Used Jaguar F-Type R 2013-2019 review

With a top speed of 186mph and the 0-60mph sprint covered in just 4.0 seconds, the powerful F-Type R is thunderingly fast, although it must be said that these outstanding performance figures are translated to the convertible also - with the R Convertible capable of 0-60mph in 3.9sec before plowing on towards its 186mph limiter.

As well as the burbling 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine there are extra additions in the form of 20-inch wheels with larger steel brakes. Carbon-ceramic units with performance tyres and lighter forged wheels also feature on the options list. Although some of those options are made standard on the SVR.

Unleashing the F-Type R's supercharged 5.0-litre V8

Even sitting at its governed top speed, the V8 coupé remains flat and able to steer faithfully, with its large tailgate spoiler handling the generated lift confidently. Again with the power duly increased for the SVR - its capable of reaching the heavenly 200mph mark in coupé form but just a mere 195mph with a rag top affixed.

On the track, it was easy enough to discover and take the Jaguar F-Type R to its limits and hold it there, with the car’s excellent torque vectoring system eliminating understeer in most of the corners.

There’s a real feeling of the F-Type directing you to the right line, even if, like me, you have a tendency to hit the apex of a corner too early. If you’re not looking for a hardcore racer experience, its best to leave the R with its Dynamic stability mode turned on. That allows you to oversteer fairly shallowly while also keeping your speed up.

Of course, if you get brave you can turn off all the electronic aids, and doing so will allow you to pull off the kind of wild oversteer-induced drifts favoured by magazine photographers. It’s surprisingly easy to do, too, even at 40mph, because the F-Type feels so balanced. It’s tail pokes out willingly but can be held with the right power for what seems like minutes.

That depends on whether you decide to spend more to get this F-Type R. It costs from £90,860 with the SVR weighing in at £110,880, a considerable jump from the £49,900 for 2.0-litre base model. For all that money you would expect a decent equipment list, and thankfully you do, with the standard F-Type R coming with an AWD system, 20in alloys, an electronic active differential, LED headlights, adaptive dynamics and keyless entry and start on the outside. Inside there is a premium leather upholstery, electrically adjustable performance sports seats, a Meridian sound system and Jaguar's 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system complete with sat and smartphone integration.