R.G Beltzner
2019 Jaguar F Type
The 2019 Jaguar F Type is one of the best looking two seat sports cars on the market today. Introduced last year, the P300 is the “entry” level F-Type with a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine poised to compete directly with the likes of Porsche’s Cayman.
Handling and performance characteristics
Photo Credit: R.G. Beltzner
This 2019 Jaguar F Type P300 Coupe rear wheel drive comes equipped with a 296 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged charged engine with 296hp @ 5,500 rpm, 295 lb.ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm and 8-speed automatic transmission.
Maximum speed is rated at a very respectable 250kph with 0-100kph in 5.7 seconds. Your first reaction might be that this is too small an engine for the F-Type. I had the opportunity to test this car to its limits during a week of very spirited driving. Here is what I learned about the car’s handling and performance:
- Use the paddle shifters for spirited driving – they work remarkably well once you get used to the optimal shift ranges. The engine’s power is maximized at the higher rev range and it takes a bit of time to get the shift points right especially for 2nd through 4th to maintain optimum acceleration leaving the apex of corners. Maintaining high and consistent rpm’s through up and down shifts is key.
- The brakes work much better than I expected. Despite numerous fairly aggressive attempts at late braking into corners, the brakes remained firm and balanced with no hint of fading.
- The suspension is excellent. Through rapid acceleration, deceleration and aggressive cornering, the car remains firmly planted without a hint of body roll.
- There is really not much of a noticeable difference between the “Normal” and “Dynamic” drive settings with this engine package.
- Driving on the 400 series highways is best done in the “Normal” setting and full automatic mode for maximum comfort. Even “in-city” driving is best without the use of the paddle shifters.
- The rear deck spoiler that deploys at speed may look nice but really doesn’t add to the car’s already excellent stability.
- The exhaust sound is not as loud as the V6/V8 engine versions and that will please your neighbours as you start the car early in the morning. There is an optional “switchable active exhaust” ($260) that increases the exhaust sound level while in normal drive mode and is automatically activated in dynamic mode.
2019 Jaguar F Type P300 Coupe i4 comfort and looks
The 2019 Jaguar F Type P300 is already very well equipped with just about all of the comfort and driver assist features that you would want. This particular test vehicle included a number of options that I found added to the overall comfort and looks of the vehicle.
Climate Pack ($1,840)
- 2-zone climate control
- heated steering wheel
- heated front windscreen
- Heated or cooled seats.
This is a sensible addition given our climate.
The optional performance seat ($1,740) provides for better driver stability for those interested in more aggressive driving. Jaguar also provides some optional features to add to the exterior and interior look of the vehicle. If you like the black on black look, choose the exterior Santorini Black paint ($670), add the 20” gloss black rims ($2,550) and the Black Pack ($1,180).
Jaguar has done a very good job at the placement and design of steering wheel along with the console/dash/display driver controls for most functions. These will be more than satisfactory for the majority of drivers. Navigation are less than perfect but can be augmented by a smart phone.
Photo Credit: R.G. Beltzner
Despite this being a very comfortable car to drive, driver entry and exit for the mature body demands attention, so your head does not hit on the low roofline. One of my friends also recommended yoga as a way to maintain flexibility in case the low stance of the car begins to challenge body joints.
Another challenge for some might be the lack of interior storage space (not uncommon is two seat sports cars). Fortunately, the trunk is reasonably large (14.4 cubic feet). It can actually hold a set of golf clubs (except, I am told by a neighbour, for the driver that has to be relegated to the passenger seat).
2019 Jaguar F Type P300 Coupe i4 Safety
The Jaguar F Type P300 Coupe comes standard with:
- lane keep assist
- traffic sign recognition
- adaptive speed limiter
- emergency brake assist
- electronic brake force distribution
- rear parking aid and camera
- tire pressure monitoring
Also included are a variety of the latest in door locking and engine immobilizing systems, as well as the usual array of air bags to protect the driver and passenger.
Some useful options to consider are the Passive Keyless entry ($620), front parking aid ($290) and blind spot assist ($500).
Things to consider
The 2019 Jaguar F Type P300 Coupe i4 is a splendid and visually appealing sports car available in a variety of configurations including coupe, convertible, rear wheel drive and all wheel drive.
Definitely a car to consider when you are looking for that two seat toy. Depending on the model, engine options range from the new P300 2.0L turbo, a 340hp supercharged V6 to a 550+hp supercharged V8 with a price of $140,500 before options.
For every day driving situations, the 2019 Jaguar F Type P300 is more than adequate and provides better fuel economy. Of course the more powerful versions not only sound better, but they will also appeal to the driving enthusiasts.
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