2021 Jaguar F-Type R AWD Convertible: An Iconic Brand With A Modern Flair

 

Highlight: A coupe version of this model is available.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $120,750 (Base 2.0): $65,850

Seating Capacity: 2

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; stability control; rear camera; front and rear parking aid; a lane keep assist system; traffic sign recognition; an adaptive speed limiter; a tire repair system; a rollover protection system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (P300):  18-inch wheels; 296-hp turbocharged four-cylinder; rear-wheel drive; LED headlights and taillights; leather and pseudo suede seats; a digital gauge cluster; power adjustable seats with memory settings; and a 10-inch infotainment screen

Standard Equipment (R AWD): 20-inch gloss black wheels; 575-hp supercharged eight-cylinder; all-wheel drive; driving modes; power front seats w/three way memory; leather steering wheel; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; single zone climate control; pollen filter; manual tailgate trunk lid; R performance sport seats; leather seats; an adaptive suspension system; push button ignition system; navigation system; a 10-inch touchscreen; an electric convertible roof; and a keyless entry system

Options: 

SVO Ultra Metallic Paint

Full extended leather upgrade 

Body colored and black exterior design accents

A two-zone climate control system

Heated windshield

Heated steering wheel

Meridian surround sound system – 770W

Beige, fully electric convertible roof

Meridian surround

20-inch wheels 

Blindspot assistance with a rear traffic monitor

Black vent surrounds

Nubuck edge carpet mats

Air quality sensor

Other Trim Levels:

P380

Standard Audio On Base Model: a 380-watt HD and SiriusXM system

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower (Base): 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine/296-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 16-city/24-hwy (Base model)

What’s New: The sporty, but stylish two-door roadster has received front end and rear end exterior updates for the 2021 model year. The iconic F-Type R model gets an additional 25-horsepower boost without a surcharge.

Pros:

Only for two!

The color of our test vehicle

Affordable access to a two-door fullsize base F-Type

Stylish and exterior classy exterior design

V8, 575-hp engine on R trim

All-wheel drive standard on the R trim

A variety of driving modes

A driver oriented roadster

An active exhaust system on R trim

Three engine options available: a 4-cylinder, a 6-cylinder and an 8-cylinder

20-inch wheel with red brake calipers

Gloss black wheels

Driver aids with safety features

Power convertible top

Apple and Android capabilities

Keyless entry

Push-button starter system

Crystal clear optional 700-watt sound system

Digital gauges replace analog gauges

Ventilated seats available on F trim

But: 

No wireless charging

No HUD (heads up display) system

No brake hold feature

No radar-activated cruise control system

Low ground clearance could be difficult for entry/exit

Limited seating

RWD only available on the entry-level trim

Verdict:  With a starting price just shy of $66,000, buyers can have access to one of the world’s most iconic brands, with the top down. However, in order to access the price point noted, buyers will have to settle upon the entry level trim, which is powered by a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which puts out 295-horsepower. And for those who aren’t price sensitive and need a power boost, a turbocharged 6-cylinder and an 8-cylinder engine, which pushes out 380- and 475-horsepower, respectively are available.

Moreover, the iconic roadster, with its power operated convertible top, is one of four fullsize luxury engineered vehicles available in the segment. In fact, the Jaguar is also the most affordable too -- being that it’s the only one available with a 4-cylinder engine.

Furthermore, the British designed convertible offers plenty of eye-appeal and a punchy exhaust note too, especially when buyers opt for the higher end R-type, which pushes out 575-horsepower from its dual exhaust pipes. While BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus are appealing aesthetically, in our opinion this Jaguar is the benchmark in terms of retaining a modern design theme without losing its heritage.  Overall, there is just a sense of sophistication about the Jaguar that its competitors lack despite the edge they have over the brand in terms of ride quality and technology enhancements.

Competition:  BMW 8-Series Convertible; Lexus LC 500 Convertible; and Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Cabriolet