Jaguar F-type coupe review, test drive

The coupé is arguably the better looking version of Jag's two-seat sportscar. We've come to Spain to see if it drives as well as it looks.

Published on Apr 27, 2014 03:30:00 PM

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Jaguar F-Type Coupe.

Still, going up a narrow, uneven mountain road, I flip it into Dynamic for sharper throttle response, quicker shifts and tighter handling. It also backs off the traction control a little, letting you mildly drift the car before the electronics clamp back down; it'll make you feel like a bit of a hero, at least for a few moments. But if, like today, the road is wet, it can get a bit overwhelming even with the electronics on, so like the V6 S, it's best to drive the V8 R with carefully metered throttle and steering inputs.

Overall, the coupé’s driving dynamics certainly feel more precise than the convertible’s, thanks to an exceptionally stiff body shell. This aluminium structure is the stiffest Jaguar has ever produced, and torsional rigidity is up from the soft-top by an incredible 80 percent.

The coupé’s cabin is similar to the convertible’s, but it feels a bit more snug because of the fixed roof. The chunky steering, switchgear and finely stitched leather ooze quality. There are no half measures in here, except perhaps for a few buttons, which look like they’ve come from a Ford parts bin. The seats (with inflatable side bolsters in the V8) are, by default, set quite low and short drivers like myself have to max out the seat-height adjustment to peer over the twin-hooded dials. The stubby gear lever is perfectly placed and the grab handle for the passenger also gives the driver a sense of separation.

The other benefit of the hard top is the dramatic improvement in looks. The convertible is gorgeous to begin with, but the coupé looks even better. It’s the one that comes closest to the iconic E-type, with the same classic proportions – long bonnet, sloping roof and bulging rear haunches. An added bonus is a 407-litre boot which, to put it in perspective, offers more luggage space than most compact sedans.

In either guise, the F-type Coupé is a car that sucks you into the action, puts you on your toes and tests your reflexes when driven hard. It might be a bit too tail-happy for some and, in India on our bumpy surfaces, I suspect the V8 R would struggle to put all its 69.3kgm of torque down cleanly. The truth is that the more manageable V6 S is all you need in India. It costs a substantial Rs 50 lakh less than the V8 R and with the money saved you could buy an XF to keep the rest of the family happy.

Hormazd Sorabjee