2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible Review: Design Icon, Driving Joy
One of the prettiest sports cars on the market, the Jaguar F-Type pays tribute to the achingly gorgeous E-Type with a modern design that manages to find a way to take account of pedestrian safety and still be absolutely beautiful. A 2.0-liter turbo inline-four is available as standard, with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. If you want real character though, a choice of either a 340-hp supercharged V6 with 332 lb-ft or an uprated version of the same engine with 380 hp and 339 lb-ft are available. Sadly, the manual gearbox has been canned, and only an eight-speed ZF auto is available to send power to the rear wheels. More powerful V8 options are available, but even the V6 can be had with all-wheel-drive. At a starting price of around $65,000, the F-Type competes with the likes of the Corvette Stingray and Porsche's magnificent 718 Boxster.
Best Deals on 2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible
F-Type Convertible Exterior
Ian Callum's design of the F-Type is one of the most sumptuous pieces of artistic expression of the modern era. Long, cat-like headlights with LED DRLs make the classically long hood appear even lengthier visually, while a large grille and wheels that vary in size between 18 and 20 inches add aggression to the svelte shape. With the roof up, the trunk appears lengthened over that of the coupe variant, while at the rear, narrow LED taillights and a central exhaust exit are accentuated by a faux diffuser.
Dimensions
The F-Type convertible is a muscular machine with wide proportions, measuring 74.2 inches across excluding the mirrors. Height is 51.5 inches. Length measures 176.5 inches from nose to tail with a wheelbase of 103.2 inches. Curb weight varies depending on the model and the engine fitted, with the base 2.0-liter version starting at 3,405 lbs and the V6 starting at 3,521.
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
176.5 in | 103.2 in | 51.5 in | 75.7 in | 62.9 in | 64.9 in | 3,405.0 lbs |
Exterior Colors
F-Type Convertible Performance
Engine and Transmission
The F-Type convertible is available with three different power outputs, all of which channel their power through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. As much as we're disappointed by the demise of the six-speed manual as an available choice, the automatic transmission is brilliant and shifts cleanly and smoothly. Should you choose to change gear with the paddles, the gearbox responds quickly and sharply too.
The base engine in the F-Type is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that produces 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This allows it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. If you opt for the supercharged 3.0-liter V6, output increases to 340 hp and 332 lb-ft, allowing the benchmark sprint to be dispatched in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 161 mph. The quickest variant uses a 380 hp version of this engine with 339 lb-ft of torque. This all-wheel-drive model accelerates from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and tops out at 171 mph. However, we prefer the improved feel and response of the standard rear-wheel-drive system, that allows for more fun in the corners.
Handling and Driving Impressions
The F-Type convertible is neither a relaxed GT cruiser nor an all-out track assault weapon. However, it does manage to fit somewhere between the two extremes, with minimal body roll and an ability to take corners flat. Even with rear-wheel-drive, the grip is impressive, although you can coax a drift out of the sportster. If you opt for the adaptive suspension, the balance between comfort and handling ability is even better proportioned. It's not all perfect, however. The cockpit allows a lot of wind noise in with the top up, and with the roof retracted, turbulence enters the cabin often. With the all-wheel-drive system, grip is even better for the most part, but a tendency to understeer also becomes evident. This makes the F-Type more of a point-and-shoot sports car, detracting from the fun that a vehicle like this should always offer. Nevertheless, the brakes are good, and with 14.9-inch rotors available up front, stopping comes quickly. If you want even better stopping power 15.6-inch carbon-ceramics are available on the AWD R-Dynamic trim.
F-Type Convertible Gas Mileage
While the V8 models (reviewed separately) are serious gas-guzzlers, the F-Types we're reviewing here are not terrible. The worst offender is the all-wheel-drive supercharged V6, returning figures of 18/26/21 mpg. With an 18.5-gallon gas tank, the estimated mixed range is around 388 miles. The 2.0-liter turbo is predictably more economical but comes with a smaller gas tank of 16.6 gallons. Nevertheless, with figures of 23/30/26 mpg in rear-wheel-drive format, mixed range is estimated at around 431 miles. The rest of the range returns combined figures of between 21 and 23 mpg.
F-Type Convertible Interior
Seating and Interior Space
The F-Type is a strict two-seater, and despite the seats being mounted low down, headroom for six-footers is severely limited with the roof up. Getting in and out also requires a bit of flexibility, and the long doors pose a problem in crowded car parks. Fortunately, legroom is adequate and the cabin doesn't feel especially stuffy or confined in terms of width. Visibility all round is also decent, although the long hood will take some getting used to, especially for shorter individuals.
F-Type Convertible Trunk and Cargo Space
Jaguar's press blurb states that the F-Types trunk has been designed for all lifestyles. As is obvious, they clearly have a very skewed idea of what the term "all lifestyles" means. With a 7.3 cubic-foot trunk that has a very small opening, cramming a pair of duffle bags in the back is as far as you're likely to get with loading anything. Still, that's enough for a light weekend away, so it could be worse. Nevertheless, the Chevy Corvette offers two trunks, one of which is 10 cubic feet large.
In the cabin, slim door pockets can carry keys and small wallets, while a central cubby allows for a pair of cupholders or your phone. The glovebox isn't particularly big either, so even a trip to the shops requires forethought and probably will result in you leaving your iPod at home.
F-Type Convertible Infotainment and Features
Features
For 2020, front parking sensors have been added to complement those already at the rear, and all models feature remote access, an SOS emergency call system, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, a drowsy driver alert, and traffic-sign recognition. Also included are LED headlights and taillights, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, a valet mode, and single-zone climate control. A five-inch TFT driver info display is also included. Dual-zone climate control is available as part of the options list, along with a switchable exhaust. High beam assist, heated and ventilated seats, a heated windshield, configurable throttle, gearbox, steering, and suspension settings, ambient lighting, parking assist, keyless entry, and rear cross-traffic alert are also available.
Infotainment
The F-Type's infotainment system has been updated to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a sore oversight in earlier models. In addition to Bluetooth and USB connectivity, the system boasts a 10-inch touchscreen and navigation. SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and a Meridian eight-speaker sound system with two subwoofers. Optionally available is a 10-speaker Meridian upgrade also with two subwoofers. As impressive as the sound system is, we still find fault with the InControl system that is laggy and annoying to use, increasing time that your eyes will spend away from the road - not ideal in a car capable of up to 171 mph in V6 guise.
F-Type Convertible Problems and Reliability
The 2020 Jaguar F-Type in both coupe and convertible variations have been subject to a single, minor recall for an incorrect tire placard label. Jaguar's warranty coverage is impressive, though, with the company offering five years or 60,000 miles of limited and powertrain coverage, as well as complimentary scheduled maintenance for the same period.
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 6 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
F-Type Convertible Safety
Low-volume sports cars are typically not crashed for safety testing and the F-Type convertible is no different. Standard safety features include four airbags, blind-spot monitoring, a drowsy driver warning, emergency braking, lane-keep assist, brake assist, traffic-sign recognition, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors. Also included is an SOS emergency call system that automatically connects you to emergency personnel in the event of a crash. The usual stability and traction control systems also feature, as does an anti-lock braking system. Rear cross-traffic alert is optional with advanced blind-spot assist.
Verdict: Is The 2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible A Good car?
The Jaguar F-Type is still just as pretty as it was when it came out, and it offers a raw experience of real sports car performance even with the base four-pot - something that is rare in cars with "low-output" engines. The manual may be dead but the ZF eight-speed auto that is permanently in its place is a brilliant transmission. In addition, the F-Type convertible is not terribly expensive when compared to the likes of Porsche. Yes, Jag loses out to the Boxster, a car that offers a purer, more engaging driving experience, but that's the case with pretty much any car that enters the ring with Porsche. The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is also more powerful and more intimidating, but in a world filled with hypercars, the Jaguar has its own niche of understated performance and phenomenal design. While most of us would choose one of the F-Type's competitors, we tip our hats to those who don't - the Jaguar is a future classic.
What's the Price of the 2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible?
Pricing for the F-Type convertible starts at $64,700, exclusive of its $1,025 delivery and destination charge. This nets you a rear-wheel-drive roadster with a 2.0-liter turbo-four. Opting for the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 variant will cost you at least $74,200, an increase of $9,500. If you want the Checkered Flag trim, that costs $74,300, but you can't have the V6 on this model unless you get it with all-wheel-drive ($96,900). The R-Dynamic trim, exclusively available with said V6, costs at least $87,400, with another $3,000 buying you all-wheel-drive. Fully-loaded the top Checkered Flag V6 with all-wheel-drive costs around $105,000.
What Jaguar F-Type Convertible Model Should I Buy?
While the Checkered Flag edition looks cool on its standard 20-inch wheels and with its performance seats and gloss black accents, we'd prefer a supercharged V6 with rear-wheel-drive. We'd opt for the base variant with this engine and instead splash out on British Racing Green paint for $710. We'd stick with the standard 18-inch wheels to help maximize comfort, and opt for the $800 heated and ventilated seats to help further the same cause. However, opting for the upgraded seats requires the addition of the Performance seats, adding another $4,070. We'd also swipe the credit card again on dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel, adding $1,125. It's worth spending the $155 on a wind deflector to help calm top-down turbulence. All in, this spec would cost just over $81,000.
2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible Comparisons
2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible vs Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible
The Chevrolet Corvette is definitely a car you want to be looking at for affordable, accessible power and genuine supercar looks. The base 1LT variant starts at $66,400, a small increase over the Jag F-Type convertible's starting price of $64,700. Also equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive, the American sports car produces far more power at 490 hp. It also generates nearly 200 lb-ft more torque, and has a larger, more usable cargo area spanning 12.6 cubic feet. Despite its larger engine, it's also lighter, weighing in at a dry weight of 3,366 lbs. It also gets dual-zone climate control as standard, and taller individuals can sit comfortably. Overall, the Corvette is a far more capable, comfortable, and, crucially, a faster car too.
2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible vs Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche Boxster is considerably cheaper than the base F-Type convertible, with an asking price below $60,000. Naturally, Porsche loves to add options to its cars and it loves to charge you for these, but you still get at least 300 hp from the boxer motor. All-wheel-drive is not available, as that compromises handling and packaging, but you get a glorious six-speed manual gearbox and the option of a brilliant seven-speed dual-clutch setup that is arguably unrivaled. The steering, too, is sublime and the chassis is incredibly responsive. Cargo area isn't great, with a 5.3 cubic-foot frunk and a 4.4 cubic-foot trunk in the rear, but comfort is impressive and the infotainment system works wonderfully. The Porsche is the default option for sports cars in this segment, and the Jaguar does little to change that.