A Turbocharged Four-Cylinder F-Type?
There’s a new variant entering the F-Type lineup, but it’s not a faster, sportier version as you might expect. This one’s actually slower.
This one’s important because it sits at the bottom of the lineup, both in performance and price. It costs £49,900 and only produces an even 295bhp and 295lb ft. That’s around 40hp and 37lb ft less than the V6 spec, but at the same time with a smaller price tag attached.
Jaguar have deviated from using the standard F-Type supercharger, with a turbocharger now sitting in its place on a 2.0 litre four-cylinder – similar to the engine in the XE saloon. It will be connected to an 8-speed auto ‘box for low-rev motorway cruising, and an active exhaust system to make the most of the four banger’s exhalations.
This downsize isn’t as bad as you’re expecting. The top speed is only down 7mph, and the 0-60 time 0.1 seconds, sitting at a modest 5.4. What’s up is its mpg rating. Jaguar expect 39.2 mpg, which puts it down a few tax bands compared to its bigger-engined counterparts, although that’s not a number you can show off with down the pub is it.
What could put it back in your drinking buddy’s favours is the way the car acts on the road. It is said to have “greater steering response, body control and ride comfort,” making the Jag the “feisty younger brother of the V6 and V8 models.” That’s an interesting proposition as the V6 and V8 models weren’t exactly timid.
These stats and price point puts the 2.0 litre Jag in the midst of some severe competition – namely the Porsche 718 and Audi TT. I’m uncertain as to whether these will pose to be a problem for the Jaguar, as they don’t fully compare to the F-Type wit it being more of a grand tourer compared to its rivals being more sports oriented.
What do you think about a four-cylinder F-Type? Would you be happy paying less for a smaller engine, or do you feel the supercharged V engines suited the Jaguar’s driving style?
One thing’s for sure, I hope it still has that growling snarl that we’ve all grown to know and love from Jaguar’s flagship model.
