Jaguar F-type Is Less more?

Last year, we drove the F-Type coupe with a four-cylinder engine. Now we get behind the wheel of a convertible version of the downsized sportscar

- Jack Evans

Here’s a Jaguar F-Type — but not quite as you’d know it. Rather than a raucous V8 or V6 under the long, sculpted bonnet, there’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol. While that may not sound like enough engine for a red-blooded convertible, Jaguar claims that it’s got what it takes to instil the F-Type with proper performance. Being a convertible means drop-top thrills and wind-in-your-hair experiences with slightly better economy figures than you’d find with the more high-powered F-Type models. There’s still a lot of kit fitted as standard, though this model has a range of options — but we’ll delve into these a little later.

The biggest change is the engine - however, this latest generation F-Type does benefit from a variety of tweaks and updates. LED headlights now feature all round, while the infotainment system uses the latest Jaguar set-up. The bumpers have been redesigned for a more dynamic look, while standard lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels are said to help ‘reduce unsprung mass’ — though our test car came with larger, optional 19-inch five-spoke versions. Inside, a range of aluminium finishers have been used to help lift the cabin — and this is needed, as it can sometimes feel like a particularly dark cockpit.