Jaguar F-TYPE hits Australia

For that you get a 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre V6, claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.3 seconds, a 260km/h top speed, combined fuel consumption of 9.0L/100km and a kerb weight of 1597kg.

Priced at $171,045 (plus ORCs), the mid-range F-TYPE S packs a more powerful (280kW/460Nm) version of the same engine to hit 100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds, a 275km/h top speed, 9.1L/100km fuel consumption and a 1614kg kerb weight.

Topping the line-up is the F-TYPE V8 S at $201,945 (plus ORCs), powered by Jaguar’s top-shelf 364kW/625Nm 5.0-litre V8. Hitting the scales at 1665kg, it can hit 100km/h in 4.3 seconds on its way to a 300km/h top speed, and consumes 11.1L/100km.

All F-TYPEs come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, fuel-saving idle stop-start function, sports suspension, Dynamic mode, bi-function xenon headlights with washers and LED signature lights.

The F-TYPE range also scores LED tail-lights

, deployable exterior door-handles, a deployable rear wing, a powered soft-top roof, sports seats with six-way power height and recline adjustment.

Also standard across the range is single-zone climate-control, cruise control with speed-limiter, trip computer, auto-dimming interior mirror, ambient interior lighting, keyless entry/starting, and an eight-inch colour touch-screen with satellite-navigation.

The audio package sees F-TYPE offer a 380-Watt 10-speaker single-CD Meridian sound system with Bluetooth/USB/AUX connectivity. Power windows and mirrors are of course included, as is a space-saver alloy spare wheel.

Each F-TYPE also offers a host of safety features including electronic stability control with track mode, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, anti-lock brakes, twin front and side airbags, an automatic electric parking brake, rear parking sensors and rollover protection bars.

Key features of the base model include 18-inch ‘Vela’ alloy wheels, twin central exhaust outlets, sliver brake calipers, a mechanical open differential, leather and ‘Suedecloth’ seat facings, ‘Light Hex Aluminium’ console trim, Satin Chrome rollover bars, a three-spoke leather-clad steering wheel with black shifters and ambient interior lighting.

The F-TYPE S rides on 19-inch ‘Propellor’ alloys and sports suspension with Adaptive Dynamics, and also adds an Active Sports Exhaust, ‘high-performance’ brakes with red calipers, limited-slip differential, leather seat facings, ‘Ignis’ gearshift paddles, ‘Dark Hex Aluminium’ console trim and dual-colour configurable ambient interior lighting with mixing palette.

Befitting its position at the top of the line-up, the F-TYPE V8 S scores 20-inch ‘Turbine Silver’ alloys, quad exhaust outlets, ‘super-performance’ brakes with red calipers, an electronic active differential, ‘Gloss Black’ rollover hoops and matching two-piece raised bonnet vents.

Further options include 14-way power-adjustable seats with memory, illuminated tread plates, bright stainless steel pedals, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, an extended range of exterior colours and premium carpet mats.

Jaguar Australia expects each of the three variants to attract a similar number of customers as they do overseas, but expected demand of up to 200 examples per year could outstrip supplies of around 120 per annum.