The Jaguar F-Type is a thrilling little two-seater, particularly when kitted out with the British brand’s beefy supercharged 5,0-litre V8. But now Jaguar has added a downsized, four-cylinder engine to its F-Type range…
The new 2,0-litre turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine is the same unit used in other parts of Jaguar’s passenger vehicle range, but in the new F-Type derivative it offers peak outputs of 221 kW and 400 N.m of torque. This, according to the Whitley-based brand, is enough to take the entry-level model – which features an eight-speed automatic transmission – from 0-100 km/h in 5,7 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h.
As the new base model (in both coupé and convertible guise), the four-pot F-Type boasts a claimed 16% improvement in fuel consumption and a 52 kg weight loss, when compared to the V6-equipped model. Despite the smaller engine, Jaguar insists that this F-Type will feature an enviable soundtrack thanks to a “meticulously tuned active exhaust”.
The newest member of the F-Type family also comes fitted with a fresh set of 18-inch alloy wheels, complemented by 355 mm front and 325 mm rear brake discs. Bigger wheels and brakes are optionally available.
Jaguar says that the new four-cylinder F-Type will be available in European markets soon, priced from £49 900 (about R860 000). Expect a local introduction in the final quarter of 2017, with South African pricing to be confirmed closer to the time.
