If the F-Type is to be delivered in a style that fits the styling cues it leaves behind, then the boisterous R-Dynamic P450 RWD seems like a fitting farewell. Trent Nikolic samples the last great Jaguar sports car of the old world. In RWD guise too, it's exactly as it should be.
The Jaguar brand needs a little introduction – its position as one of the greatest sports car manufacturers of all time is indisputable. And, despite breaking from its traditional path, the brand's launch of the F-Type for the 2014 model year marks a return to form in a big way.
Stunning, muscular, powerful, RWD, and evocative, the F-Type is everything a Jaguar sports car should be. Importantly, the engine options available make it look more than just good.
Spending time with Jaguar's design team leading up to and following the launch of the F-Type, it's clear to see the task ahead of them. Designers know, and often bear the brunt, of what the public and brand fans can expect when a new model comes to fruition.
And, with the heritage of a brand like Jaguar, there is a heavy burden on the shoulders of the design team to not only look to the future but also respect the past.
At any given time in Australia, there is a wide range of models and specifications to choose from, as well as an impressive list of options. Testing the F-Type was an exercise in poring over spreadsheets and price lists. This means that no two F-Types you see in traffic are likely to be identical.
But that makes purchasing decisions a little messy. Now, as we say goodbye, the offering has been simplified to ensure it's easier than ever to choose the F-Type that suits you best.
With Jaguar set to switch to electric cars by 2025, the future is here now, and that means the legend is over. Let's say a reluctant goodbye to a future modern and classic icon.
How much does a Jaguar F-Type cost in Australia?
Finding a direct competitor for the F-Type is an interesting debate to have. On the one hand, Jaguar buyers want a Jaguar, so it's unlikely they'll spend too much time looking at other badges. However, when you look at the numbers and take the emotion out of it, several interesting alternatives present themselves as options.
The Chevrolet Corvette comes as a convertible, there's the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet, and the Lexus LC500 all have the same price. Convertibles may not be as popular as they were during the roadster's heyday, but there's a lot for buyers to consider in the premium market.
Our test F-Type started at $171,148 before options and on-road costs. With additional options, the price is $184,828 before on-road costs. Two coupe flavors are available, starting from $171,029 and $278,373 respectively before on-road costs. Last but not least is the fire-breathing R with AWD. One convertible model is available, at the prices listed above.
The exterior, nearly a decade later, is still a sensual sports car design study. You'd have to travel a very long way to find someone who finds the F-Type completely unattractive. On any road, in any company, no matter whether you're commuting or at a standstill, the F-Type is an eye-catcher – so much so that I found myself driving with the roof down to stay off the radar. the best I can.
Our test car got the $4740 Exterior Black Design Package, 20-inch five-spoke high-gloss black wheels, and red brake calipers for a little special touch. I remember testing the four-cylinder F-Type and thinking that it looked sensational in a minimalist way, so whether you could 'improve' it is up for debate.
Most importantly, the F-Type looks just as good with the roof up as with the roof down. Another feature we like – although it's not so obvious – is the distinctive front and rear DRLs. There's no doubt – even on a dark road – that this is a Jaguar F-Type.
Important details of the 2022 Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic P450 RWD
The price is $171,148 plus travel costs
The color of the Fire test car is blue
Exterior Black Design Package Option – $4740
12-way heated electric memory seats – $2630
20-inch gloss black rims – $1790
Dual-zone climate control – $1040
Red brake calipers – $1010
Wind deflector – $790
Aluminum paddle shift – $700
Premium cabin lighting – $560
Auto-dimming, heated, folding rearview mirror – $420
The price as tested was $184,828 plus on-road costs
Mercedes-AMG C43 Rival | Chevrolet Corvette | Lexus LC500
How much space does the Jaguar F-Type have inside?
The answer is not much, but what do you expect from a two-door compact sports car? Crucially, there's quite useful storage in the cabin for your wallet, keys, and phone, but if you're carrying a handbag, it'll be stowed in a seat or on the floor.
Or boot, of course, where you have a useful yet compact 233L of storage. The trunk is maximized by eliminating the space-saving spare, and instead, there's a tire repair kit for emergencies. Therefore, if you are a road cruiser, I think you should opt for at least a spacesaver backup to get you out of trouble.
The F-Type's cabin ambiance is enhanced by the premium cabin lighting installed on our test model, but it's worth noting that if you're above six feet, it can be a bit of a squeeze. You'll fit, but headroom is tight for passengers over that height. However, the way you can sit directly in the cabin is a positive, and very much in line with sports car expectations.
2022 Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic P450 RWD
Seating Two
Boot volume 233L
Length 4770mm
Width 1923mm
Height 1313mm
Wheelbase 2622mm
Does the Jaguar F-Type have Apple CarPlay?
The centerpiece of the onboard technology is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which the driver can customize to their preferences. There's also a 10-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment system and it worked well when we tested it. Graphically, and in terms of functionality, it's not on par with today's standard makers, but it works and is reliable. The satellite navigation display also looks a bit dated in terms of appearance.
But that won't be a problem for most of you, as it's accurate when you use it, and you also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a wired connection. We used both smartphones during testing, and both worked without problems. Many systems still suffer from dropout issues, but not Jaguar. I prefer using my phone's mapping rather than proprietary systems, and I think most of you will do the same.
DAB+ radio is also standard, and while the audio system isn't the exotic, optional premium audio system, it produces quality tunes even with the roof open, via a 10-speaker, two-subwoofer system.
Is the Jaguar F-Type a safe car?
The F-Type does not have an ANCAP rating for Australia, as it has not been tested by our local bodies or overseas by Euro NCAP. Therefore, the Jaguar F-Type is not alone, other sports cars such as the Porsche 911 and Lexus LC are also not included in the NCAP safety assessment. It's fair to say that other Jaguars, such as the XE tested in 2015, and the I-Pace tested in 2018, both achieved maximum five-star results.
What safety technologies does the Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic P450 RWD have?
Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking (from 5–80km/h, or up to 60km/h for pedestrian detection), lane keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, a driver attention monitor, and four airbags. The coupe gets six airbags. There's also a rear-view camera, which was clearly visible when we tested it.
Given the wealth of safety equipment we see on new vehicles (including Jaguars), it's fair to say that the old F-Type is a little thinner in terms of standard features in 2022.
How much does it cost to maintain a Jaguar F-Type?
Considering the five-year/unlimited kilometer warranty, and free servicing including servicing up to five years or 130,000km, the value of the F-Type once you own it is pretty hard to argue with. There is also roadside assistance for five years.
Anyone who buys an expensive European car should be heartened by the fact that, in this case, service and maintenance are included in the specified period. Of course, consumables still have to be paid for, so don't slam on the brakes and expect to get replacement pads or rotors for free.
Our F-Type would cost $3630.39 per year to insure based on a comparison quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
2022 Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic P450 RWD at a glance
Five-year guarantee, unlimited km
Service interval 12 months or 10,000km
Free service fees (5 years)
Is the Jaguar F-Type fuel efficient?
In fact, if you've read much about medium SUVs with hybrid drivetrains taking mid-5s around town, Jaguar's 10.6L/100km claim might seem a bit exaggerated. But considering the fire-breathing V8 engine and the theater that comes with it, our test result of 13.7L/100km is well below what we'd happily consume for a car of this type.
In short, would you really care if you bought an F-Type? Probably not.
What's it like to drive the Jaguar F-Type?
Regardless of how good the F-Type looks, the proof with a car like this is in the way it drives. For me, owners need to feel a thrill every time they get behind the wheel, and the F-Type delivers just that.
Styling is one thing, as is the driving position, the view out the windshield, the engine and exhaust note, and the thunderous way it picks up speed. There's no doubt the F-Type is a sensational driver's car.
There's a threatening idle, and often you'll press the exhaust button to open, so you can get as much of that gas into the cabin as possible. The engine's note, even at idle, provides some sort of clue as to what's hidden beneath its luxurious exterior.
In this case, the F-Type is capable. 0–100km/h takes just 4.6 seconds, and the top speed is 285km/h with the wind slightly damaging your hairstyle at that speed too. No problem, our tester had a $790 wind deflector.
Its 331kW and 580Nm keep the 1793kg F-Type moving with a serious scorch if you need or want it to, and it never feels slow on any road. You can coax the rear tires to let go easily if the electronics are turned off on the track, but with the tires operating on the road, it's a fun proposition no matter how challenging the road you're on.
With the supercharger gone, you also get a smooth kick in the rear, if such a thing exists, all the way to redline. While there's no turbo-charged savagery, there are reserves of power you'll never access on the road. As the revs increase, there's a rise in the bottom of the exhaust pipe that reminds you in a not-so-subtle way that there's some serious speed being achieved.
I love the way the F-Type strikes a balance between a modern muscle car and a classic front-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car. The steering is precise and responsive. It enters without asking for a key and sticks to the line you dictate.
While all-wheel drive is a smart choice for the wilder F-Type, purist I like this model for the purity of its rear-wheel drive. You won't easily forget that the F-Type is a wide and relatively weighty sports car, although it never feels slovenly. In fact, it largely hides the load it carries, especially on poor road surfaces.
Getting back to the wheel for a moment, there's a heft to it that I really like. Not over-assisted, but not too heavy either, it strikes a near-perfect balance between what we expect from it at low speeds in town, and what we ask from it at higher speeds in corners.
Despite being a drop-top, the F-Type's chassis is neatly controlled and there are no annoying shakes. The ride is firm, there's no getting away from it, but it's not harsh, even on rutted national park roads, with a suspension system that absorbs bumps easily and settles quickly too.
Whether at high speeds or around town, the eight-speed automatic is an excellent transmission. In AWD form, we found it behaved a little differently, but here, in RWD form, it shifts beautifully whether at full noise or more quietly. The same goes for high-speed manual gear shifts, with the automatic performing flawlessly. Hold the gear up to the red line, and it will immediately press against the next gear when you press the paddle.
Hit your favorite country road in the morning, lower the apex, and turn your nose around the corner. This is a great deal on any street, any day of the week. If you measure a car based on your desire to make the longest trip home, the F-Type is a phenomenon.
Important details of the 2022 Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic P450 RWD
Supercharged 5.0 liter V8 petrol engine
Power 331kW @ 6000rpm
Torque 580Nm @ 2500–5000rpm
Drive Type Rear wheel drive
Transmission Eight-speed torque converter automatic
Power to weight ratio 185kW/t
Weight (curb) 1793kg
Spare tire type Tire repair package
Spinning an 11.0m circle
Should I buy a Jaguar F-Type?
Despite any possible negatives – and we're at pains to find any apart from the infotainment – you should absolutely buy what will almost certainly be the last of its kind on the road.
The F-Type has always been a stunning sports car in any company, and its styling has aged gracefully and beautifully. It looks striking, the engine retains the benefits of internal combustion, and it feels special every time you drive it. The V8 engine and RWD are a fitting farewell.
