Road test: Jaguar F-type R Coupé

When Jaguar unveiled the F-type convertible a year ago, it received a rapturous welcome. Now the hard-top coupé has arrived, and not only is it as good, it’s even better looking and some models are also £7,000 cheaper.

The range, which starts at £51,235, consists of the 335bhp F-type Coupé, the 375bhp S Coupé (both with a three-litre V6) and the flagship 542bhp R Coupé, with a five-litre V8 engine. All are supercharged, all are good, and the V8 is a cracker.

For most, the F-type and S would be fast enough, and make a spine-tingling roar from their huge central twin tailpipes. The V8, which can sprint to 60mph in four seconds, emits a spitting, crackling bark from its quad exhausts under hard acceleration, but can meander almost silently through town when required.

From any angle, the all-aluminium body, with its long bonnet and tapering cabin, is stunning, its haunches making it look ready to spring even when stationary.

A system called “torque vectoring by braking”, which is not available on the entry level model, brushes the inner wheels’ brakes when cornering enthusiastically, eliminating any understeer and, even when pushing hard, the car goes where it is pointed. This is strictly a two-seater, with only a cubby-hole in the back, and the addition of a roof makes it a remarkable 80 per cent more rigid than the convertible, which was already impressively firm.

The cabin is elegant and feels snug without being claustrophobic. In all three guises the F-type is a superb achievement for Jaguar and a big headache for the competition.

Jaguar F-type R Coupé
Top speed: 186mph
MPG: 25.5
Emissions: 259g/km
Price: £85,000