Test Drive – Jaguar F-Type Convertible P300: the Coventry « Cat-uar »

In the automotive world, few models have designs that can forgo an update to compensate for the passage of years. However, there are some exceptions on which time seems to have no hold. The Jaguar F-Type is one of them.

Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2012 and slightly updated in 2017, the British sports car underwent a significant redesign late last year instead of an entirely new model. The most notable changes primarily concern the front end and multimedia equipment.

The range of engines has also undergone a revamp. Thus, the very melodious V6 engine has been forced to bow out in favor of a turbocharged 4-cylinder (to the dismay of purists). While this news alone might make your Earl Grey go down the wrong way, rest assured that the engineers of “Her Majesty” have had the good taste to preserve the V8 and even introduce a new one.

Design

The “new” F-Type still features a rigid and lightweight chassis based on a fully aluminum double-wishbone suspension. The weight reduction of 52 kg compared to the old 340 hp V6 results from the adoption of the “Ingenium” engine. It allows better use of the new adjustments made by the development teams but proves to be anecdotal when considering that the P300 convertible weighs no less than 1,615 kg.

Only offered in rear-wheel drive and supported by a highly efficient 8-speed automatic transmission named “Quickshift,” the modest 2 L turbocharged 4-cylinder still develops 300 hp at 5,500 rpm and has 400 Nm of torque. Its fuel consumption in the combined cycle is rated at 9.6 L/100 km (WLTP standard) and its CO2 emissions at 217 g/km (WLTP standard). Although these figures are better than those of the V6 it replaces, this newcomer does not excel in fuel efficiency or low emissions.

But beyond these figures and a name straight out of a pharmacy dispensary, this new motorization aims to be above all innovative. This is evidenced by an electro-hydraulic distribution directly integrated into the cylinder head. This patented technology allows for variable control of the intake valve lift, which benefits the optimization of the power/torque ratio across the entire range of speeds.

As standard, the F-Type comes with brakes measuring 355 mm in diameter at the front and 325 mm at the rear. These prove to be effective and relatively enduring during sustained driving. Additionally, note that all 4-cylinder models with 19″ or 20″ wheels can optionally be equipped with the “Jaguar Super Performance” braking system. The discs then increase to 380 mm at the front and 376 mm at the rear.

Our test model was set on very beautiful 19” wheels with 5 double spokes, equipped with Pirelli P-ZERO tires mounted in 245/40 R19 at the front and 275/35 R19 at the rear, and draped in a “Bluefire Blue” metallic color.

Exterior design

Without conceding anything to neo-retro design, the lines of the first-generation F-Type paid tribute to its illustrious predecessor, the E-Type. The second generation, for its part, embraces a form of departure.

Although the almond-shaped profile and the sleekness of the rear, so characteristic of Coventry convertibles since 1961, are preserved, the front evolves without much concern for the past.

This is evident in the optical blocks that have been thoroughly redesigned. Not only have they slimmed down and shifted to a horizontal orientation, but they have also been pushed as far as possible to the sides, helping to emphasize the width of the vehicle. The new ultra-thin LED daytime running lights feature a “J” shape signature, and the turn signals now have a scrolling effect.

The grille, the side scoops, and the (fake) hood vents are significantly widened. They thus give more presence (but also more plastic) to the convertible.

If you observe it from the front, the Englishwoman’s gaze is intimidating. It resembles that of a feline slightly tilting its head towards the ground and crouching just before pouncing. Some may see a resemblance to an Aston Martin, but you’ll agree there are worse associations.

From the side, the long hood ends at a very sloped windshield, not altering the fluidity of the line. The fenders are adorned with chrome vents (still faux) where the famous spotted predator seems eager to nestle.

In their extension and just below the waistline, very beautiful flush handles are hidden, revealing the name “Jaguar” in full letters once deployed.

When folded down, the top fits into a compartment positioned behind two silver-gray aluminum hoops that elegantly contrast with the metallic “Bluefire Blue” color.

The sweep of the broad rear wings finally guides the eye to the gently evolving lights. Their light signature is now more angular, and its design, according to Jaguar, resembles a chicane.

The retractable spoiler adds a hint of sportiness, otherwise revealing your speed to passersby, but cannot boast any aesthetic virtue.

The centrally chrome-plated exhaust pipe reveals a dual-line outlet and lacks as much finesse as the imposing rear diffuser suffers from the absence of more noble materials.

The new Jaguar convertible gains in aggressiveness what it loses in subtle charm and elegance, but it does not make us forget the model it replaces. Because, let’s be honest, Ian Callum’s original design still turns many heads.

Life on board

At first glance, it is difficult to distinguish the new interior from the old one as the changes are few, at least before turning on the ignition.

Once you step over the aluminum door threshold bearing the brand’s seal, you observe a very austere general presentation. Only the heated steering wheel and the electric seats adorned with leather and suede might lead you to admit that this interior is “warm.”

Comfortably seated, one notices the presence of some carefully crafted details such as the discreet mention “Jaguar Est.1935” on the center console, the surround of the glove compartment button, and the leather belt loops.

The opening kinematics of the central air vents at startup always has a little impact but isn’t enough to make up for the mediocre quality of some plastics on the central console and its satellite controls. It’s a shame, since most of the adjustments and the overall assembly quality are acceptable.

The new 12.3” HD TFT dashboard housed behind the leather steering wheel introduces digital gauges instead of traditional needles. Responsive and with very good definition, it offers different display types, each tailored to the driving profile you select.

The 10” central touchscreen does not offer the same display quality but remains quite responsive and pleasant to use. Its “Touch Pro” infotainment system now includes “Apple Car Play” and “Android Auto,” allowing users to enjoy the “Meridian” audio system, whose performance has been improved.

The F-Type convertible may have been designed for just 2, but it can still prove to be practical. Its occupants have access to a rather generous glove compartment, storage bins under the armrests, nets for holding small items, and even hooks for hanging a jacket or a bag.

For the rest of your personal effects, being among the Top 10 players in the world of “Tetris” might be useful given how bizarre the trunk’s available space layout is.

Motorization and road behavior

In the chapter of mechanics, the history of the new F-Type will be written without the lamented V6. The necessity to comply with the directives issued by European institutions with authority on environmental issues proved fatal for it. Jaguar had to level its range of engines downward in order to limit its CO2 emissions as much as possible, but also, and above all, the financial penalties the brand faces. Thus, the “Ingenium” engine was born.

From the roars of the V8 to the fading voice of the 4-cylinder, Jaguar thus assumes a polarization of its engine offerings that is difficult to understand. Without a real intermediate proposal resulting from a “reasonable” compromise, we go from one extreme to the other and question the relevance of positioning a V8 in the mid-range instead of the former V6.

The brand’s leaders maintain that: “the combination of the all-aluminum two-seater sports car with a 2.0 L turbo engine delivering 300 hp embodies the DNA of a Jaguar, with increased agility, greater efficiency, and better accessibility. It’s a true F-Type with its own character.”

But what happens if we confront these talking points with the reality of the facts?

First, the 120 kgs that separate the V8 of the P450 from the 4-cylinder of the P300 indeed play in favor of “increased agility” and “greater efficiency.”

Then, regarding “accessibility,” note that in 2013, the convertible equipped with the 340 hp V6 was sold starting at €73,800. The new “Ingenium” engine lowers the entry price to €71,550. This price difference is insufficient for the financial argument to be valid (especially considering the €20,000 penalty it faces in 2020).

Finally, if we consider the “DNA of Jaguar” and the idea that the P300 has “its own character,” enthusiasts of the brand would tend to disagree, and we couldn’t fully fault them. Let’s be blunt, the F-Type with this engine is taciturn and lacks soul. It doesn’t roar; it barely purrs.

In terms of performance, the British convertible does have dynamic qualities to boast. It completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds, its top speed peaks at 250 km/h, and the power of 300 hp, as well as the maximum torque of 400 Nm, is delivered from 1,500 rpm up to 5,500 rpm.

The F-Type P300 is exclusively offered in rear-wheel drive with an 8-speed “Quickshift” automatic transmission. It provides genuine driving pleasure and adapts to any pace you set. We particularly appreciated its smoothness in the city and its speed at high pace. The revving up to the red zone is never hindered by forced gear changes like with some competitors.

The aluminum paddles (option at €357) follow the steering wheel movements and offer an almost immediate response at all revs. Once the active exhaust is unleashed and the “Dynamic” mode selected, they will allow you to extend the turbo lag and reward your ears with a few growls and crackles during deceleration and downshifting.

The “Sport” mode, on the other hand, allows you to push the four cylinders to their limits. The suspension firms up without ever being too harsh, the accelerations become more assertive, and the gears shift as quickly as the points on your license could disappear.

The braking is not left behind and gave us complete satisfaction during our test. Enduring and precise, it inspires confidence and never let us down despite the heavy weight of the convertible (1,615 kg). Only the somewhat uninformative steering sometimes prompts premature slowing down.

The elegant convertible is neither a radical sports car nor a true GT. While the P300 doesn’t have a place on a racetrack or in mountain hairpins, it could nevertheless allow you to swiftly reach “The Cotswolds” in southwestern England with a very wide smile on your face.

Did you know?

The new F-Type P300 inaugurates the first “real” in-house 4-cylinder petrol engine from the English firm. Indeed, since 1948 and the abandonment of this type of engine initially intended to power the XK 100 (to provide a less expensive alternative to the iconic XK 120), the vast majority of 4-cylinders marketed by Jaguar were derived from Ford blocks.

Not only was it developed internally, proving to be innovative and the most powerful four-cylinder petrol engine ever housed under the hood of a production Jaguar, the new 300 hp “Ingenium” also boasts the highest specific output of all engines in the F-Type range, with 150 hp per liter.

More surprisingly, the electro-hydraulic distribution system, directly integrated into the cylinder head and serving a variable control of the intake valve lift, is quite largely inspired by the “MultiAir” technology, owned by FIAT and Alfa Romeo. In both cases, combustion is optimized and (theoretically) fuel consumption is reduced at low load.

Conclusion

Equipped with only 4 small cylinders, the English convertible seems voiceless compared to the late former V6 and the new V8 that accompanies it. It is thus more like a “Bengal” cat than the formidable feline it is named after.

This car nevertheless affects you like an amuse-bouche: your gaze is immediately impacted by its polished presentation, you imagine its flavor even before you have it, its shapes and colors leave you anticipating a bold character, but once acquired, you want more and are left wanting.

It is ultimately impossible to overlook this fact: the new “Ingenium” engine was assigned to it under constraint. That of an era where politically correct movements deprive vehicles on the fringes of global automobile production of a true soul.

The Jaguar F-Type Convertible P300, like others, falls short and is no more convincing in terms of ecology than in terms of sportiness and pure driving pleasure. Only its prestigious emblem, its incomparable design, and its almost magnetic charm can make you forget its lack of mechanical nobility and just how desirable it remains despite everything.

The numbers

Positive points

• The sublime and timeless design;
• Up-to-date technological features;
• Ease of handling;
• The pleasantness of the engine despite its lack of “nobility”;
• The effectiveness and versatility of the 8-speed “Quickshift” transmission;
• Suspension comfort;
• The standard equipment offering.

Negative points

• The disappearance of the V6 engine;
• The lack of sound from the 4-cylinder engine;
• The significant weight for a car with a sporty intent;
• The high base price;
• The moderate agility;
• The uninformative steering;
• The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions leading to a penalty of €20,000 (!)

The photos from our trial