Jaguar F-type lite still knocks you back almost one million but promises an exhilarating ride
Jaguar Land Rover announced this week the arrival of the award winning Jaguar F-type Coupé and Convertible, but not with the regular V8 monster or more sedate V6 for a power plant. The new models sport a modest 4-cylinder 2-litre Ingenium engine, but it still kicks out a whopping 221kW in break horse power on the rear wheels thanks to its high performance characteristics and impressive turbo charger.
Describing the F-type lite in concepts of efficiency and affordability, Jaguar Land Rover is quick to point out that the iconic 2-seater sports car still carries the distinctive Jaguar DNA. “The pairing of Jaguar’s all-aluminium two-seat sports car with the advanced 221kW 2-litre turbocharged powerplant delivers Jaguar sports car DNA with enhanced agility and improved efficiency and affordability. This is a true F-type, with its own unique character,” the British marque stated when the arrival in southern Africa of the 2-litre derivative was announced.
The most powerful 4-cylinder engine ever fitted to a Jaguar offers proven performance with output of 221kW power and 400Nm torque rocketing the two-seater from zero to 100 kmh in under 6 seconds. Top speed is governed at 250 kmh. With the smaller engine, the 2-litre F-type is 25kg lighter than its bigger V8 and V6 brothers.
Lisa Mallett, Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa said: “The F-type has proven popular among customers across Africa, offering a combination of seductive styling, distinct character and sports car performance. This new 2-litre engine broadens the appeal of the F-type range and makes it more accessible than ever before while still offering buyers all the traits that have made the F-type a success.”
Recently launched at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit near Johannesburg, both the Coupé and the Convertible impressed sports car enthusiasts with its outstanding performance.
Windhoek Jaguar Sales Manager, Dylan Kaye confirmed to the Economist that an F-type Convertible is actually in stock in the Windhoek showroom. “And the 2.0 is not a slouch, it can keep its head up among the rivals,” he added.
The 2-litre F-type joins the 423kW supercharged V8 F-type SVR, the 405kW F-type R, the 294kW F-type 400 SPORT, the 280kW F-type S and the standard 250kW F-type in both Coupé and Convertible body styles, as well as the R-Dynamic trim level.
Jaguar Land Rover said all new Jaguars come with a 5-year Care Plan, a 5-year/100,000km service plan and a 5-year/150,000km warranty as standard.
