WHAT IS IT?

A more affordable entry point to the now 32-strong Jaguar F-Type sportscar line-up, offered in both coupe and convertible body styles.

WHY WE’RE DRIVING IT

Previously the F-Type was available only with supercharged V6 and V8 petrol engines; this new model sees the introduction of 2.0-litre four-cylinder power.

Audi TT S quattro; Porsche Cayman/Boxster; Mercedes-Benz SLC300

VERDICT

A worthy addition to the line-up, albeit with a distinctly different character to the V6 and V8 models. Likable, chuckable, with performance that will be ample for most.

THE WHEELS REVIEW

RATHER than question the legitimacy of Jaguar’s decision to fit a 2.0-litre turbo four-pot to its F-Type, maybe we should instead be asking: “What took you so long?”

Jaguar’s rivals in this segment have embraced turbo fours for about as long as anyone can remember. The Audi TT S, BMW Z4, and Mercedes-Benz SLK and subsequent SLC have always relied on four-pot power to achieve sales volumes. The Jaguar’s two-seater rivals from Porsche, meanwhile, are now 2.0-litre turbo fours exclusively.

Besides, it’s not as if Jaguar has just slipped in a limp-wristed, barely boosted four to cynically create a hairdresser’s special. Fact is, the Ingenium engine installed here is in a way more muscular state of tune than it appears anywhere else in the British manufacturer’s line-up.

Stands to reason, then, that the claimed 0-100km/h performance only slackens by less than half a second, now 5.7sec. Buyers eyeing the new F-Type entry point may care that it uses a claimed 16 percent less fuel than the 250kW V6, now 7.2L/100km; they’ll almost certainly be interested in the price, which carves around $12K off what was the previous entry point.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, leather and suede/cloth sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminium trim, climate control, keyless ignition and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Six airbags are standard in the coupe; four in the convertible and autonomous emergency braking is included. There are some notable optional extras though, including a reversing camera, blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist. LED headlights with DRLs are also on the options list at this level; elsewhere in the range they are now standard.

In theory that should bring a small gain in ride compliance; I couldn’t discern a difference without a back-to-back comparison. I’d also wager that the 19-inch rubber fitted to our test cars, as part of the R-Dynamic package (which adds around $7800, and more than half F-Type buyers tend to go for) makes a more perceptible difference to ride. If you prioritise comfort, stick with the standard 18s, but the ride is not harsh or uncomfortable on the bigger rubber.

There’s also a final layer of mechanical polish missing from the engine in this installation; not a major criticism, it just comes off as little more industrial than expected when you’re stroking it around in normal driving. Importantly, though, it feels amply torque-rich and lag-free. Given a more free rein, it growls agreeably and salutes a sharp lift-off with a rapid volley of pops that are well intentioned, if a fraction on the contrived side.

SPECS

Model: 2018 Jaguar F-Type 2.0-litre coupe Engine: 1988cc 4cyl, dohc, 24v, turbo Max power: 221kW @ 5500rpm Max torque: 400Nm @ 1500-4000rpm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Weight: 1521kg 0-100km/h: 5.7sec Fuel consumption: 7.2L/100km Price: $107, 012 On sale: Now