Lifestyle Asia’s resident expert takes the Jaguar F-TYPE for a spin.
When you mention Jaguar, what comes to mind? For me, it’s Sebastien Valmont (played by Ryan Philippe ) driving a 1956 Jaguar XK140 in Cruel Intentions.
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It was a modern adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, a story about how the rich play with fire and with people through manipulation and seduction. The elegant vintage roadster gave a lot of cues regarding the character. Valmont was a rich kid who could afford anything but didn’t play by the rules.
Not playing by the rules also means not just following the trends. You are the type that people wish they were, but can’t be because they are afraid to be different.
I had the chance to drive the latest Jaguar sportscar and realize how understated and different they are. There are flashier cars in the market that get a lot of attention, and it’s a common status symbol. But what if you want to be the different kid on the block.
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider an F-TYPE:
Its Looks
According to Julian Thomson, Jaguar’s design director, the carmaker’s rich, 70-year heritage inspired them to create something extraordinary. “The F-TYPE’s award-winning design has evolved to the perfectly-sculpted form,” he points out.
The front of the vehicle fits the sports car identity. Super-slim pixel LED headlights complement the clamshell bonnet hood and the assertive and enlarged grille. It provides an exaggerated visual of the car, giving it more personality and impact.
The rear looks futuristic. The back will make you double-take, whether it’s an SUV or a sportscar. The sweeping rear and the jaguar emblem complete the look of a classy and stylish sports car
Its Power
We did our drive with Chris Ward, the president of Coventry Motors Corp, who said that the Jaguar F-TYPE “truly is the worthy successor of the most beautiful car ever made, the legendary E-TYPE.”
Powering the new F-TYPE are the 2.0L 300PS turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and the 575PS V8, which are only available upon order. The 300PS turbocharged has a maximum torque of 400Nm generated from just 1,500 to 4,500 pm.
This rear-wheel-drive vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in just 5.7 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 250 kmh.
There are also options for customization. If you choose 575PS supercharged V8, they have the new Quiet Start function. But if you want the distinctive pop, switch to dynamic mode and hear the meticulously tuned to suit the range of powerful four and eight-cylinder engines.
Its feel
The inside cockpit of the F-TYPE is cozy, driver-centric, and might I add quite British. The elevated middle console leather bucket seats have all the trimming of a sports car, complemented with a futuristic look on the dash with the 10inch touch screen and not-so-complicated dials.
The car looks unique and sexy and has the accolades to boast; having won 178 awards, including World Car Design of the Year. I like the back in particular with its sleek coupe look. But with that comes a bit of sacrifice as there’s limited space inside and the trunk. So, this is not your shopping in the grocery-type sports car.
The Drive is forgiving to not-so-experienced supercar drivers like me. I give its ride a checkmark because it was comfortable and feels stable. (Believe me, I have ridden a couple of those performance-centric supercars that have no regard for the comfort of the passengers.)
It is straightforward to drive in normal mode and slightly aggressive in sports mode. Its surefooted handling was notable especially driving on twisted roads.
So when you get to a point in your life when you want to be different, a Jaguar F-TYPE might be the car for you.
The F-TYPE starts at Php 6,190,000. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive 300PS four-cylinder model up to the all-wheel-drive V8. Clients may set an appointment before visiting the showroom or book a virtual appointment now by contacting (02) 8784 5003 or +63 919 068 2798.
Photos by EXCEL PANLAQUE of Studio 100
