By Staff Reporter

After being with us for seven years and receiving a mild update along its life cycle, Jaguar gives its much loved gentleman’s 1+1 sports car, the Jaguar F-type, an aggressive refresh.

A fitting aggressive look for the prancing cat

Much of the update is prominent upfront. New super-slim pixel LED headlights with J-blade daytime running lights and optional sweeping turn indicators, which look similar to those seen on Jaguar’s refreshed XE, give the F-Type a more aggressive stance. Sitting in between those is a new subtly enlarged hexagonal meshed grille finished in gloss black and model-specific signature graphics placed on lower portion of the bold, more sculpted front-bumper which is fitted with a splitter. A new clamshell bonnet has more efficient air vents which feeds air into the engine.

New side vents with leaper graphics are placed on the fenders. Also new to the Jag are stunning diamond turn dual-tone 10-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels which can be fitted with carbon ceramic matrix brakes saving 21 kg in unsprang mass.

The slimline theme continues at the rear where slender Chicane signature LED lights with Jaguar heritage Monogram pattern extends around the rear haunches. If you order the V8 R, the quad exhausts will come with the R logo etched onto each tailpipe. The F-Type will also come with optional Black Pack which will give a gloss black finish to the F-Type badges.

A digital driver focused cockpit

The 1+1 driver focused cabin has a 12.3-inch reconfigurable HD TFT instrument cluster and Touch Pro infotainment system. The luxurious cabin uses quality materials like Sienna Tan Windsor Leather, Suedecloth, Alcantara, and satin-finish Noble Chrome, while twin-needle contrast stitching and monogram stitching on the seats and door trims highlights Jaguar’s craftsmanship.

The growl of a British cat

All models of the refreshed Jaguar F-Type will be equipped with an active exhaust system, which is switchable either as an option or as standard. The V8 engines will benefit from the new Quiet Start function, saving one from having to deal with noise complaints from neighbours. Sadly, the SVR and V6 models are no longer available. The good news though is bits of the menacing SVR have been carried over to the top-of-the-range V8 R.

There are four engines listed on Jaguar UK website, namely

P300 RWD Automatic

Ingenium 2-litre four-cylinder Turbocharged petrol

221 kilowatts (300Ps)

0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds

Top speed of 250 km/h

P450 RWD Automatic

Supercharged 5-litre V8 petrol

331 kilowatts (450Ps)

0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds

Top speed 285 km/h

P450 AWD Automatic

Supercharged 5-litre V8 petrol

331 kilowatts (450Ps)

0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds

Top speed 285 km/h

P575 AWD Automatic

Supercharged 5-litre V8 petrol

423 kilowatts (575Ps)

0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds

Top speed of 300 km/h

No official pricing for SA has been released by Jaguar South Africa.