A Newer Better Brother

One of the two new F-Type models is this supercharged six cylinder Coupé

- John Anthony

THANKFULLY IT IS A LONG TIME SINCE Jaguar offered a limited range of model variations. Take into account that you get more than an open or a closed model - consider rear wheel or all-wheel-drive, V8 or supercharged V8 engines, V6 and V6 supercharged units - or a two litre turbo charged four cylinder Ingenium engine. Of course, pricing changes according to the amount of power you require, and the awesome F-Type SVR supercharged V8 monster of a performer is the fastest road car we have ever tested. We haven't tried the four cylinder model yet, but for this edition James Scrimshaw at Jaguar Australia supplied a brand new, never before tested, supercharged V6 R Dynamic Coupé.

That's certainly nothing to be sneezed at. While the compelling piped-in thunder of the supercharged V8 is missing, it is replaced with an exceptionally sporting bark from the six, and there is never a doubt that you are driving a highly advanced performance car.

It has to be declared immediately that we love the Coupé. It offers more space, security and rigidity than the Convertible, and personally, I think it looks better too. Few cars make you smile every time you see them.

Today's homogenous design makes it difficult to distinguish one car from another on the road, but the F-Type is another story. It captures attention with its graceful, compact design.

Its nose may be shorter than an E-Type, but it works in proportion with the cabin and the dramatically aggressive rear wheel arches. The F-Type's design makes it an exceptional car yet it pays modern design homage to the E-Type without detracting from itself or looking like a pale imitation.

Our test car was equipped with the attractive panoramic black glass roof, and the entire roof structure means there’s more strength in the body.