model: Stephanie
Did you know that the Jaguar F-Type was introduced way back in 2014? By automotive standards, it’s getting close to dinosaur status. Just ask the Nissan 370Z. In 2022, this big cat does away with the V6 and the I4 and is left with the V8. But in the fast changing times, does the Jaguar F-Type even have an audience anymore?
Performance
Engine – The only engine available with the F-Type in 2022 is a 5.0L Supercharged V8. It is available as a detuned version in this P450 model or as it was intended in the P575. Gone is the supercharged V6 and the turbocharged 4-cylinder. This P450 version produces 444 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque (331 kW & 580 Nm) which allows this AWD version to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. It is an old engine and it feels that way. Around town, the engine’s rpms barely need to climb past the 2,000 mark to not only get the 1,790 kg (3,946 lbs) body moving but to also overtake a slower vehicle. Torque is plentiful at low to mid rpms and because of this, it feels as though it doesn’t really want to go beyond the 3,500 rpm mark.
However, that’s where all the action is. Once the rpm needle goes beyond that point, the valves in the exhaust open and you can appreciate the machine gun noise of the V8. If it’s in the Dynamic drive mode, each upshift is accompanied by a jackhammer noise. Unfortunately, you cannot hear any of these noises below that magical 3,500 rpm mark. Below, it sounds as though this big cat has been neutered. This engine embodies the V8’s of the olden days and that’s because it still is one. A modern Mustang produces around the same power but without the use of a supercharger and premium fuel.
Fuel Economy – Not only does this supercharged V8 require premium fuel but it has old school V8 fuel economy numbers in a city environment. It is rated for 15.2 L/100km (15.5 MPG) in a city and 9.8 L/100km (24 MPG) on highway. The highway fuel economy is not only impressive for this V8 but it’s also achievable. I mostly drove the F-Type P450 on highways and on twisty local Vancouver roads. As such, my average fuel economy rating was a respectable 12.9 L/100km (18.2 MPG). Had I driven more often in the city, that number would have been closer to or exceeding the 15.2 rating.
Transmission – One of the highlights of the F-Type’s powertrain is the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. Like many other iterations of this transmission, it is smooth to change gears and fast reacting to driver inputs. The shifts don’t feel as fast as the ones in BMW vehicles equipped with this transmission but this Jaguar is tuned to be more of a GT car rather than a track performance M car.
Braking – Despite the nearly 1.8 tonne weight of this convertible, the Jaguar F-Type stops with ferocity. The brake pedal is firm under sporty driving situations but it has enough travel to allow for smooth stops around town. The brakes don’t feel grabby or too sensitive when they’re cold.
Handling – The F-Type is a GT car and as such, it drives like one. The steering is precise but not quite as quick as some of its competitors. It is perfectly weighted for around town driving or it can be firmer still when switched to the Dynamic mode. The large tires provide a lot of grip and the AWD system keeps everything in check. RWD is standard but from what other automotive journalists have written, the RWD V8 version is a bit of a handful. Unfortunately, I’ve only previously driven AWD versions of the F-Type V8. Unlike the SVR model I drove, this P450 model does not hunt for the crown of the road. Thus it stays true and straight on highways.
The F-Type P450 has standard adaptive dampers which try to maintain composure through corners but there is still a noticeable amount of body roll. As well, the car gets a bit unsettled when it hits a big bump mid-way through a corner. The AWD system keeps the car pointing in the right direction, but it’s an unsettling feeling.
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Comfort
Ride Comfort – With the adaptive dampers in their Comfort setting, this Jag can be driven for hundreds of kilometers without any body pain. I’m not saying that it will glide over bumps like the Mercedes S-class but for a GT Sports car, it is supremely comfortable.
Interior Space – The cabin of the 2022 Jaguar F-Type may not look that spacious but it is. At 6’4”, I have plenty of leg space and just enough headroom with the soft-top up. Of course with the top down, you have billions of miles of headroom. The trunk is deep but the tire repair kit takes up some of that depth. Officially, the trunk for this convertible version measures at 200 L (7.06 cu-ft) of space. The coupe has 283 L (10 cu-ft).
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – As mentioned earlier, the engine produces an intoxicating noise when the rpm needle climbs beyond the 3,500 mark. Below that, it’s a muffled mess. However, even in the higher rpms, this 2022 F-Type isn’t as loud as the older F-Type SVR from 2018. Unfortunately this one has to contend with stricter government noise and emission regulations.
The soft-top does a fabulous job of isolating the cabin from outside noises. The engine noise is much more noticeable with the top down than with the top up. Wind noise with the top up is minimal and road noise is a bit noticeable but it’s bearable. Unfortunately there are a few squeaks and rattles as the car drives over bigger bumps. To the best of my ability, I’ve been able to deduce that the noises are coming from behind the passenger seat.
Odds and Ends
Pricing – The 2022 Jaguar F-Type P450 starts at $87,200 CAD ($73,400 USD) for the Coupe. This R-Dynamic AWD Convertible starts at $100,500 CAD ($87,200 USD). As equipped, this car costs $108,000 CAD ($94,150 USD).
Gadgets – As equipped, the F-Type has a lot of features but it is missing some that, in my opinion, are key for a car costing this much. It has heated seats, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keep, parking sensors front and rear, LED headlights, navigation, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and power adjustable seats with lumbar support.
However, things such as dual zone climate control, blind spot sensors, keyless entry are all optional features. Do you know how annoying it is to take your key out in order to unlock or lock a $100,000+ car? Also features such as ventilated seats or a head-up display are not available at all.
Interior Design – Since this car was introduced in 2014, it has only seen two major changes. The infotainment touchscreen has grown to 10” and the driver display screen replaced the old analog gauges. Everything else in the cabin remains the same. The air vents rise when air is directed to the mid position, the passenger has a large grab handle, and the controls are physical buttons and knobs (which I like). The whole interior looks good but somehow it feels old at the same time. Maybe because it hasn’t really changed since 2014? It’s hard to put a finger on it…
Visibility is ok. You sit low down in the car so the dash and long hood may feel a bit too high up for some. But the top of the windscreen frame blocks the stop lights if you’re the first car at the line. Side and rear visibility is good but with the top up, the blind zones are big, especially on the left side. Blind spot sensors should be a standard feature for this car.
Exterior Design – For the 2021 model year in North America, the Jaguar F-Type received an updated front and rear fascia. The grille is much larger and mimics the one found on the I-Pace EV. The headlights are slimmer with boomerang style LED daytime running lights. Around the back, the taillights are a bit more modern looking but the quad trumpet-like exhaust pipes remain.Some have criticized the updated styling but I think it looks good. This car still turns a lot of heads.
Safety – The base F-Type has automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keep, traffic sign recognition, parking sensors, backup camera, and driver condition monitor. The only options are blind spot sensors and rear cross traffic alert.
Warranty – The 2022 Jaguar F-Type P450 is covered by a 4 year / 80,000 km new vehicle warranty here in Canada. In the United States, it is 5 years / 60,000 miles. For more information on Canadian warranty, click here. For information on American warranty, click here.
Conclusion – The 2022 Jaguar F-Type has charm. It is one of the last V8 roadsters on the market that can still annoy the environmentalists. But its days are numbered. When it was introduced, it ushered in a new future for Jaguar. However, in 2022, it is lagging behind the competition. There are better performing cars out there for the same or less money. Although it still is shouty and beautiful to look at, this big cat has been neutered by government regulations. Jaguar is slowly sending it to greener pastures as the company shifts to an all-electric lineup by 2025.
Thank you to Jaguar Canada for providing the vehicle. www.Jaguar.ca
2022 Jaguar F-Type P450 R-Dynamic Gallery
