CREDIT: ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NAUMAN FAROOQ
The F-Type Chequered Flag Edition demonstrates how far Jaguar has come.

Jaguar has been building sports cars for 70 years now, and to celebrate that, it has come out with a special edition model, called the Chequered Flag edition.

This special edition is offered to the only sports car currently offered by Jaguar, the F-Type, which itself has been on the market since 2013.

Over the years, we’ve tested many different models of the F-Type, and it’s always been a pleasure. Will the Chequered Flag edition be the icing on the cake?

Let’s find out.

Styling: Since the launch of the F-Type back in 2013, its shape hasn’t evolved much. Sure, over time we have seen a change in the design of the headlights and bumpers, but it hasn’t received an extensive refresh.

Does it need it?

No, not really. It is still as eye catching today as it ever was; so if you like to be seen, this is the car for you.

How to spot the Chequered Flag edition over other F-Type models?

Well, you need to look closely, and you’ll find small Chequered Flag badges – one in the front grille, and the other on the tail – and that’s it. So, while most people looking will never know which exact model of the F-Type you’re driving, those who will would give you an approving nod.

Interior: The interior is also just like any other F-Type, which means a cabin for two, but ergonomics pretty much for one. You see, everything in the cabin is selfishly angled towards the driver. Even the passenger grab handle creates a barrier for the passenger to fiddle with the infotainment system and climate control. To say that the F-Type is built for drivers would be quite accurate.

For the Chequered Flag edition, the cabin of the F-Type receives some special badging on the door sills, the seats, and the steering wheel. The centre console is finished in dark brushed aluminum, hinting at classic Jaguar sports cars, and the red seat belts add a nice touch.

Like any other F-Type, the cabin offers reasonable amount of space, and while the seats are not the most comfortable that you’ll find in a luxury/GT car, they aren’t bad either. You’ll benefit from being slimmer than me, to be more comfortable in them.

Trunk capacity depends on which model you get, so the convertible is not very spacious, whereas the coupe (as tested) is one of the most practical sports cars you can currently buy.

Can you live with an F-Type every single day? Yes, you absolutely can, especially when you look at its powertrain.

Powertrain: The Chequered Flag edition of the F-Type is only available with a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 in Canada (other markets had more engine choices) that produces 380 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission on offer from Jaguar on the F-Type currently is the familiar old eight-speed ZF automatic. Power is fed to all-wheels.

The auto-box and all-wheel drive really turn this F-Type into something that can be usable every single day, so if you’re looking for a sports car that is practical and functional, this would be it.

Performance & Driving Dynamics: As you’d expect, the F-Type is quite a fast car.

The sprint from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour takes just 4.9 seconds, while its top speed is electronically governed at 275 km/h – and it’ll do so while playing the most wonderful music out of its exhaust pipes.

Yes, this is certainly one of those cars that you’d buy just for the sound it makes, and tunnels are surely your orchestra.

Plus, winding, twisting back roads are its playground. This car is sharp and agile, with a scalpel sharp throttle response – so it’ll do what you ask it to do.

So, if you’re a driver, you’ll truly enjoy getting behind the wheel of this magnificent sports car.

Fuel Economy: In my test cycle (170 kilometres of highway driving plus 130 kilometres of city driving) I averaged 12.0-litres per 100 kilometres. That’s not bad when you consider the fun I had driving this, so the expense is justified.

Pricing: The Chequered Flag coupe is yours from $105,000. If you prefer a convertible, that’ll just cost you an extra $2,000. As much as I like the coupe, if it was my money, I’d spent the extra and get the convertible.

Verdict: Jaguar has been building sports cars for 70 years, and the F-Type for nearly 7 years. A drive in an F-Type shows the knowledge this company has in making fast cars.

While some of its competition offers more power and performance for the money, there is no doubt that the F-Type is still a truly desirable automobile, and if you bring one home, you’ll have a reason to smile every day. For additional car related content, please look up: Automotive Affairs on YouTube - youtube.com/c/automotiveaffairs and on Instagram at @automotive_affairs. Click on the thumbnails below to view a larger version of each image.