Jaguar F-Type coupe

The Jaguar F-Type first appeared in 2013, taking the place of the Jaguar XK, the long-awaited spiritual successor to the magnificent Jaguar E-Type that was discontinued over 40 years ago. Thankfully the F-Type didn't disappoint – it had all the style and performance that enthusiasts long for – but even after updates to the model range in the autumn of 2018, it was beginning to lag behind some of its German rivals.

To bring the F-Type up to date, the latest version was launched in January 2020. It’s an 'all-new' model according to Jaguar but in truth it’s actually a very significant facelift. The updated model features thoroughly modernised,more aggressive styling, including Jaguar's latest nose design, and there are new arch-filling 20-inch alloy wheels.

The chassis was thoroughly reworked using some of the lessons learnt in creating the record-breaking XE Project 8 track-focused super saloon. The changes help the F-Type catch up with rivals in the dynamics department, giving it sharper handling and a new found agility, but it remains behind the Porsche 911. Interior technology is now more impressive thanks to a standard digital instrument display with switchable graphics and Jaguar's latest 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system.

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Mid-2017 saw the P300, a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol model, added to the F-Type range – a move met by many raised eyebrows. It produces 296bhp, which is not far short of the V6 models that have now been discontinued.

We review the 542bhp Jaguar F-Type R

A 5.0-litre V8 engine is also available. Used elsewhere in Land Rover models, it’s capable of delivering huge amounts of power. It produces 567bhp in the four-wheel drive F-Type R P575, which is enough for a startling 3.7-second 0-62mph time. New for 2020, there's also a rear-wheel drive 444bhp V8-badged 450 R-Dynamic that can do 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, which we think represents the sweet spot in the range. It's also available with four-wheel drive but enthusiasts are likely to prefer the rear-wheel drive model.

The introduction of the 2.0-litre model hugely increased the F-Type’s appeal – the previous entry-level 3.0-litre V6 looked rather expensive but the 2.0-litre is far more competitively priced against the four-cylinder Porsche 718 Cayman, as well as the Ford Mustang V8, whose iconic design makes it a left-field alternative. However, if you're after more of a grand tourer, the F-Type faces stiff competition from the new BMW 8 Series and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe, while the F-Type R P575 takes on the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.

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The F-Type is a comfortable car over long distances and passengers will be grateful for the 407 litres of boot space, which makes the F-Type one of the more practical cars in its class.

The F-Type also has a very long list of optional extras, which include many things you might have expected to be given as standard. This means you're very unlikely to pay the basic price for the car. Upgrades are available to the F-Type’s seats, brakes, steering wheel, alloy wheels and stereo system.

In many ways, the entry-level 2.0-litre F-Type is the best of all. Compared to the bigger-engined models, it’s lighter, more responsive and cheaper both to buy and run. So, like all the best sports cars, the pleasure of driving the F-Type can far outweigh the pain of paying for it.