This is the new Jaguar F-Type

The as-big news in our book is the pleasing new look, a surprise given this is essentially only a nose-and-tail facelift job. The F-Type was always a looker but with this well-judged finessing, the beauty of the Jaguar’s shape is captured afresh.

Design chief Julian Thomson says his challenge was to create “the most beautiful sportscar, with purity, proportion and presence that’s unmistakably Jaguar” and we reckon he’s hit his mark, although whether the uninitiated spot it as the latest model is a moot point.

The coupé’s back end – always the most satisfying F-Type angle – is as powerful as ever, with its muscular haunches, distinctive lights (now with new chicane graphics from the I-Pace) and signature E-type inspired lift-up glass window. It’s at the front where most of the work has been done, however.

A new “liquid metal” clamshell bonnet drapes over the sides of the car making it appear lower and wider for a look that Jaguar says takes inspiration from the C- and D-types. The more assertive appearance is emphasised by low-set and super-slim new LED lights with a new J-shaped daytime running lights signature.

The front grille is a little larger than before, surrounded by chrome trim with a new hexagonal mesh pattern finished in a mix of gloss and satin black. The new bumper section goes for a clean, unadorned appearance, getting jazzed up with aero blades, strakes and gloss black trims only for the R-Dynamic and R versions. But without (yet) an SVR version, it’s all essentially still about unfussy surfaces and good proportions, and all the better for it.

If it is overt sporting aggression you are after all you have to do is fire up the motor: Jaguar is promising as many exhaust cracks and pops on the overrun as ever, although there is now a Quiet Mode setting to subdue them if you don’t want to upset the neighbours.

Just two engines offering three power outputs comprise the range so far announced. If a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 5.0-litre V8 suggests a gap in the range you are probably right. The supercharged 3.0-litre V6 hasn’t made it into the revised F-Type, for the moment at least; an electrified hybrid V6 is likely later.

For now though it’s a straight choice between 300PS (296bhp) Ingenium turbo four-cylinder or the equally familiar supercharged V8 in either 450PS (444bhp) or 575PS (567bhp) forms. All engines are matched to Jaguar’s eight-speed Quickshift transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles. And all F-Types are two-pedal only now – the manual that was available with the Ingenium engine is not available any more.

Jaguar hopes the more purist F-Type drivers will be assuaged by the fact that their automatic F-Type can come with the 450PS V8 powering the rear wheels only. Jaguar says that, along with the uprated chassis fitted to all F-Types, this additional model in the range has been tuned for exploitable performance and maximum driver engagement. Sounds like it could be pick of the new range.

All-wheel-drive continues to be available for either coupé or convertible with all the V8s – but not with the four-cylinder – and is standard on the 575PS F-Type R range-topper. This motor was previously reserved for the SVR version and it’ll come as no surprise, therefore, that it delivers SVR-level performance with a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds and top speed of 186mph.

The 450PS V8 records 0-62 in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 177mph, and the four-cylinder F-Type can do 155mph and gets from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. You’ll get up to 35mpg from the four-cylinder car (and 184g/km CO2) or 25mpg (and 252g/km) from the 575PS flagship.

There is no performance or efficiency revolution then – not yet at least – but one place a lot has changed is inside. Technology and connectivity take a leap forward with a new high-definition 12.3-inch driver display. It’s configurable and offers a choice of displays including full map mode. Default mode places a large tachometer centre stage.

All 2020 F-Types also come as standard with Touch Pro infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Meridian sound system and software-over-the-air upgrade functionality. To go with all the new tech is of course a two-seat cabin brimming with Jaguarness: Windsor leather, satin-finish chrome and Jaguar Leaper motifs in the headrests.

Prices start around £2,000 more than before with the four-cylinder, rear-drive coupé kicking off at £54,060. All the new F-Types are available to order from today, including the limited-run First Edition version with design pack, black roof, 20-inch alloys and performance seats among its enhancements.

The F-Type has always been a tempting proposition and this version promises to be the best yet. The F-Type may not have changed the world but it is surely difficult to imagine Jaguar’s range, and the world of sports cars, without it.