2019 Jaguar F-TYPE Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

Infotainment system offers larger touchscreen with improved graphicsAdditional driver aids (automatic braking, lane keeping assist) now come standardPart of the first F-Type generation introduced for 2014

　　Loud, raucous and not exceptionally practical, the Jaguar F-Type remains one of our favorite sports-car indulgences. Its gorgeous shape and proportions are among the best on the road and belie the precise, aggressive tendencies lurking under the hood and sheet metal. But that doesn't mean the 2019 F-Type isn't a pragmatic choice. Indeed, with four-, six- and eight-cylinder engine choices, there's an F-Type for all driving styles.

　　The F-Type's range extends to its multiple configurations. It's available as a convertible or a coupe, with rear- or all-wheel drive, and offers both manual and paddle-shifted automatic transmissions. You can get it in one of 24 combinations, in fact, which befits the kind of tailored class of cars to which it belongs.

　　For 2019, the F-Type's infotainment system — significantly upgraded last year — is further refined with a 10-inch touchscreen and improved graphics. Also, some driver aids now come standard on all trim levels and include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and a drowsy-driver alert system.

　　Drivers who seek maximum exhilaration need only consider the two 500-plus-horsepower V8 trims, which are brash, loud and blistering fast. On the other end of the spectrum is the 296-hp four-cylinder trim, which balances performance and fuel efficiency with the Jag's incomparable style. The V6, available in 340-hp and 380-hp versions, is our pick since it represents the best balance of the F-Type's charms.

　　While the F-Type isn't exactly cheap, it's still a relative bargain compared to some of its German and Japanese rivals.

　　

What's it's like to live with?

For more information on the Jaguar F-Type of this generation, read about our experiences from a full year of living with our long-term 2015 Jaguar F-Type R. We had some mixed reactions to seat comfort, but we almost unanimously loved this F-Type for its brash engine and exhaust notes. The 2019 F-Type R has a newer infotainment system and more safety features and is only offered with all-wheel drive. Our 2015 long-term test was conducted with the rear-wheel-drive model that was discontinued. In terms of overall spirit, though, they're the same.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.1 / 10

　　In a world of sensible cars that sometimes drive themselves, the Jaguar F-Type remains one of our favorite sports-car indulgences. It's loud, raucous and not exceptionally practical, yet its gorgeous shape and proportions belie the precise, aggressive tendencies lurking under the metal.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Jaguar F-Type Coupe (2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.1 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	7.0
Interior	6.5
Utility	6.5
Technology	7.0

　　

Driving

7.0

　　The underlying F-Type architecture provides a sporty driving experience no matter which engine you choose. Our P380 R-Dynamic tester featured an all-wheel-drive system that was willing to let the tail slide out, much to our editors' appreciation. The steering feels a touch light but it's still communicative, and the car responds quickly to inputs.

　　But despite the P380 boasting nearly 100 more horsepower, its 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds is only 0.2 second quicker than a previously tested four-cylinder F-Type. Every one of this trim's similarly priced competitors is faster and smoother to drive on a daily basis. And, at 113 feet, the panic-stopping distance is a little longer than average.

　　

Comfort

7.0

　　Like many competitive sports cars, the F-Type strikes a good balance between performance and comfort. Our tester's standard adaptive dampers do a good job controlling body motions, and the ride is neither pillowy soft nor jittery, even in Dynamic mode. The performance seats are similarly comfortable and have better padding than those in the F-Type R or SVR.

　　The climate controls are simply laid out, but the automatic setting is lacking. Set to auto on a brisk morning, the fans never rose above a whisper with the system set to 80 degrees. Wind and tire noise is ever-present, but it's the engine noise that can get grating after a while.

　　

Interior

6.5

　　The cabin might feel accommodating to anyone stepping out of a Miata, but there's less headroom and legroom than in other sport coupes. While the driver's seat offers a good range of adjustment, taller drivers will have to slouch down to avoid rubbing against the headliner. Getting in and out is difficult for passengers of all sizes due to the small door openings, wide sills and deeply inset footwells.

　　Visibility can be lacking on low-slung sport coupes, but the F-Type is worse than most, especially when you look rearward. Our tester was equipped with the new infotainment system released in mid-2019. Overall, it's snappier than the previous system, but its interface still requires considerable driver attention.

　　

Utility

6.5

　　Even by the low bar set for this class, the F-Type doesn't offer much in the way of cabin or cargo storage. It has less storage overall than a Porsche Cayman, but the Jaguar can hold a large suitcase without compromising rear visibility. It can't, however, hold a standard set of golf clubs. The Audi TT RS has a smaller cargo area, but its rear seats can fold to increase capacity. Competitors with trunks can hold more than the F-Type and often feature folding rear seats.

　　In-cabin storage is meager. The center console is shallow, the cupholders aren't much better, and the door pockets are slim and simply too small. There is a net between the seats, but with limited capacity, it is fairly useless and hard to reach.

　　

Technology

7.0

　　Jaguar has taken big steps over the last few years to enhance its tech offerings. Navigation is pretty easy to use, and although it doesn't give you directional info (e.g., forward 1.2 miles), it does mark search results on the map. The default sound system is good by sports car standards, but mostly because others don't place a high priority on audio quality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is now standard, but the Jag's buggy infotainment system meant CarPlay didn't always connect. Shockingly, there are no native voice controls, so you'll have to use the one provided through your smartphone.

　　The F-Type has numerous standard safety aids that work well overall, but blind-spot monitoring is optional. Adaptive cruise is not offered.

　　

Which F-TYPE does zzdcar recommend?

　　A V6-powered F-Type can feel like a cold shower after you've sampled the V8, but we'd still pick one to live with every day. The 340-horsepower V6 can feel a bit strained, but the 380-hp P380 hits the sweet spot between daily thrill and fuel consumption (or traffic citation-induced) poverty. We'd order it with the automatic transmission (the six-speed manual isn't too impressive), all-wheel drive for wet and dry handling prowess, and the Climate 2 package so we could have both heated and ventilated seats

　　

2019 Jaguar F-TYPE models

　　The 2019 Jaguar F-Type is a two-seat luxury sports car available as a coupe or convertible. It comes in P300, P340, P380, R-Dynamic, R and SVR trim levels with subvariations in between. The 300-named models can be optioned up handsomely, but power hounds will want the preternatural V8 performance of the R and SVR trims.

　　The F-Type P300 starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (296 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. This is the only configuration available with the four-cylinder.

　　Features include 18-inch alloy wheels, an active sport exhaust, LED headlights and taillights, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding heated side mirrors and rear parking sensors. Inside, you'll find push-button ignition, cruise control, leather and microsuede upholstery, power-adjustable seats with memory settings, a power-adjustable and leather-wrapped steering wheel (with attached paddle shifters for automatic transmission models), rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.

　　Tech features include Bluetooth and USB connections, a 10-inch touchscreen navigation system with real-time traffic and routing, and a Meridian sound system with satellite radio, along with driver safety aids that include automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

　　Opting for the P340 boosts engine power to 340 hp (332 lb-ft of torque) via a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (340 hp, 332 lb-ft of torque) paired to a choice of six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　The P380 offers a higher-output engine (380 hp, 339 lb-ft), optional all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, a limited-slip differential and upgraded brakes.

　　A step up from that is the P380 R-Dynamic, which adds a driver-selectable active exhaust — which opens up the exhaust flow for more dramatic sound and effect — and various gloss black exterior trim pieces.

　　The R trim is a significant leap upward, substituting a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine (550 hp, 502 lb-ft) paired to the eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Features include 20-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, gloss black exterior trim, auto-dimming side mirrors, keyless entry, leather sport seats, and leather-wrapped panels, console and steering wheel.

　　The top-trim SVR uses a higher-output V8 (575 hp, 516 lb-ft) and adds a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, upgraded interior trim, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and front parking sensors.

　　The options list is long, but highlights include the carbon-ceramic brakes, heated and ventilated seats, upgraded leather upholstery, a Meridian surround-sound audio system, and additional driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. A carbon-fiber roof or a fixed panoramic sunroof and a power liftgate are available for all coupe models.

　　

2019 F-TYPE Highlights

Type: SVRCoupeConvertibleRCoupe

　　Trim: Base340 HP380 HPR-DynamicRSVRBase

　　

Base MSRP	$60,750
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$181/month
Seating	2 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles