How is the quality and layout?

• Cabin looks and feels special…
• … but some features are now dated
• Feels dark with roof up

The F-Type’s cabin feels very driver-focused, to the point where the passenger gets a large grab handle separating them from the centre console. There are some nice touches, like the centre air vents which hide away when not in use, and all models come with plenty of equipment.

Build quality feels reasonable, but there are a few notably creaky areas of the dash, and though many of the surfaces are swathed in leather and soft-touch plastic there are some cheaper materials even on the centre console.

Gratifyingly, Jaguar’s stuck with a large number of physical controls including a full suite of climate controls, which makes it much easier to control everything on the move.

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Infotainment and tech

The F-Type uses a last-generation Jaguar infotainment screen which while not especially bad in any area does feel a step down from the latest systems. The most notable issue is with the screen itself, which though it’s large enough at 10.0-inches across isn’t very bright and is set at a fairly shallow angle. This means that when the roof is down and the sun’s out, the display becomes almost totally invisible.

Luckily that same problem doesn’t apply to the large digital dial display or the smaller LCD readouts in the climate control dials, so you can at least control basic functions on the move.

The infotainment comes as standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity and a powerful Meridian sound system to make your tunes sound good.

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Comfort

The F-Type Convertible is very comfortable for a sports car, in typical Jaguar fashion. The interior does have a luxury feel, despite the few slightly ropey material choices.

The sports seats are excellent – they offer plenty of lateral support but aren’t too narrow or huggy for those with larger frames, and remain comfortable even over a long journey. And despite the soft-top, the F-Type is very refined at a cruise.

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It’s not totally silent – especially with the roof down, where it’s a little blustery and taller drivers will find their hair blown about. And of course, if you opt for the V8 model, you can enjoy its supercharged bark with even a gentle application of the throttle thanks to the ‘loud’ button on the centre console.