2020 Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible

Badged as P300, the soft top comes along with plenty of features and technology to go with the luxury marquee’s thoroughbred convertible. The 2020 F-Type Convertible does have a few design updates evident on the front that make it more aggressive and meaner than before. This car brings the quote "Not everything in life is meant to be rational" to life. It has the right pallet of luxury and sports needed to paint a beautiful picture on an empty canvas.

Jaguar affixed a price tag of $64,700 to over $96,900 on the F-Type Convertible which depends on the trim and customization choice.

The F-Type has not been updated much from the previous year. A few optional features from the previous year have been made standard which does make the Jag a bit more preferable than before. A new trim called the Checkered Flag has been added which features Red Brake Calipers, Checkered Flag embossing on the seats and the Checkered Flag badges on the front and rear. Apple CarPlay along with Andriod Auto and Parking Sensors is now standard on the F-Type.

Trim	F-Type	F-Type Checkered Flag
MSRP(2.0L Motor)	$64,700	$74,300
MSRP(3.0L Motor)	$74,200	$96,900
Key Features	LED Headlights with Signature DRL’s	Adds/Upgrades from F-Type
	Meridian Sound System	Supercharged 380HP 3.0L Motor
	12 Way Electric Powered Front Seats with Memory	Exterior Black Design Package with Extended Side Sills
	18” 10 Spoke Alloys	20” 6 Split-Spoke Style Alloys
		Navigation Pro System
		Sports Seats with Grained Leather and Suedecloth facings

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The F-Type is proof of Jaguar's prowess over the sporting scene in the auto industry. The list of standard features on offer is extensive with great personalization options available. The new Checkered Flag edition is a good option if you're looking for some exclusivity and heritage with a better-tuned engine. It is all about personal choices and preferences on this.

Jaguar has added two engine options onto the F-Type for a better option selection. The transmission remains the same irrespective of the engine option selected. The first engine option is the 2.0L Inline four Turbocharged making 296HP power output which is decent for the small-sized engine. The spool time for the turbochargers has been well-tuned to give good power boosts after the mid-range RPMs. The second engine option is the 3.0L Supercharged V6 which makes 340HP which is supported by a supercharger, on the contrary of a turbo which spools boost at high RPM, the supercharger has power pooling out from the slightest pressure on the gas pedal. 

Models	Jaguar F Type RWD	Mercedes-AMG C 43 AWD	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1LT RWD	Porsche 718 Boxster RWD
MSRP	$64,700	$64,645	$61,495	$60,250
Engine	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	3.0L Twin-Turbo V6	6.2L Naturally Aspirated V8	2.0L Turbocharged Flat 4
Transmission	8 Speed automatic	9 Speed Automatic	7 Speed Manual	6 Speed manual
Horsepower	296 hp@ 1500rpm	385hp@6100rpm	455hp@6000rpm	300 hp@ 6500rpm
Torque	295 ft-lbs@ 1500rpm	384lbs.-ft.@2500rpm	460lbs.-ft.@4600rpm	280 ft-lbs@1950rpm

The Corvette has the biggest engine out of the lot by a huge margin which is why it makes the most power. The Jag and the Porsche are marginally close in terms of power due to similar engine capacity and the Merc's power output is between them and the Corvette.

Acceleration

The F-Type spurts power with the slightest of the foot on the gas. The acceleration and the power output on the 2.0L is linear but not the kind to snap necks. while doing it. The Turbocharger shines at higher RPM and the 8-speed shifts perfectly to make the most out of the engine power. The story on the V6 is contrary, it has the splurge of power instantly, the Supercharger makes the acceleration neck-snapping. The 2.0L inline-four on the F-Type can do 0-60 in just 5.4 seconds while the 3.0L V6 can achieve the feat in 5.1 seconds.

Models	Jaguar F Type RWD	Mercedes-AMG C 43 AWD	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1LT RWD	Porsche 718 Boxster RWD
0-60 MPH	5.4 sec	4.6 sec	3.7 sec	4.6 sec
Quarter mile	14.1 sec	12.6 sec	11.9 sec	13.0 sec
Engine	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	3.0L Twin-Turbo V6	6.2L Naturally Aspirated V8	2.0L Turbocharged Flat 4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.8	N/A	9.3	8.0

The Jag is left behind in the dust compared to the competition owing to its smaller engine and power outputs. The Corvette, however, leads the pack by a margin of a second followed by the Porsche and Merc which is a surprise. The Merc might have more power but is on the line as the Porsche. The Jag takes up the third spot in the lineup.

Ride & Handling

The drive in the convertible is a real pleaser with the roof down, feeling the wind and the experience is one to cherish. The suspension settings are similar to the coupe, stiff and with a lot of feedback from the roads and the steering. The handling ability is increased due to this making really a strong contender on twisty roads. The body roll is minimum giving more confidence to the drivers. It is exciting and entertaining at the same time imprinting a smile on the face.

Braking

The brakes on the Jag are capable of handling the humungous surplus of power under the hood. The mean machine can stop at will giving the driver the confidence to exploit its performance at the max. The brake rotors are responsive to the touch at the pedal. Its reliable and steady braking makes it even better to control under any circumstances.

Model	Jaguar F Type RWD	Mercedes-AMG C 43 AWD	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1LT RWD	Porsche 718 Boxster RWD
Brake Front (in.)	14	14.2	13.6	13.0
Brake Rear (in.)	12.8	12.6	13.3	11.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3405	4231	3362	2944
60-0 MPH (ft.)	101	N/A	97	99

With the available data, the Corvette stops the quickest and has the most capable brakes out of the lot. This feat is followed by the Porsche stopping just a bit further which beats the F-Type in this competition. 

The four-cylinder does have come with the benefit of good fuel efficiency. The lack of power directly converts into lower emissions and higher MPG figures. The Jag returns a decent combined MPG of 26 miles which is respectable for the kind of performance it gives.

Model	Jaguar F Type RWD	Mercedes-AMG C 43 AWD	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1LT RWD	Porsche 718 Boxster RWD
MPG (city)	23	18	16	21
MPG (highway)	30	25	25	28
MPG (combined)	26	21	19	24
Range (miles) (city/highway)	381.8/498	313/435	296/463	298/398
Tank Capacity (gal)	16.6	17.4	18.5	14.2

One thing the Jag beats all its competition is the fuel efficiency with the highest numbers out this lot. It is followed closely by the Porsche which delivers a decent MPG number. The Corvette returns the least numbers due to the high power and big engine under the hood.

The Jaguar F Type Convertible is made from excellent interior materials and craftsmanship. The F-type Convertible has an elegant cabin that looks even better with the top down. The seats are cozy and comfortable, but for only two people. The taller occupants might have a little trouble getting accommodated with the top-up. The buyer has an option to customize the interior with different seating options, textures and color combinations in the cabin. The dashboard and controls seem relatively plain and everything seems to be well put together.

Model	Jaguar F Type RWD	Mercedes-AMG C 43 AWD	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1LT RWD	Porsche 718 Boxster RWD
Passenger capacity	2	4	2	2
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.0/56.5/43.0	38.8/54.8/42.0	37.9/55.2/43.0	38.3/51.5/41.6
Second  (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	N/A	35.6/51.7/32.0	N/A	N/A

The Merc is the only vehicle here with an option to seat 4 passengers, very uncomfortably in the second row. But there is an option which the other cars don't have and we don't seem to mind it either. The Corvette and the Jag have similar legroom available for the occupants in the front row. While Porsche has the lowest space.

Interior Features

The Interiors of the F-Type is not only luxurious but also has a list of features, a few of the standard ones on offer

• Interior lighting
• Sports Seats with Leather and Suede Cloth Facings
• Electrically adjustable Steering Column with memory
• Cruise Control and Speed Limiter
• Single-zone Climate Control
• Deployable front air vents
• Pollen filter
• Clear sight interior rearview mirror
• Sunvisors with vanity mirrors
• Overhead lighting console
• Interior storage - with net

Infotainment

The world has complained and Jaguar has heard, the outdated infotainment has been upgraded to new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment. The new Infotainment has more features like Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto allowing the driver to connect their phone for better integration. The UI does seem a bit outdated with a few lags in the touch and certain complicated menu options. 

Infotainment

The list of features on the infotainment onboard

• 10” Touchscreen Infotainment System with Navigation pro
• Analog Dials with Central TFT Display - 190mph
• Chrome instrument cluster dial rings
• USB and 12V Socket in Center Console 
• Sirius XM Satellite Radio & HD radio
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Apple Car Play, Android Auto
• Meridian Sound System

Cargo Capacity

The F-Type Coupe has the best in segment cargo capacity, but the story takes a twist when it comes to the convertible. The Cargo space has been cut down due to the space required to hold the foldable soft-top. The space is sufficient from a convertible comparison perspective.

Model	Jaguar F-Type RWD	Mercedes-AMG C 43 AWD	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1LT RWD	Porsche 718 Boxster RWD
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	7.3	8.8	10.0	9.6

The Corvette manages to stay atop of the Competition and is followed closely by the 718 Boxster. The Merc is the next in line in terms of Cargo space and the Jag, rounds up the list.

The design of the F-Type has been the talk of the mill since it was showcased in 2013. The successful design style still continues with minor updates every now and then. It has a sleek, slender and aggressive appeal to it resembling the animal the manufacturer is named after. It does have an intimidating presence and does turn heads everywhere it goes. The convertible does it with much more gusto than the coupe with the top down adding more pizzaz to the ride.

The 2-doors from the side look really well placed with the 18-inch wheels in support. The drop-top unveils the true glory of this convertible making it that much more desirable. On the rear, the diffuser houses the central exhaust which gives the entire design a unique character.

Model	Jaguar F Type RWD	Mercedes-AMG C 43 AWD	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1LT RWD	Porsche 718 Boxster RWD
Curb weight (lbs.)	3405	4231	3362	2944
Length(in)	176.0	184.8	176.9	172.4
Width(in)	74.2	71.3	73.9	70.9
Height(in)	51.6	55.3	48.9	50.4
Ground clearance (in)	3.9	3.6	N/A	N/A
Wheelbase (in)	103.2	111.8	106.7	97.4

The Merc stands the longest and the heaviest out of the lot while the Porsche, on the contrary, is the lightest and the shortest. The Stingray and the F-Type have similar length and weight with marginal differences.

Exterior Features

The F-Type has a lot of things going on towards the outside as well some of the features are

• Exterior Black Design Package with Extended Side Sills
• 18” 5 Spoke Alloys 
• Red Brake Callipers
• Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
• LED Taillights
• Flush Exterior Door Handles
• Switchable Active Exhaust
• Power Folding Heated ORVM’s with Memory

The 2020 F-Type is an expensive sports car that is yet to be rated by the NHTSA and the IIHS. It is difficult to get the genre of luxury and sports vehicle rated due to obvious expense reasons. The chassis is constructed from a mixture of alloys of aluminum and heated steel to reduce the weight, these elements are also sturdy enough to hold the structural integrity together.

Safety Features

Some of the key safety features on board to ensure passenger security are

• 6 Airbags
• Trunk Entrapment Release Lever 
• Remote Central locking with Deadlocks and Drive-Away Locking
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Tire Repair System
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Driver Condition Monitor with Lane Keep Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter
• Smart Key System with Keyless Start
• Emergency Brake Assist with EBD

Jaguar F-Type vs Mercedes-AMG C43

Mercedes is the epitome of luxury according to a majority of people around the world, and for enthusiasts the AMG division is godsent. The product of these two is this mean machine called the C 43 AMG, it has luxury, it has power, all more than what the Jaguar can offer. The C 43 is not even a full-blown AMG, it just has an AMG enhanced engine, not the handbuilt V8, but the power delivery is still formidable. The Jag simply lacks in every comparison thrown on the table and feels outdated and underpowered. The C 43 is the winner, no questions asked.

Jaguar F-Type vs Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Stingray is not a car, its a monstrosity build by Corvette. It is a jaw shattering response from the home built American to the Germans and Europeans invading American Soil. It's light on the pocket, heavy on performance and shoots like a bullet. A pure American muscle with the tenacity to leave all it's segment rivals eating its dust while it runs circles around them. It does compromise on luxury though which is better in the Jaguar. Probably the only thing apart from fuel efficiency that the Jag does better. Corvette, hands down is a better addition to the garage when compared to the Jag.

Jaguar F-Type vs Porsche Boxster

Both these cars have a similar heart powering them. The four-cylinder on the Porsche seems a tad bit more refined and does perform better than the Jag. Apart from the performance, the Porsche has refined its driving dynamics and it reflects in the way the 718 handles. A total beauty from the inside out both these vehicles have something interesting to offer. The choice here would be personal as to which is the better car. For us, it would be the Porsche considering the cost to own and reliability.

Jaguar has pulled all the bells and whistles to make the F-Type even better than it was before. It does have an iconic exterior design that is carved out of dynamic design. The interior is also built with the best in class materials which makes it feel that much more spectacular. The roof down gives the car an even more luxurious outlook and enhanced drive experience. A sucker for pure, decadent luxury and showboating to the crowd is something that matters, the F-Type is the best answer to that. It does a lot more than being a sports car and is a rather good option for a daily driver.

 

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