Test Car Specifications
Model tested: Jaguar F-Type 75 P450 Convertible
Pricing: From £83,920
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body style: two-door, two-seat roadster
CO2 emissions: 240g/km
Combined economy: 26.9mpg
Top speed: 177mph
0-62mph: 4.6 seconds
Power: 450hp
Torque: 580Nm
Boot space: 233 litres
Styling
In truth, the 75 edition doesn't add much to the F-Type's design, but there are a few stylistic touches that set the special edition apart from other models in the range. Chief among these is the new black badging that replaces the old red 'Growler' logos on the wheel centres and the front grille. There are some smart little F-Type silhouettes dotted around, too, giving another subtle hint to the car's status. And, for those that want it, there's the new green paintwork, which is exclusively available on the 75 models, alongside an array of other paint colours.
Interior
By the same token, the 75's cabin is much the same as that of the standard F-Type, albeit with a few more F-Type silhouettes on the dashboard and the door sills. That's a mixed blessing, though, because the F-Type's interior looks great, but it has more than its fair share of foibles.
Perhaps the biggest problem is the steering wheel, which is still adorned with the same cheap-feeling switchgear found on the F-Type back in 2013. Jaguar has managed to sort that out in other models, but to our dismay, the F-Type's wheel somehow survives. Then there's the other switchgear, which is also a bit too rough and ready for a car that costs more than £80,000.
That aside, though, the F-Type still feels relatively modern, thanks in part to Jaguar Land Rover's touchscreen infotainment systems, which are considerably more contemporary than the system with which the F-Type launched. It still has its issues, of course, and a Porsche system is certainly more user-friendly, but at least the Jaguar doesn't feel like a dinosaur in that company.
Practicality
Unsurprisingly, the F-Type is not the most practical car on the market, particularly in Convertible form. The boot officially measures 233 litres, but it's a shallow space with an uneven floor and it isn't especially easy to access. Fitting suitcases in is difficult, but it'll take a reasonable number of soft bags if they're well packed. Certainly, you'll fit enough in there to have a weekend away for two. And it will just be two, because there are no rear seats. On the plus side, though, there's ample space for those two occupants inside with the roof up or down, and the roof doesn't eat into the boot space when it's down. The cabin isn't even blustery when the roof is down, thanks to the useful wind deflector between the head restraints.
Performance
Although the 2.0-litre F-Type survives, the more desirable V8s are the only ones offered in 75 form. That means you get a straight choice between the high-performance, all-wheel-drive R, which squeezes 575hp from its 5.0-litre supercharged V8, or the P450 tested here. That uses the same V8 engine, but ‘only’ gets 450hp and customers can choose whether they want their car to be rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
For us, the all-wheel-drive P450 is probably the one to have, with its seemingly less neutered engine note, as well as ample performance. Getting from 0-62mph takes 4.6 seconds, which is more than fast enough, and you get the security of all-wheel-drive in wet weather, although the rear-drive car’s fat rear tyres are more than sticky enough to prevent too much waywardness in the dry.
But the real joy of the F-Type – particularly in the Convertible – is the noise. That V8 snarls and roars its way through the rev range, and the exhaust pops and bangs on the overrun. Admittedly, it doesn’t sound quite as raucous as the original thanks to emissions legislation, but it’s still an assault on the eardrums.
Ride & Handling
The F-Type has always been a great car to drive, and with no mechanical changes to shout about, the 75 edition is much the same. Great balance, fantastic steering and tight body control characterise the experience, which really is very close to that of a Porsche 911. Perhaps the Porsche is more refined and precise – the F-Type still feels a bit brutal in its old-school way – but that’s the main difference. Both are enormously good fun on the right road.
Jaguar’s suspension people have done a good job, too, managing not only to control the car’s movement in corners but also smoothing out some of the bumps in the road. Of course, the F-Type isn’t quite comfortable – it’s still pretty stiff and that makes a difference on town-centre streets – but it’s more than tolerable on the motorway, even with its sporty-looking seats.
Of course, the driving modes have some influence, with Dynamic mode making the car feel a little tighter and more lively, but the difference isn’t enormous. It still retains that great sense of sports car balance and GT car comfort, which puts it on a par with the Aston Martin Vantage. Considering the F-Type is significantly cheaper, that’s quite the accolade.
Value
The F-Type range starts at £62,235 for the Coupe and £67,825 for the Convertible. But that only pays for the 2.0-litre R-Dynamic models. If you want a V8, you'll have to upgrade to the 75, which means spending a minimum of £78,330 for the Coupe or £83,920 for the Convertible. That's still relatively cheap compared with a Porsche 911, which starts at £89,800 for the basic Carrera, which is no better equipped, even if it does feel a bit better built.
Verdict
In truth, the F-Type 75 doesn't have much going for it over the outgoing models, but that does not detract from the enduring appeal of the F-Type. The current generation is more refined than its predecessors, and arguably less exciting as a result, but it's still a cracking sports car. And for our money, this 450hp V8 is the one to go for. Get one while you still can.
