How to get the most from a 35IS test drive?

[gwatson]

Quick google of "F type width" returns 1,923 mm, same as a Ferrari 360 or F430. Not sure what the official brochure states, or if that includes mirrors etc. 981 Boxster is 1801 mm with mirrors folded.

My X5 is 1,933 mm.

Will see how it feels on the road, that's what important. Compared to my S2000 it's going to be quite a change.

[Busterboo]

In old money, the F-Type's about 1 1/2 inches longer, but 5 1/2 inches wider than the Z4.

I've driven only one, the V8 R, and I found it quick, agile and impressive but, for all that and its beautiful bum, the front still looks like it should be on a Toyota.

[Nanu]

And it's almost got a boot

[Nictrix]

Quick google of "F type width" returns 1,923 mm, same as a Ferrari 360 or F430. Not sure what the official brochure states, or if that includes mirrors etc. 981 Boxster is 1801 mm with mirrors folded.

My X5 is 1,933 mm.

Will see how it feels on the road, that's what important. Compared to my S2000 it's going to be quite a change.

Just had another look around, the figure I quoted must be including the mirrors which makes it not as bad.

[Busterboo]

I've had two fat quick cars and bust the mirrors on both of them. The Z4's wide enough.

[metal licker]

Quick google of "F type width" returns 1,923 mm, same as a Ferrari 360 or F430. Not sure what the official brochure states, or if that includes mirrors etc. 981 Boxster is 1801 mm with mirrors folded.

My X5 is 1,933 mm.
Will see how it feels on the road, that's what important. Compared to my S2000 it's going to be quite a change.

Just happen to have this brochure laying about the house

jag brochure 2.jpg (54.02 KiB) Viewed 640 times

jag brochure 1.jpg (49.7 KiB) Viewed 640 times

[Nictrix]

Quick google of "F type width" returns 1,923 mm, same as a Ferrari 360 or F430. Not sure what the official brochure states, or if that includes mirrors etc. 981 Boxster is 1801 mm with mirrors folded.

My X5 is 1,933 mm.
Will see how it feels on the road, that's what important. Compared to my S2000 it's going to be quite a change.

Just happen to have this brochure laying about the house
jag brochure 2.jpg
jag brochure 1.jpg

That clears that up then
You thinking of getting one for your next car?

[metal licker]

Quick google of "F type width" returns 1,923 mm, same as a Ferrari 360 or F430. Not sure what the official brochure states, or if that includes mirrors etc. 981 Boxster is 1801 mm with mirrors folded.

My X5 is 1,933 mm.
Will see how it feels on the road, that's what important. Compared to my S2000 it's going to be quite a change.

Just happen to have this brochure laying about the house
jag brochure 2.jpg
jag brochure 1.jpg

That clears that up then
You thinking of getting one for your next car?

The Mrs is toying with the idea of one for her daily drive but only the baby 2ltr

[gwatson]

Unfortunately, that's the F Type back with Avis What a 24 hours!! 450 miles clocked up and I'm absolutely smitten with the F Type.
Upon arrival I was told that there a problem with the booking, I instantly felt sick, only to be told they didn't have the V6 and I'd have make do with 2018 V8 R. Normally I welcome any car upgrade, but this I wasn't sure about. I was never planning on test driving the V8, always had my heart set on the V6S as I'm a believer in less is more and to be quite honest the V8 power is "wasted" on the Scottish roads up. Anyway, didn't have a choice, so just had to get on with it!

Negatives (I’ll get these out the way)
- Seats are not all that supportive, but are very comfortable. I think they’re the same seats as you get in the 400 Sport, not sure if they’re optional or not.
- Cruising at 80mph feels like 50mph
- Entertainment and touch screen is a faff. Much prefer an iDrive type setup. Also the screen is very difficult to read with the roof down and sun shining.
- Not a fan of the alacntara interior, but that’s just spec.
- Meridian Sounds system is decent, but given it’s a payable option I wasn’t blown away.
- Ride is firm, but acceptable for this type of car. It did get little jiggly at times on the worst single track roads, but we’re talking 10 miles out of 450.
- Sun visors are tiny! Lol
- Prefer the look of the V6 exhausts
- Not much engine\induction noise
- Can feel it’s weight on slow first gear corners.

Positives:
- Looks clearly! This is what attracted me to the F type first and foremost, I don’t think I need to add any justification on this point. Although I’m not a fan of black cars, would never buy one. But it’s clearly a head turner, got a lot of attention, folk walking up to it when it was parked, kids giving thumbs up etc.
- I’ve been in some fast cars, even a few older supercars (Gallardo, 360CS etc, but WOW!!!! So much grunt, relentless acceleration
- The noise… even more impressive than the performance! No idea how a car is allowed to leave a factory in this nanny state sounding like that, sensational. The noises you can get it to make are unbelievable, especially up against a dry stone dyke, tunnel or in town. Certainly wouldn’t need an aftermarket exhaust, which is usually something I do. Louder blips when changing down would be my only slight criticism.
- ZF box is very responsive, not need for dual clutch here. Drove 90% in manual mode. Really enjoyed using the paddles.
- Makes you feel very very special. A junior\affordable supercar.
- Handling is better than I expected for a big car, it was a slight concern I’ll be honest, but not now.
- Averaged 22mpg which is actually quite respectable give how it was driven.
- Love the V8 side skirts, really adds depth to the side of the car
- Steering wheel is very nice, didn't feel too big which I read in a few reviews.

So what next? I really need to try the V6 and make a decision what I want for my 40th. Hope I’m not disappointed after driving the V8. But the F type feels so much more special than the Boxster in every way. Always entertaining whether cruising or blasting, just has soooooo much character.

[mr wilks]

Whenever i see these Jag Fs they do sound well enough but i can't help but study the numbers & for the performance / handling on offer they look mega expensive to me
They don't handle like a Cayman / hold value like a ///M2 or leave the line like a Audi RS but as one article suggested , they are a great choice for those who don't like the whole Germanic motor scene
They will probably make great used cars when they're £15k but £52k for V6 335bhp ( you can get a 375bhp version but the extra 40bhp will cost you a extra £11k ) & in vert form as above they don't look particularly fetching either
Nice to have alternatives but can't see me ever being tempted down that alley ,

[gwatson]

I'd only ever buy used, but that applies to any car! They're down to £35k.

Boxster\Cayman is great, but not much of an event to drive, just too accomplished.

You get a lot more kit on the 380ps V6 vs 340ps, proper LSD, active exhaust to name a few.

[mr wilks]

I'd only ever buy used, but that applies to any car! They're down to £35k.

Boxster\Cayman is great, but not much of an event to drive, just too accomplished.

You get a lot more kit on the 380ps V6 vs 340ps, proper LSD, active exhaust to name a few.

I was surprised you weren't WoWed with induction / exhaust note on a V8 sports Jaguar imagining what would they cost new

[gwatson]

I was absolutely wowed by the exhaust noise. Never experienced anything like it. Any induction noise is completely overwhelmed and drowned out. It's insanely loud.

£100k plus new. But then so is a M5 almost

[mr wilks]

I was absolutely wowed by the exhaust noise. Never experienced anything like it. Any induction noise is completely overwhelmed and drowned out. It's insanely loud.

£100k plus new. But then so is a M5 almost

Apologies , i misread your disappointment in engine / induction , , , the Jags whether V6 or V8 do sound very well out the back
I guess the problem is the same as everyone has faced at some point , the more you up the budget the more choices come on offer & before long the head spins & then struggles to figure what you initially set out for ?

[gwatson]

Ha, very true.

Problem is, there is nothing between the S2000\Z4M price bracket until mid 30's to get a nice Boxster or F type. A big jump indeed. Hence it has to be a special 40th present.