Jaguar F-type Convertible review: a bit of a looker

• Price from: £57,260    
• Our favourite version: V6 S Convertible Automatic, list price £68,050
• Latest deals: Check Jaguar F-type lease prices 

The F-type Convertible is the sort of Jaguar we haven't seen for decades. You see, the company’s convertibles have long been big, comfortable cruisers, whereas Jaguar says the F-type is a focussed sports car, intended to do battle with Porsche’s 911 and 718 Boxster models.

A tall order, that, because Porsche is at the top of its game at the moment. And yet the signs are promising; the F-type goes and sounds like a sports car should, and it's an absolute stunner.

 

The most expensive version of the F-type Convertible is pitched against the Porsche 911, which has small rear seats that can be folded down to form a luggage shelf. By contrast, the F-type Convertible is a strict two-seater, with no room at all behind its seats.

 

The boot itself is shallow and very small, too, with room enough for a couple of overnight bags, but not much more.At least there’s plenty of leg, head and elbow room, given the car’s size. And the F-type is easy to climb in and out of thanks to large, wide-opening doors. 

Comfort   7/10

Supportive seats are great for long trips

 

Slide into the driver’s seat of the F-type and you’ll be happy to stay there for a good couple of hours. It’s supportive enough to keep you free from aches and pains, and the steering wheel offers a wide range of powered adjustment.True, the entry-level F-type feels rather unforgiving over bumpy road surfaces.

 

 And even the more expensive models, which come with electronically adjustable suspension, can jostle and bounce you around at low speeds. However, most of the time, these are just about acceptable for a car as sporty as this.Engine and wind noise are both kept to a minimum on the motorway, too, but the rumble from the F-type’s big, fat tyres is rather noticeable. 

Dashboard layout   6/10

Looks special, but not that easy to use

 

There’s a cluster of switches behind the F-type’s gear lever that are hard to read in a hurry, which can often result in you punching the wrong one by mistake. The volume control for the stereo in an odd place, too, and while the switches surrounding the touchscreen in the centre of the dash are intuitive to use, the screen itself can be sluggish and buggy.It’s a pity, because the interior is rendered in tasteful materials.

 

 And there are some lovely touches, like the air vents that automatically rise from the dash top when needed, and the blue mood lighting that changes to red when you’re in Dynamic Mode. The chunky grab handle for the passenger comes in handy when driving in a more spirited manner, too. 

 

Easy to drive   7/10 An automatic is available on every model, and parking sensors are standard

 

The F-type Convertible’s long nose is actually relatively easy to place, because it’s quite visible from the driver’s seat, though front parking sensors wouldn’t go amiss – they’re a relatively inexpensive option.

 

Every model is available with an automatic gearbox, and together with the gutsy engines, that makes driving the F-type Convertible wonderfully easy. Just point the nose, squeeze the accelerator, and off you go. Well, as long as the gearbox can decide which gear it wants, that is – every now and again, it can be either sluggish or over-eager to change down.You can choose a six-speed manual instead, but its hair-trigger clutch can be tricky to use in traffic, so despite its flaws, we’d stick with the auto.

Fun to drive   7/10

Convertible body feels too flexible

 

Step into an F-type Convertible having just driven a Porsche Boxster, and you’re liable to feel disappointed.Unlike its coupé sibling, the convertible F-type lacks stiffness, and ultimately, just doesn’t feel as taut or as precise as it should.

 

True, the front end feels alert and responsive, changing direction quickly, and even the entry-level model has a decent amount of grip. But the F-type Convertible just doesn’t quite have the Boxster’s sharpness.
The F-type does have one trick up its sleeve, though, which is pure drama. Every engine option makes a savage noise, bellowing when you’re on the throttle, and popping and crackling when you’re off it. So if all you want to do is enjoy noisy blasts along straight-ish roads, you’ll still enjoy yourself.

Reliability   7/10

Information is limited, but the warranty is impressive
Jaguar as a brand didn’t fare well in the 2015 JD Power dependability survey, landing 23rd out of 26 manufacturers (although it should be noted that it was only one place behind Audi and still finished ahead of BMW).

Fuel economy  7/10

V6 models respectably economical; V8 less so

 

Both the V6 and V6 S models achieve just over 32mpg in government tests - better than the Porsche Boxster GTS that they compete with.However, the V8-engined R model is significantly less fuel-efficient than the Porsche 911 Turbo, which you’d imagine would be thirstier as it has four-wheel drive and more power. 

 

Affordability   6/10 Needs to be at least £10,000 cheaper
The F-type Coupé actually looks like quite good value – but the Convertible is a vast amount more expensive, model-for-model.
In fact, a V6 S Convertible costs over £10,000 more than a Porsche Boxster GTS, which is faster, tauter, more exciting to drive quickly, and even comes with a larger boot.
Further up the range, things look a little less crazy; the ballsy F-type R Convertible costs less than the equivalent Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet, and it’s faster too. But it’s worth keeping in mind that the 911 is more practical, with four seats, not to mention a whole lot more manageable to drive.

Safety  6/10

The Porsche 911 has more airbags
The F-type Convertible hasn’t yet been subjected to an industry-standard Euro NCAP crash test yet, but the list of standard safety equipment isn’t great.
Only four airbags are fitted as standard, whereas plenty of much cheaper cars and the rival Porsche 911 come with six.
At least you get systems to help you control the car in a skid and amplify your braking force in an emergency.

Standard spec   8/10 Minor quibbles, but every version comes well equipped

 

Dual-zone climate control is an option on every model, which seems stingy given that it’s standard on many far cheaper cars.

 

Other than that, though, the F-type is pretty well specified, with satellite navigation, a digital radio, a Bluetooth mobile phone connection coming as standard on even the base model. 

 

The S version adds cruise control, a switchable sports exhaust, all-leather seats, adaptive sports suspension and a limited-slip differential, making it the one to have. However, if you upgrade to the R model, you also get sportier suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a more powerful sound system.