Jaguar F-type review (2013-2019) – interior and tech
Fast and attractive with a real feel-good factor, the F-type is the perfect alternative to German rivals
Having an interior that was as pleasing as the exterior was always going to be a struggle for the F-type, but Jaguar has pretty much pulled it off. The architecture of the cabin is very striking with the big flying buttress of a grab handle a particular focal point.
There are two options of steering wheel and we would always go for the round rather than the flat-bottomed item, which feels overly chunky. The steering wheel-mounted paddles (an option for the basic V6 model) on the auto are nicely rubberized to the touch and the pistol grip gear selector looks smart, although you need to be positive with the trigger button when shifting between the modes. The fit and finish of the plastics isn’t quite up there with the best and the way the vents rise out of the dashboard splits opinion, but overall it is a nice place to be, particularly at night when it glows a cool light blue.
The infotainment system was upgraded with the introduction of the AWD models and has a touch screen combined with buttons for quick access to the main menus. An InControl app also allows you to remotely control settings on the car, alerts you if there is a security breach and connects your phone with the touch screen so that you can access contacts, maps, calendars and third-party apps.
With Porsche finally updating its PCM system and incorporating Apple CarPlay, the nav in the F-Type really is starting to feel long in the tooth compared to rivals. Above all else, it's glitchy and unreliable. Frequent issues occur with paring Bluetooth and the system can easily lock up if rushed.
Jaguar does have a new and improved InControl Touch Pro which is a bit of a step on from the system found in the F-Type. Rivals like the AMG GT easily best it for tech however, while BMW's i8 does so also.
The sound system is available in three levels beginning with the standard six speaker 180 watt setup, rising through the 10 speaker Meridian 380 watt system up to a full 12 speaker, 770 watt Meridian surround sound system with 16 amplifier channels.
The V6 S Convertible that we ran for 12 months and 13,000 miles coped well in our tenure, but wasn’t perfect. The interior showed signs of wear, the driver’s side door hinge came loose and started making a nasty creaking noise, and the passenger side window stopped closing automatically – however, that miraculously cured itself.
