The most instantly recognisable model in the current Jaguar range – the F-Type – returns to local showrooms with new super-slim pixel LED headlights featuring subtly revised ‘Calligraphy’ J signature daytime running lights and rear lights with the ‘Chicane’ signature similar to the I-Pace.

The surfaces of its new clamshell bonnet flow down to a grille that retains the proportions of the original’s but is slightly wider and deeper with a new hexagonal mesh pattern. Fender vents now feature the Jaguar Leaper motif and bumpers at the front and back have been updated to offer greater differentiation across the model range, from F-Type R-Dynamic to the range-topping F-Type R.

The cockpit now features a 12,3-inch HD TFT instrument cluster with reconfigurable graphics unique to the F-Type. Drivers have a choice of display themes, including a full-screen navigation map, but in true sports car fashion the default mode is set to a large central rev-counter.

Rich materials such as Windsor leather, Engine Spin metallics and satin-finish Noble Chrome add touches of luxury, and are complemented by monogram stitch patterns – repeated in the door trims – and Jaguar Leaper or R motifs embossed in the headrests. 

Lightweight slimline seats with optional heating and cooling functions come in two forms: Sport and Performance. The F-Type R-Dynamic model comes with the purest Sports version as standard, while the R and First Edition models get a Performance seat with more pronounced support at shoulder height.

Standard equipment in the R-Dynamic package includes Premium LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, 6-way electric seat adjustments, keyless entry, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12,3-inch interactive instrument cluster, six crash bags and a fixed panoramic roof among others.

The range-topping F-Type R adds Pixel LED headlights, 12-way memory electric seats, Ebony Windsor leather, upsized 20-inch alloys and an R body kit.

Three engine options are available to South African customers starting with a 221 kW/400 Nm Ingenium 2,0-litre 4-cylinder P300. This model dashes from 0-100 km/h in 5,7 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h, with a claimed average combined fuel consumption of 7,2 l/100 km.

A supercharged 3,0-litre V6 P380 with 280 kW and 460 Nm delivers 0-100 km/h in just 4,9 seconds and maximum speed of 275 km/h. The V6 is offered with a choice of rear and all-wheel drive and benefits from a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Available throughout the first year of production is a special First Edition version of the P380 all-wheel drive exclusively. The First Edition adds 20-inch Diamond Turned alloys, ‘First Edition’ scripting on the door tread plates and aluminium instrument panel finisher and Windsor leather Performance seats in a choice of Ebony with Light Oyster stitching or Mars Red with Flame stitching. The First Edition is available in three colours – Fuji White, Santorini Black or Eiger Grey.

The flagship, with a 5,0-litre supercharged V8 at its heart, is the new F-Type R P575. The R makes more than generous outputs of 423 kW and 700 Nm and can blitz the 0-100 km/h test in 3,7 seconds with a max speed of 300 km/h.

Its Quickshift transmission has been recalibrated for even faster, crisper gear changes via the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the SportShift gear selector. A torque on-demand all-wheel drive system combined with Jaguar’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) control technology delivers immediate throttle response in all gears, on all surfaces and in all conditions. 

A recalibrated electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system offers immediate responses to driver input, while new springs and anti-roll bars enhance the continuously-variable dampers at the core of Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics system. The valves inside each damper and the control algorithms have been recalibrated to improve both low-speed comfort and high-speed control.

The F-Type R is fitted as standard with large 380 mm and 376 mm front and rear brake discs, but can be specified with Jaguar’s optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system. Featuring even larger 398 mm and 380 mm discs and six and four-piston monobloc calipers with a distinctive yellow finish, this system delivers exceptional braking performance with outstanding fade resistance. 

A set of specially-developed Pirelli P Zero tyres, 265/35/ZR20 and 305/30/ZR20 in size, are 10 mm wider than before and provide exceptional levels of grip. These are paired to new 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels in Gloss Black with contrast Diamond-Turned finish and are exclusive to the new F-Type R.

All three engines feature active exhaust systems, which are switchable either as an option or as standard.

Customers who choose the 423kW supercharged V8 benefit from the new Quiet Start function, which ensures a more subtle, refined sound – the electrically-actuated bypass valves in the rear silencer remain closed until they automatically open up under load.

Coupé prices:

F-Type R-Dynamic P300 RWD                     R1,243,000

F-Type R-Dynamic P380 RWD                     R1,513,700

F-Type R-Dynamic P380 AWD                     R1,659,300

F-Type First Edition                                       R1,659,300

F-Type R P575 AWD                                    R2,422,700

Convertible prices:

F-Type R-Dynamic P300 RWD                     R1,241,000

F-Type R-Dynamic P380 RWD                     R1,511,800

F-Type R-Dynamic P380 AWD                     R1,652,800

F-Type First Edition                                       R1,652,800

F-Type R P575 AWD                                    R2,421,000