Entry-level pedigree, the 2.0 F-Type

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Undeniably beautiful, the F-Type Jaguar excites the senses. This is a pedigree sports car that has taken the brand forward while respecting the past. I refer to its iconic predecessor, the E-Type (1961 to 1975).

Launched five years ago, the F-Type has evolved over this period. What started with either a 3.0-L V6 or 5.0-L V8 has made space for additions like an all-wheel-drive model and a 2.0-L four-cylinder motor to name a few.

Having sampled most of the range, I can attest that each of the F-Type models available has a distinctive character.

The 5.0-L versions: The R (405kW) or SVR (423kW), which are both AWD, are scary fast with eye-popping accelerations to 100 km/h in 4.1 or 3.7 seconds respectively. Thank the Lord for the all-wheel-drive system that harnesses all that power. I recall at the launch of the F-Type, the 5.0-L V8 was only available in rear-wheel drive. As you can imagine – it was a real adrenaline spiker. These models are characterized by their four exhaust pipes and mind-blowing roar from its V8.

The 3.0-L versions: 250kW, 280kW and the Sports 294kW and AWD Sport. Arguably, this is where the cherry of the range sits. This engine is sublime and perfectly suited to the F-Type’s chassis. There is now a more powerful Sports version with an AWD system, but I enjoy the 280kW version best, which is rear-wheel drive. I’m besotted with the snap, crackle and pop sound that beckons from the V6 and reverberates through the cars large twin tailpipes. The V6 models hit the 100 km/h mark between 5.3 to 4.9 seconds depending on the model.

The 2.0-L version: the baby in the F-Type range features a 4-cylinder motor that churns out 221kW. The lightest F-Type, it boasts the best balance as a result. Handling is enthralling from this rear-wheel driven sports car. Despite featuring the least powerful motor, this car is by no means lacking in the performance department. In fact, you’ll hit 100 km/h in a very respectable 5.7 seconds and top out at an impressive 250 km/h.

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar said: “Retaining the silhouette of F-TYPE across the model range is really important to us whether it’s the 320km/h SVR or the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder. This is a true Jaguar sports car and a true F-TYPE – we didn’t want to dilute the design DNA. Even so, this car has its own unique character, and the new single tailpipe finisher exemplifies this.”

The choice is yours, but the depth of your pockets will probably be the deciding factor. If you consider that the F-Type’s starting sales price is R914 000 to R2 259 686, the F-Type’s baby 2.0-L seems far more attractive – I mean you could get his and her’s F-Types or just one of the 5.0-L V8 versions? What would you do?