After creating a worthy successor to the classic E-Type in the F-Type Coupe, Jaguar now offers its loyal fan base a convertible version. Squarely aimed at would-be Porsche 911 and Boxster buyers, Jaguar has high hopes that it can eat into the German firm's bottom line. But is it good enough to take on such refined automotive products?
Reviews of the Coupe version of the F-Type suggests it is – but what about the Convertible model?
Space
Those in the market for a sports car may not be terribly worried about luggage space, but if they were, then the Porsche 911 wins out. The German rival has two small rear seats that can be folded down to create a storage area; the F-Type only has two front seats. In addition, the F-Type's boot is pretty tiny. However, the Jag has been praised for the amount of leg and elbow room it offers.
Ride comfort
As with the Coupe version, reviewers have been impressed by the F-Type Convertible's supportive seats. The ride, however, is a little bumpy, although considered acceptable in such a sporty vehicle.
Interior
According to some automotive scribes, the tasteful interior of the Convertible has been rather let down by a counter-intuitive layout, while the touchscreen system is a little laggy. One nice touch is the mood lighting – the cabin is filled with a blue hue during normal mode, changing to red when the driver hits 'Dynamic Mode'.
Drive
Reviewers say the Convertible model is very easy to drive – especially if you select an automatic model; the six speed manual is a little tricky to master.
Driving Pleasure
Compared to the Coupe version, the Convertible feels less rigid without its hardtop. And crucially, the rival Porsche Boxster offers a lot more stiffness. However, the pops and bangs from either the V6 or V8 engine, coupled with the Jag’s eye-pleasing looks lend the Convertible a sense of drama.
Costs to Run
For a sports car, the 32mpg offered by the V6 and V6 S is impressive, outdoing its key rival the Boxster GTS. But the R model – fitted with a V8 – offers markedly poorer fuel economy compared to the Porsche 911 Turbo, with which it competes.
Cost to Buy
At £65,745 the V6 S Convertible costs £10,000 more than its main rival the Boxster GTS, which is generally regarded as superior in many respects. In this light, the Porsche seems the obvious choice.
On the other hand, the upper range R Convertible is actually cheaper than a 911 GTS Cabriolet with which it competes. But given the German rival’s additional two seats and its drivability, the top-of-the-line Porsche is still the one to beat.
In the end, the rarity and sheer character of the Jaguar F-Type Convertible could be the best reason for buying one.
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