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Oakville Drives: 2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe

2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | Jaguar
2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | Jaguar

This is a fabulous two person upscale sports car that will generate an emotional response just looking at it. Of all of the cars that I have had the joy of testing, this is the first one that attracted immediate attention.

2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | 2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | R.G. Beltzner
2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | 2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | R.G. Beltzner

Perhaps it was the optional “Italian racing red” metallic paint. Within a minute of parking in downtown Oakville, a gentleman with his spouse came by to remark that this was the “most beautiful car ever”. The following day while parking at the local grocery, another came over to make similar comments. Even a neighbour came by to admire the lines and the wonderful exhaust sound. If it's attention you want, this is a car for you.

Handling characteristics

This 2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe comes equipped with a 380 horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Maximum speed is rated at a very respectable 275km with 0-100k at 5.5 seconds. As I pushed the starter on this car for the first time, clutch in – brake on, the engine immediately screamed to 8,000 rpm before settling down to a low rumble. This starting sequence is even more aggressive (noisy) with a driver-selectable exhaust bypass to allow exhaust gases to exit more directly – i.e. with more volume. Either way, it will be impossible to make a quiet unobtrusive departure in the early morning or at anytime. The 6-speed gearbox is smooth and precise on both up-shifts and downshifts although the clutch takes a bit of getting used to in stop and go traffic. Placement of the brake and throttle pedals have clearly been designed for easy heel and toe assisted shifting. Once on the highway, the true sports car feel and sound shines through. Especially the sound! Jaguar has managed to produce a very enjoyable growl when accelerating and an equally enjoyable “burble” when decelerating. The 380 hp supercharged engine gives you more than enough power that will get you to “stunt driving - car seizure” speeds in just a few moments. This is definitely a car that you will want to take to the track to fully enjoy.

2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | 2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | R.G. Beltzner
2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | 2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | R.G. Beltzner

On the more “twisty” roads, I enjoyed positive road feel of the variable electric power assisted steering combined with the software driven real-time suspension adjustments. Some may find this nicely tuned suspension a bit stiffer than a typical luxury sedan - it’s a sports car after all! And for those of us that enjoy the sports car feel and sound, there is the “dynamic mode” setting providing a quicker throttle response and increased steering weighting. I should also mention that the car is equipped with a rear spoiler that deploys at speed to provide increased stability.

To slow the car down, this Jaguar came equipped with the “super performance brake package” providing 380 mm front and 376 mm rear brake rotors as well as red colored calipers to complete the “racing look” especially when matched with the optional 20” performance tires on black “tornado” wheels.

Comfort

2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | 2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | R.G. Beltzner
2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | 2017 Jaguar F-Type S Coupe | R.G. Beltzner

My test vehicle came equipped with the optional premium leather package that includes very comfortable full 14 way adjustable electric and memory seats with tasteful leather and stitching throughout. Included as standard equipment is most of what we now expect in a premium vehicle including an 8-inch colour touch-screen, a 770 watt Meridian™ surround sound system, HD radio & SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation system and hands free telephone connectivity. Whether on the steering wheel, the dash or touch screen, the Jaguar’s controls are clear, sensible and within easy reach. The climate control system deserves special mention with Jaguar’s stylish and intelligent twin central air vents that automatically rise from the dashboard as required and retract after use.

What is a challenge is getting out of the car due to its low profile. If you are of a larger or longer stature, or getting on in age, most low-slung sports cars can be more difficult to exit. Getting in is much less of a problem and once inside, there is ample room for the driver and passenger as long as you don’t bring anything with you. Anything larger than a small bag has to be relegated to the 14.4 cubic feet of space in the trunk, as there is simply no space at all behind the front seats.

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Safety

The Jaguar F – Type S Coupe comes equipped with ABS, pedestrian contact sensing, perimeter sensing, emergency brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, tire pressure monitoring, a variety of the latest in door locking and engine immobilizing systems, as well as the usual array of air bags to protect driver and passenger. An absolutely necessary option to add is the $4,300 “premium vision package” that gives you both front and rear parking aids as well as reverse traffic detection, blind spot monitoring and closing vehicle detection. For the driver, the available front and rear sight lines are not adequate to allow for ease of parallel parking and hence, the need for the parking aids if you want to minimize opportunity for bumper rash.

Things to consider

The Jaguar F – Type is a wonderful sports car available in a variety of configurations including coupe, convertible, rear wheel drive and all wheel drive. Depending on the model, engine options range from a 340hp supercharged V6 to a 550+hp supercharged V8. Regardless of the model selected, this sports car has an award winning style, comfort and driving performance that many would enjoy.