Last week, we shared Jaguar’s announcement about the introduction of a new entry-level turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the F-Type lineup. I raised concerns about whether this smaller engine could still deliver one of the F-Type’s key advantages: its sound. A common critique of Porsche’s revised 718 Boxster and Cayman—vehicles that occupy a similar performance and price segment as the F-Type—was their less desirable four-cylinder engine notes after downsizing.
So, has Jaguar managed to produce a small-engine sports car that retains that signature sports car sound? You can decide for yourself, as Jaguar recently released a video featuring a brief but captivating clip of the new turbocharged F-Type’s exhaust note. For the best part, jump to 0:50.
The sound is surprisingly commendable for a four-cylinder engine. It has a decent growl and a crackly tone; while it doesn’t match the rich sound of its V6 counterpart and lacks the fierce snarl of the powerful V8, it’s still an impressive effort.
In addition to the enhanced exhaust note, Jaguar emphasizes the vehicle’s improved fuel efficiency and its status as the lightest F-Type ever produced. The majority of the weight savings come from the smaller engine, primarily reducing weight over the front axle. This change results in improved weight distribution, better dynamic agility, and more responsive steering—areas where the F-Type has historically lagged behind its Porsche competitors.
The new EcoBoost F-Type is set to arrive at dealerships this spring, with a starting price of $59,900..
