons that control the dynamics, Start&Stop, spoiler and active exhaust.

The driving position is low; the sports seats hold the body well, are comfortable even for a long journey, offer multiple adjustments, and even the side support is adjustable. Forward visibility is compromised by the small windscreen and rearward visibility by the wind deflector, although it is acceptable.

Storage and boot

The F-Type has several storage spaces spread throughout the cabin, none of them especially large, but altogether there are plenty of places to leave your things. The door pockets are small, a small diary barely fits; the main glovebox is large, and there are several cup holders on the centre console, a space between the seats, the central tray and the gap between the seats and the boot.

What we find improvable is the boot, with a total capacity of 196 litres, and its shape is not very practical, and when I say it is not very practical, I mean that two hand luggage bags do not fit, or fit only very tightly. It is shallow, and has a deep area where a single bag barely fits. If you want to go away for the weekend with it, pack light.

In the third part of the test we will analyse the equipment, both standard and safety, as well as the prices of the Jaguar F-Type, and we will bring the test to a close with our verdict on this British sports car.

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Photos: Diego G. Moreira

Technical specifications of this car

RoadsterJaguar F-Type8 versions · from 82,600 €