New Jaguar F-TYPE arrives in South Africa
The Jaguar F-TYPE was already a stunning car, but as time would have it, even the most stunning of cars need a facelift from time to time. Introducing the new 2020 Jaguar F-TYPE, which has seen improvements in both the design and performance.
Like any facelift edition, it does come with newer and meaner looking LED headlights. There are also updates seen in both the front and back bumper, to offer greater differentiation across the model range. There is also a new lengthy and lower-reaching bonnet, which includes a slightly wider and deeper grille with a new hexagonal mesh pattern.
The inside features a new 12.3-inch HD TFT instrument cluster with reconfigurable graphics unique to the F-TYPE. Drivers will have a choice of display themes, which includes a full-screen navigation map, and yes, the large rev-counter will still be front and centre.
The new F-TYPE comes in three different engine options, beginning with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder P300 engine that produces 221kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. This model sprints from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h, with average combined fuel consumption of 7.2l/100km.
The supercharged 3.0-litre V6 P380 engine which produces 280kW of power and 460Nm of torque delivers 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 275km/h. The P380 engine will also be getting a special First Edition version which will be available for the first year of production. It comes with additional items such as 20-inch “Diamond Turned” alloys, “First Edition” badging, an aluminum instrument panel finisher, and Windsor leather performance seats. It will also be offered in three colour choices: Fuji White, Santorini Black, and Eiger Grey.
Then there is of course the top of the range, 5.0-litre supercharged V8 R P575 variant that produces an impressive 423kW of power and 700 Nm of torque. It speeds from 0-100km/h test in just 3.7 seconds with a max speed of 300km/h.
All three engines will feature active exhaust systems, which are switchable either as an option or as standard. The distinctive crackle and pop on the overrun associated with the F-TYPE will remain, the sounds being carefully tuned to suit the range of powerful four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines.
The Quickshift transmission has been changed for faster and smoother gear changes which are done via the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the SportShift gear selector. There is also a torque on-demand all-wheel drive system which is combined with Jaguar’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) control technology to help deliver an immediate throttle response in all gears, on all surfaces and in any condition.
The new F-TYPE further benefits from electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system which offers instant responses to driver input, while new springs and anti-roll bars further enhance the continuously-variable dampers which are at the core of Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics system.
The F-TYPE R will come standard with large 380mm and 376mm front and rear brake discs but can be specified with Jaguar’s optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system which features larger 398mm and 380mm discs and six- and four-piston monobloc calipers that are finished off in yellow, this system will deliver amazing braking performance with outstanding fade resistance.
Pricing
Coupé prices:
F-TYPE R-Dynamic P300 RWD R1,243,000
F-TYPE R-Dynamic P380 RWD R1,513,700
F-TYPE R-Dynamic P380 AWD R1,659,300
F-TYPE First Edition R1,659,300
F-TYPE R P575 AWD R2,422,700
Convertible prices:
F-TYPE R-Dynamic P300 RWD R1,241,000
F-TYPE R-Dynamic P380 RWD R1,511,800
F-TYPE R-Dynamic P380 AWD R1,652,800
Also worth a look: the Jaguar TCS Racing Enters 8th Formula E Season with Top Drive and the Saying goodbye to Jaguar's beloved F-type.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Jaguar F-TYPE cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Jaguar F-TYPE starts from around R1,200,000 for the P300 four-cylinder model, while the P380 V6 will set you back approximately R1,450,000, and the range-topping V8 R P575 commands around R1,850,000.
Q: Is the Jaguar F-TYPE worth buying in 2024?
The F-TYPE is absolutely worth considering if you want a proper British sports car with stunning looks and serious performance, though you'll need deep pockets for maintenance and fuel costs that come with owning a Jaguar.
Q: How fast is the new Jaguar F-TYPE?
The entry-level P300 does 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds with a 250km/h top speed, the P380 manages it in 4.9 seconds reaching 275km/h, while the V8 R P575 is a proper rocket that'll leave most supercars in the dust.
Q: What's the fuel consumption like on the Jaguar F-TYPE?
The four-cylinder P300 returns a reasonable 7.2l/100km on the combined cycle, but expect the V6 and V8 models to be significantly thirstier, especially if you can't resist using all that power.
Q: Should I buy the Jaguar F-TYPE over a Porsche 911?
The F-TYPE offers more dramatic styling and that intoxicating Jaguar V8 soundtrack, but the 911 wins on reliability, resale value, and everyday usability, so it depends whether your heart or head is making the decision.
Should You Buy It?
The best British sports car under R2,000,000 in South Africa is definitely the new Jaguar F-TYPE, and yes, you should absolutely buy one if you can afford it. Starting at around R1,200,000 for the P300, it delivers genuine supercar looks with that unmistakable Jaguar presence that turns heads everywhere. The P380 at R1,450,000 hits the sweet spot with proper performance and the First Edition package adds exclusivity that'll make you feel special every time you fire it up. Sure, running costs will be steep and reliability might give you the occasional headache, but life's too short to drive boring cars, and the F-TYPE is anything but boring.
