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The word ‘iconic’ is frequently misused in motoring. But if there’s one car that’s more than worthy of being called an icon, it’s the Jaguar E-Type, a sports car launched in 1961 to massive critical acclaim.
Replacing such an incredible machine was always going to be tough – so Jaguar didn’t. Instead, it came up with the XJS in 1975, which was more of a grand tourer. This was superseded by the XK8 in 1996, while the XK of 2006 made a pretty good job of being a sporting GT.
Jaguar gave us more of the same in 2013 when the XK’s replacement was announced: the dynamically excellent and gloriously designed sporting GT that is the F-Type.
Models covered
- • Jaguar F-Type Mk1 (2013-date) - Renaissance sports car is more affordable than ever. Here’s what to look for.
Jaguar F-Type Mk1
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History
Jaguar unveiled the F-Type roadster at the Paris Motor Show in September 2013, and the car went on sale soon after. Buyers could choose between 3.0-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines; both were supercharged, and the V8 model is known as the F-Type R.
In spring 2014 the F-Type coupé arrived, with the same engine and transmission options, then in November 2014 four-wheel drive became available on some models.
The 567bhp F-Type SVR arrived in summer 2016 with a 200mph top speed and ceramic brakes as standard. A spring 2017 facelift brought a new model with a 296bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, a revised interior that had redesigned seats, a much-improved infotainment system, LED headlights plus a raft of minor styling changes.
Jaguar F-Type reviews
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Jaguar F-Type V6 review
Jaguar F-Type V6S review
Jaguar F-Type V8S review
Jaguar F-Type P380 review
Jaguar F-Type 400 Sport review
Jaguar F-Type R review
Jaguar F-Type SVR review
Jaguar F-Type 4-cyl Convertible review
Jaguar F-Type R Convertible review
Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible review
Which one should I buy?
Even the four-cylinder F-Type can do 155mph and 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, so the 186mph and 4.2 seconds of the V8 models is a bit OTT, never mind the SVR’s outrageous pace.
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The four-pot car has the lightest engine, so it handles more sweetly than its more powerful siblings, but all F-Types are great to drive. V6 F-Types come with a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto; only the latter was offered with AWD and V8 cars.
All F-Types are well equipped, and even the entry-level cars get bi-xenon headlights, sat-nav, an eight-inch touchscreen display and 18-inch wheels. The V6 S adds 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, sports seats, upgraded brakes and ambient cabin lighting. V8-powered F-Types feature 20-inch wheels, premium leather trim and stronger brakes.
Alternatives to the Jaguar F-Type
Four-cylinder F-Types are rivals for the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, while the V6 and V8 models face the 911 coupé and convertible. All are formidable adversaries, with the 911 offered with rear or four-wheel drive and manual or auto transmissions.
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A more left-field alternative is the Ford Mustang, especially in V8 guise, while the previous Aston Martin Vantage V8 (from £27k) is another alluring rival. The Nissan GT-R isn’t as engaging to drive as the Jag, but it’s astonishingly capable, fast and usable. Running costs can be high, though.
Less obvious rivals include the BMW M4, Audi RS 5 and Mercedes-AMG C 63, all of which are available in open or closed forms.
What to look for
Brakes
The V6 S and V8 versions of the F-Type could be specified with ceramic brakes, parts for which are very costly to purchase.
Gearbox
The automatic gearbox that’s specified on some cars is supposedly sealed for life, but it needs to have its fluid changed every 70,000 miles.
Dash
The central air vent on the F-Type’s dashboard should rise, while the door handles are meant to pop out; sometimes, though, these systems fail.
Corrosion
The bracing that runs beneath the F-Type can corrode. Dealers have been replacing parts under warranty on affected models.
Interior
After the dramatic exterior, you might be underwhelmed by the design of the cabin, but it’s nicely made, using plenty of premium materials, and all cars have leather trim.
The original infotainment system is disappointing, with a far better set-up for cars from 2017 on. All F-Types feature two seats and there’s decent space, but while the coupé’s boot is 407 litres, the roadster manages just 200 litres.
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Prices
You can buy a nearly new Jaguar F-Type for between £35,666 and £123,544 on our sister site BuyaCar.
Running costs
F-Types need servicing every 12 months or 16,000 miles, alternating between minor and major. Four-cylinder cars cost £406-£675, V6s £462-£537 and V8s £440-£516. The ninth and tenth services are £1,400-£1,600.
From the third service, dealers offer discounted services at £325 (minor) and £445 (major). All engines are chain-driven, and transferable service plans are available for three (£995) or five years (£1,495).
Recalls
The F-Type has been recalled nine times, the first in October 2014 due to an engine-bay short circuit. The second came a month later because software glitches prevented the electric spoiler from deploying at speed.
Further recalls were due to faulty anti-roll bars and seatbelt pre-tensioners, failed front indicators, engine-bay fuel leaks and a fractured crank-pulley retaining bolt.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The F-Type hasn’t featured in a Driver Power survey since 2015, when it came 34th in the new-car poll. Out of 200 cars, it came 72nd for reliability, 90th for running costs and 79th for in-car tech, plus 186th for practicality. Several top-10 scores – third for performance, seventh for handling and ninth for ease of driving – lifted the car’s position, while 35th for ride quality was decent.
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