2021 Jaguar F-TYPE R Convertible

Since Jaguar decided to scrap the SVR trim for 2021, the F-Type R is the current flagship trim. Internally the R has a lot of things similar to the SVR, which is a good thing. The Jaguar F-Type R Convertible competes with cars like the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster, Audi R8 Spyder, and Aston Martin Vantage Roadster.

Being the top-most trim, it comes after the basic F-Type, F-Type First Edition and the F-Type R-Dynamic. The F-Type R is equipped with the best of features including everything from the engine to massive 20 inch wheels adorning this beautiful GT. 

Model	F-Type R Convertible
MSRP (RWD)	$105,900
Key Features	20-inch, 10-spoke Gloss Black and Diamond Turned finish wheels
	Auto-dimming, heated and power side-mirrors with memory
	Electrically adjustable steering column with memory with Auto-dimming rearview mirrors
	Premium cabin lighting
	10-inch touchscreen infotainment display Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and dedicated navigation
	Lane Keeping Assist, Cruise Control with Speed Limiter, Emergency Braking and Assist

The F-Type range starts from $64,700 for the basic model and elevates up to $105,000 for the F-Type R whereas the Coupes are roughly $2000 cheaper than the Convertibles.

The 2021 F-Type R Convertible looks like a very versatile sports car. However, since it is very new, there have not been any reliability or ownership cost estimates, hence the data from older models will be taken instead for rough estimates.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

Talking about the F-Type R’s reliability, it is quite an expensive car but is also solid and durable looking at the model’s history but is, unfortunately, not rated officially. The 2020 F-Type R is probably the best sports car to have according to the customer reviews. It also had a very petty recall about ‘incorrect tire placards’ which is taken care of in the 2021 model.

Category	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5	Total
Tax Credit	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Insurance	$1,007	$1,042	$1,079	$1,116	$1,156	$5,400
Maintenance	$75	$829	$94	$1,894	$2,733	$5,625
Repairs	$0	$0	$0	$0	$3,778	$3,778
Taxes & Fees	$4,768	$70	$70	$70	$70	$5,048
Financing	$4,440	$3,570	$2,643	$1,654	$598	$12,905
Depreciation	$18,280	$7,617	$6,227	$6,977	$6,097	$45,198
Fuel	$1,988	$2,047	$2,109	$2,172	$2,237	$10,553
True Cost to Own	$30,558	$15,175	$12,222	$13,883	$16,669	$88,507

Coming to the ownership costs and considering the 2018 model, the true cost to own an F-Type R is supposed to be around $88,000 in 5 years and driven for 15,000 miles per year. The cost to own one in the current years might inflate but, it is surely the most reasonable wild sports convertible available.

Warranty

Unlike most of its rivals, the Jaguar has backed all of its F-Type models under the name of ‘EliteCare’ which offers all the models from 2016 and above with some perplexing warranties for it to be called as a sports car. This shows the confidence that Jaguar has put while making this little monster.

Criteria	Period
Limited warranty	5 years/ 60,000 miles; whichever is earlier
Powertrain warranty	5 years/ 60,000 miles; whichever is earlier
24 hr Roadside assistance	5 years/ 60,000 miles; whichever is earlier
Corrosion perforation warranty	6 years/ Unlimited miles; whichever is earlier

Miles per Dollar

The Jaguar F-Type will have a MPD (miles per dollar) ratio of 2.02. This means the F-Type runs for 2.02 miles for every dollar you spend on it. This ratio is achieved by factoring all the running costs including taxes, insurance, fuel costs to the average distance covered in a year which comes to $7,400 and 15,000 miles respectively.

The 2021 F-Type R is already out for sale and it is arguably, one of a kind sports convertible right in budget and hardly any of its competition can satisfy the feel of it. Talking about its variants which start way lesser than what the R costs but they do not quench the thirst a petrolhead might want whereas the F-Type R is just what one would need.

Is buying a used Jaguar F-Type R a good idea?

Owning a used F-Type R would just be as good as owning a new but on the older models which are not equipped with new engines and intriguing exteriors would be the major missings. However, the interiors might have only slightly changed, according to the 2018 model, the F-Type R Convertible is supposed to face a depreciation of $23,000 in 5 years which might not make much of an effect to its owner.

Powered by a 5.0L supercharged V8 gasoline engine, the F-Type R has one of the biggest engines in the segment. However, it produces only 575 HP of power whereas most of its competitors pull out more from their smaller engines.

Other than that, a perfectly in-sync all-wheel-drive and a competent automatic transmission make the power to every wheel flow smoothly and consistently.

Models	2021 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible	2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster	2020 Audi R8 Spyder	2020 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
MSRP	$105,900.00	$189,750.00	$182,100.00	$149,995.00
Engine	5.0L Supercharged V8	4.0L Bi-Turbo V8	5.2L NA V10	4.0L Bi-Turbo V8
Drivetrain	AWD	RWD	AWD	RWD
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed automatic	7-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Power	575 hp @ 6,500 rpm	577 hp @ 6,250 rpm	562 hp	503 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque	516 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm	516 lb-ft @ 2,100 rpm	406 lb-ft	505 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

Looking at the numbers, the F-Type R is very close to the AMG GT R Roadster, however, it is very much affordable when compared to all of its competitors. The R8 Spyder also steps up in terms of power but lacks torque whereas the Vantage Roadster lacks a lot of power.

2021 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible Acceleration and Braking Performance

The 2021 F-Type R is amazingly quick as it accelerates from 0-60 MPH in just 3.5 seconds. Besides the power unit, it is a combined effort of the transmission and drivetrain systems which gives such amazing results.

Other than acceleration, the F-Type R comes to a complete stop from 60 MPH in just 112 feet.

Models	2021 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible	2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster	2020 Audi R8 Spyder	2020 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
0-60 (seconds)	3.5	3.5	3.5	3.7
Quarter-Mile (seconds)	N/A	11.1	11.2	11.7
Top Speed (MPH)	186	197	200	190
60-0 (ft)	112	115	96	100

A neck-to-neck competition is felt in this particular section as the Jaguar, Mercedes and Audi claim to have the same 0-60 MPH. However, as the F-Type R’s quarter-mile is not yet available, the Audi R8 Spyder tops the list with best top speed and least stopping distance whereas the Vantage Roadster falls short of a few numbers in every comparison except braking.

Jaguar has not yet officially declared its miles to the gallon estimate for the 2021 F-Type R. However the model has been launched for a while now, the estimated values are approximately calculated and the combined MPG is achieved as 18. With a tank capacity of 18.5 gallons, it has an acceptable range when compared to its competition.

Models	2021 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible	2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster	2020 Audi R8 Spyder	2020 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
MPG (City)	16	15	13	18
MPG (Highway)	24	20	20	24
MPG (Combined)	18	17	16	20
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)	18.5	19.8	21.1	19.3
Range in miles (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)	296.0/444.0/333.0	297.0/396.0/336.6	274.3/422.0/337.6	347.4/463.2/386.0

*unofficial data, actual numbers may vary.

The Aston Martin takes advantage of having lower numbers in the performance specs and races ahead of its competition. With almost equal accelerations, the Jaguar seems to give the best fuel economy after which comes the GT R Roadster whilst R8 Spyder stands last performing poorly.

Being fast in the numbers, the F-Type R also bears some next-level interiors. Starting with the dashboard, materials like leather and premium plastics finished with brushed metal make everything neat and simple while the console box is quite compact and low giving good space throughout the cabin. Moving on to the performance 12-way power seats with optional heating or cooling and memory function wrapped in Windsor leather makes it easy to just find the perfect position to go flat-out.

Additionally, the F-Type R trim has special “R-interiors'' which include premium ambient lighting with Jaguar and R-branding embossed on the seats, dash, and the leather-covered steering wheel. Moreover, metal tread plates and aluminum finished consoles are also a part.

Models	2021 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible	2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster	2020 Audi R8 Spyder	2020 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
Seating Capacity	2	2	2	2
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)	36.5/56.0/42.8	38.0/58.4/TBD	39.0/55.0/TBD	NA
Trunk Capacity (ft3)	11.8	5.8	4.0	NA

The F-Type R seems to be the only car with all of the information available, though the competition has a better room but has a very small trunk, unlike the huge storage capacity of the Jaguar. The GT R Roadster has a better shoulder room whereas the Audi showcases a great headroom. However, Aston Martin has not revealed their numbers so it becomes tough to conclude anything about it.

How is the infotainment system in the 2021 Jaguar F-Type R?

A 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment touchscreen display takes the center which responds quickly and has rich graphics. It supports systems like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to integrate your phone into the car. Additionally, there is a SiriusXM Satellite Radio and HD Radio with a Connected Navigation Pro that offers great information about the surroundings and directs to destinations precisely. 

Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a 12-volt power socket also make it easier to plug and power old gadgets in this new F-Type R. Moreover, an Integrated Driver Display just ahead of the steering which assists the driver with just the right amount of information required and has great visibility.

The 2021 F-Type R has been sportily facelifted as the hood is redesigned beneath which the headlights sit and that gives it much muscular and bolder look, also making it simpler than before. The LED headlights and signature DRLs are made sharp and crisp whereas the honeycomb grille with R-badging gives it a new identity. Moving on to the rear, the taillights are also lit with LED and have been tweaked slightly and made straighter on the inside. 

The character lines are observable but do not look any different than the previous model, however, the flush door handles and heated power-folding side mirrors make it appealing from the sides. Besides these features, Jaguar also offers a lot of color options and customizable rim designs to choose from for the customers.

Models	2021 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible	2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster	2020 Audi R8 Spyder	2020 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
Curb Weight (lbs)	1,743	3,746	1,685	3,650
Length (inches)	176.0	179.7	174.4	175.7
Width (inches)	80.4	81.7	80.2	84.7
Height (inches)	51.6	49.4	48.9	50.1
Ground Clearance (inches)	4.2	3.7	6.3	5.0
Wheelbase (inches)	103.2	103.5	104.3	106.4

The R8 Spyder seems to have the least weight and other parameters which makes it ideal to drive in the city. However, Jaguar only is a bit lengthy and tall; it has the best ground clearance and shortest wheelbase. The Vantage Roadster is the bulkiest of all and the GT R Roadster does moderately fine.

Made of a strong unibody chassis, the Jaguar F-Type R also has enough active and passive safety features like Lane Keep Assist, Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Adaptive Speed Limiter, Driver Condition Monitor, Rollover Protection System and a few more. Since it is an expensive car neither the NHTSA nor IIHS have tested it and so there are no scores available regarding safety. However, trusting in the company’s loyalty, the F-Type R is supposed to be a safe enough car.

2021 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible vs 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster

The F-Type R is a much simpler car on the inside whereas the GT R Roadster might be a little confusing. Moreover, the elegance felt in the F-Type R is not the same in the Mercedes-AMG though it is the most expensive of all. From the outside, the Jag is better styled than the AMG GT R, the latter also has a very long hood up front, which makes relying on the cameras a better option. 

However, the AMG GT R Roadster might be a little more spacious on the inside, it is also that much longer and wider from the outside. Talking about power and performance, both have very similar results except for gas mileage and the AWD drivetrain in the F-Type.

2021 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible vs 2020 Audi R8 Spyder

Starting from the outside, Audi has nicer looks, curves and most importantly, it is the most compact of its competitors and is expected to have a better room than the F-Type R. However, this awe is only limited to the outside as the interior is quite subtle and minimalistic. Moreover, the Jaguar being way more affordable has better fuel efficiency.

2021 Jaguar F-Type R vs 2020 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster

These British cars are astonishing from the inside as well from the outside. While the Jaguar is simple, the Vantage Roadster has a very sporty and powerful appeal.

However, looking at its performance, it does not look like the Aston Martin is equally fast as the F-Type R. Moreover, it is heavier and wider. 

The 2021 Jaguar F-Type R is the most wholesome sports convertible one could have. Though it may not have much popularity like its rivals, it is very evident from the specifications that it is one of those top-notch sports cars which is underrated. It's simply stylish and the sporty design makes it stand out from others The engine is also very powerful and the car is backed with good reliability and warranty on offer. Lastly, it is the most fuel-efficient and affordable premium sports two-seater convertible in the market, therefore get your hands on this brit, since they are the last of its kind.