If you’re looking for a snarling, sexy GT coupe, then the 2022 Jaguar F-TYPE P450 R-Dynamic should be at the top of your shopping list. Graceful styling demonstrates that this car’s design has simply gotten better with age, much like a fine wine.
Criticisms from internet trolls that its front end looks borrowed from Aston Martin aside, spending anything like quality time with the F-TYPE will ensure you soon realise that it’s all Jaguar, especially when draped in British Racing Green.
Under the hood is a freshy tuned supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that delivers 331kW of power and 580Nm of torque, in what we guess you’d call its entry level form (the R sits above this variant, with more power from the same powerplant).
Said engine will sprint to 100km’h in just 4.6 seconds. An eight speed automatic transmission, the evergreen ZF, comes packing paddle shifters and changes gears smoothly and ever so quickly.
Jaguar claims a combined fuel usage of 10.6-litres/100km, and surprisingly it’s pretty bang on. After a week of some spirited driving and cruising, the F-TYPE didn’t guzzle as much as we thought it would. That assumes of course that you behave.
The big 2-seater coupe’s soundtrack is sublime, featuring a switchable active exhaust and at wide open throttle, the snarling bark can be defined in one word – addictive. It is hard not to continuously poke the bear at virtually any opportunity.
The result of that of course is the fact you’ll chew through a little more juice.
With its slightly shorter wheelbase, some might think that the F-TYPE may not inspire confidence, but the centre of gravity, and overall balance really do provide a great deal of positive grip around the twisties.
The standard 20-inch wheels wrapped in 295mm wide Pirelli P Zero rubber, combined with a clever traction control system certainly help too, but don’t be fooled, as you can very quickly unsettle it with a heavy right foot, if you really want to.
Steering and braking are well balanced, with plenty of weight and quick off centre steering. It’s basically point and shoot, thanks to active dynamics (active dampers) and selectable drive modes.
While the F-TYPE may not be as sharp, or as hot on its feet as its rivals, it really has a much more old-school charm and plenty of British character. For that alone, it’s a different and very viable choice.
Inside the cabin, the Jaguar has been given a cleaner, fresher lease on life. It maintains a driver-centric design that is accentuated with a mix of rich and racy materials, such as faux-suede, stitched surfaces and chrome trim.
Optional ventilated and heated leather performance seats, with lateral support help to fill the cabin nicely, and provide the driver and passenger the correct level of comfort and support, no matter the driving style.
Getting in and out of the F-TYPE can be a little challenging though. It’s super low to the ground, and the seating position is lower than the sill too. We recommend allowing some extra time for some unusual body movements to get in and out.
Once in, you do initially feel a little claustrophobic, as the cabin space is a quite tight (not Lotus Evora tight, but you get the point). You soon overcome this feeling though, once you start interacting with the car.
The F-TYPE P450 R-Dynamic has a way of enticing you into its world. You almost feel joined to the driving experience. It’s quite unique in that way. Anyone over about 183cm tall might struggle to feel comfortable though.
Visibility is also not great, with the A pillars cutting up a large chunk of forward vision, while the rear view is obstructed by the small rear window. Given how you’ll drive this car though, we’re sure you’ll be focused on where you’re going, not where you’ve been.
The 2022 Jaguar F-TYPE P450 R-Dynamic is also the last to feature the old 10.0-inch Touch Pro infotainment system, with everything else the car maker builds now sporting the faster, more connected, Pivi Pro system.
That said, you do still get satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired only), and a 10-speaker 380W Meridian sound system. It’s no high-tech showpiece, but it does the job.
From the drivers seat, you are met with a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument display, which can be configured to your preference, as either two different types of analogue dials, or a central dial with information pods on either side.
If there’s one spot that’s a real let down in the F-TYPE, it’s the boot. Jaguar claims 300-litres of space, but it’s a hard argument to see where that actually is. It holds a couple of carry-on bags at best. A motorised glass lift-back does provide easy access though.
The standard inclusions list is also jam packed, with keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights, two-zone climate control, power-adjustable steering column, ambient lighting, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keep assist.
You’ll also find front and rear parking sensors, driver attention monitoring and six airbags for your $166,048 (plus on-roads) investment. In its tested form, with a few optional extras, that blows out to $188,868 (plus-on-roads).
It does carry a hefty price tag, especially after a few options (that should be standard, but that’s a different argument) but it remains one of the only soulful, charming cars on the market today, and a price tag shouldn’t deter you from your passion, driving.
You can build your own on the Jaguar Australia website. If you need finance, check out CreditOne.
Our test vehicle was provided by Jaguar Australia. To find out more about the 2022 Jaguar F-TYPE P450 R-Dynamic, contact your local Jaguar dealer.
