Jaguar F-Type - paying homage to the iconic E-Type

Angus Davies drives the new Jaguar F-Type around the twisting lanes of North Yorkshire and tries to ascertain whether it is a worthy successor to the iconic E-Type.

At the time of launch, in 1961, Enzo Ferrari reputedly said that the Jaguar E-Type was “the most beautiful car ever made”. The car has joined the annals of automotive greats, appreciated by the cognoscenti and loved by every red-blooded male with a functioning pulse.    The sinuous form of the E-type, with its long bonnet and pert rear, is simply gorgeous. Despite various models bearing the Jaguar name since production of the E-Type ceased back in 1974, it is the E-Type which is still held in the utmost esteem.THE SPIRITUAL SUCCESSOR. Under the ownership of Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover have been enjoying much commercial success, with several new models garnering praise from pundits and public alike. It did not take long for the marketing-savvy executives at Jaguar’s HQ to see the potential in rekindling the naming of models from their past and, just in the way the E-Type succeeded the D-Type, we are encouraged to think of the F-Type as the spiritual successor to the E-Type.    The overall length of the F-Type is not dissimilar to the original E-Type, measuring 4470 mm, albeit the wheelbase is significantly longer at 2622 mm and the width has grown to 1923 mm. As you admire the contemporary form of the new model, it is soon obvious that there is less overhang beyond the front and rear wheels, and the increased girth provides greater passenger space.

STRICTLY A TWO SEATER. My test car looked resplendent in Salsa Red, proffering brilliance on an otherwise dull day in North Yorkshire. Although the car seemed petite at first glance, it admirably accommodated my large 6 feet 4 inch frame. However, this is strictly a two seater with limited boot space, hence, if you have a large brood of children, or an abundance of chattels, you will have to leave them behind.    The interior was presented in jet performance leather with contrasting red stitching. The lovely people at Jaguar had selected numerous options for this particular car including seat memory pack, premium leather interior, performance seats with premium leather and heated seats. The resultant ensemble was a comfortable and cosseting place to reside. However, the cost of the options may temper the box ticking if you are specifying your own vehicle.

INTELLIGENT VENTING. There is a sense of occasion with many aspects of F-Type ownership. Unlocking the car with the remote key fob results in flush fitting door handles popping outwards, enticing the driver to enter the leather clad cocoon.    Applying my right foot to the brake pedal, I pressed the start button. The rumbling V6 engine immediately sprung into life, prompting the upper portion of the dashboard to awake from slumber, rising upwards to reveal air vents previously hidden from view. Termed “Intelligent Venting” by Jaguar, they are intended to only come into view when required. There is an abundance of theatrical spectacle with this car that elicits profuse grinning from me.

SPORTS ORIENTED. As I drove on to the open road, it soon became apparent that there was a copious amount of power available. The 2995 cc V6 supercharged petrol engine produces 380 PS and propels the car from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Unlike some turbocharged cars, there is no lag and acceleration is readily accessible.    With the black, automatically retracting roof closed, the interior refinement is very impressive. However, those seeking adrenaline fuelled smiles will enjoy the roof down experience more, with the exhaust providing a deliciously rorty note.    My experience of Jaguars is one of exalted ride comfort, wafting their inhabitants in serene splendour. The F-Type is very different. The seats were firm but comfortable, affording much support, especially when negotiating twisty sections of country lanes.    The ride is sports orientated, providing much feedback and granting confidence when threading the car through a series of bends. The car felt highly manoeuvrable and appeared firmly planted on terra firma. It negotiated cambers and curves with grace. The brakes inspired confidence, providing much feel and progressively and predictably retarding speed.    The interior does not eschew creature comforts in favour of a stripped-out racing persona. An impressive array of electronic driver aids enhanced my enjoyment. A touch-screen satellite navigation system, Bluetooth telephone connectivity and DAB radio were just some of the highlights.

A QUANTUM LEAP. On the whole, I think the F-Type is an exceptional roadster which deserves to succeed.The E-Type was always going to be a tough act to follow; its legend is still guaranteed for generations to come. Nevertheless, objectively the F-Type is a quantum leap forward in terms of refinement, capability and comfort. Moreover, the design sparkles with zest and innovative detail.    There were a few areas, however, which were not to my taste. Firstly, looking downwards between the seats, the obligatory cup-holder – a must for the US market I believe – just didn’t share the same quality tactile feel as other interior fittings. Moreover, a stylised “S” located on the dashboard trim beneath the “Intelligent Venting System” appeared somewhat extraneous.    The excellent steering wheel mounted paddles offer superb tactility and are user-friendly. However, they are presented in a copper-like hue, along with the stop/start button and a toggle switch on the centre console. The colour seems at odds with all the other materials within the car. Some may argue they add a smattering of visual excitement, but I fail to understand why Jaguar has selected this finish.

A REMARKABLE CAR. On balance, I would say my criticisms are minor and, some could argue, pernickety. Certainly, it should not unduly detract from the splendiferous motoring experience provided by the F-Type.    I would suggest that the E-Type appeals to my generation and those who pre-date my year of birth, because it was an object of envy that many of us aspired to own. The F-Type may well evoke similar feelings in the youth of today and, based on my acquaintance with this exceptional car, I would suggest their covetous thoughts would be justified.    This is a remarkable car, which has taken a giant leap forwards and raised the bar for many of its competitors to now emulate.