Jaguar F-Type 2.0-litre - An Everyday F-Type

By Chad Lückhoff

Downsizing isn't usually something that is regarded as progress, especially when it comes to performance motoring. Jaguar's engineers know this; after all, they know all about power with cars like the XJR575 and the F-Type SVR. So when they developed the new 2.0 F-Type, they knew that they would have to rework more than just the engine in order to save face.

Jaguar's latest offering is the 2.0 F-Type, a small capacity coupé or convertible that's more fuel-efficient, budget friendly and in all honesty, more sensible if you think about it.

The Engine

The new all-aluminium Ingenium engine is a meticulously crafted powerplant that produces a surprising amount of power for its low displacement. It generates 221kW and 400Nm torque from only 2.0-litres, all while managing to return respectable fuel consumption figures of a claimed 7.2l/100km on the combined cycle and a CO2 emissions figure of only 163g/km.

Jaguar gets this right by employing state-of-the-art technology into the build of the engine, utilizing needle roller bearings in the valvetrain and electrohydraulic control of the intake valves to minimize the pumping losses associated with a traditional throttle body.

The twin scroll turbocharger is also more efficient and is equipped with ceramic ball bearings for reduced frictional drag. The charged air is water cooled, allowing for a denser charge without the heat soak that is common with air-to-air charge cooling, especially in high temperature environments and in slower moving traffic.

It sends power to the rear wheels only through an 8-speed Quickshift gearbox with steering-mounted shift paddles. Dynamic mode allows for greater response and more exciting driving but you are also able to select a Rain, Ice or Snow mode if need be.

This all allows the 2.0-litre F-Type to accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in only 5.7-seconds and onto a governed top speed of 250km/h. Throttle response is good and the 2.0 F-Type responds well to inputs, but that is not only due to the engine and some of that can be attributed to the chassis.

Chapman's philosophy

Colin Chapman (Lotus founder) engineered his cars with the philosophy of “Simplify, then add lightness” and it's that same mantra that Jaguar has employed in the new F-Type. The all-aluminium body structure and aluminium suspension has been a staple of the F-Type but with the 2.0-litre, they had to take it one step further to ensure that it’s as dynamic and engaging to drive as its larger brothers.

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, (Jaguar Land Rover) said: “We wanted the power and efficiency of the new four-cylinder engine to be matched by levels of responsiveness that would make the F-TYPE driving experience even more engaging and rewarding. The result of the intensive development process is an even better balance, an even more connected feel, and enhanced ride comfort. Enthusiasts will want to drive this car: this is a true F-TYPE, with its own unique character.”

As a result, the new 2.0 F-Type is now 52kg lighter than the 250kW V6, making it the lightest F-Type yet. Not only has the weight been reduced, but the balance point of the car has been shifted further back to provide a more stable, neutral turn in.

The suspension has been tweaked and is now 3% softer at the rear and 4% softer in the front. This keeps the ride compliant and counters for the loss of weight so that the F-Type still feels unmistakably F-Type in its approach. Torque vectoring has also been employed to help negate any understeer you may encounter. As a result, the turn in of the new 2.0 is precise and predictable, and positioning the car on the road or in a corner is a walk in the park.

Does it still look like an F-Type?

Absolutely. There are only the smallest tell-tale signs that you saved a whole lot of money by going with the 2.0-litre. The rear end has a single, trapezoidal exit exhaust and the entry level 4-cylinder model is shod with 18-inch wheels, which will give away the smaller stature of the engine. In R-Dynamic trim, the wheels are an inch larger, coming in at 19-inches with 245/40R19 tyres up the front and 275/35R19 tyres at the rear. There are however, a selection of 19- and 20-inch wheels available as optional extras.

The interior is still as svelte as the rest with a host of driver assistance systems and creature comforts. Lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive speed limiter and driver condition monitor function are all present in the 2.0 and the infotainment system is the familiar 8-inch Touch Pro system with Meridian sound.

Verdict

The new 2.0 F-Type is more budget-friendly and presents a compelling argument for a more sensible, daily-driven F-Type. The enjoyment is still there and you wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen in the 2.0-litre. It's nimble and engaging with confidence-inspiring handling, and it does all of this without costing as much as one would expect. Naturally, it is still a luxury vehicle and it still presents itself as such.

Pricing

Jaguar F-Type Coupé 2.0	R 909 300
Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic Coupé 2.0	R 987 100
Jaguar F-Type Convertible 2.0	R 926 100
Jaguar F-Type Convertible R-Dynamic 2.0	R 1 003 900