This is the new four-cylinder Jaguar F-Type. Yes, you’ve read that correctly. It is now the 20th different combination of engine, transmission and body styles available on the much loved sports car.
What next for the Jaguar F-Type? Diesel?!
For obvious reasons it is the cheapest model starting at £49,900, down £2,500 on the cheapest V6 variant. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit produces 295bhp and 295lb ft of torque which is somewhat satisfying. All power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the only transmission option with this engine.
That output means it has 40bhp and 37lb ft less than the V6. However, it is a considerable amount more efficient – 39.2mpg and 163g/km of CO2 emissions drop it down a couple of tax bands. That means it is not only cheaper to buy but also cheaper to own. It’ll still reach a decent top speed of 155mph and 0-62mph is only a tenth of a second slower than the V6 at 5.4 seconds.
Downsizing the engine has saved 52kg around the front axle. The result is “greater steering response, body control and ride comfort” according to Jaguar themselves. They even go as far as referring to it as the “feisty younger brother of the V6 and V8 models”. Given how feisty the existing models already are, this should excite many a Jaguar fanatic.
Another worry is the exhaust sound. Hopefully, those worries will be put to bed by the active exhaust system which, as promised by Jaguar, will give the new F-Type a proper soundtrack. It does have a lot to live up to, though.
Honestly, I’m not quite sure what to think about it. Porsche’s attempts at four-cylinder sports cars weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms and should an F-type really be less powerful than a Golf? Having said that, it is still quick, it is still absolutely stunning, it’ll hopefully sound nice enough and it does make that dream of owning a Jaguar F-Type that little bit more achievable. Still no hope for me, though.
Will the four-cylinder Jaguar F-Type prove to be a smart move? Will it stand more of a chance than the Porsche equivalents? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts? Great idea or terrible idea? Let us know in the comments section below or via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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