'Regretting the cat's demise.'

There are all sorts of reasons not to like this car and it seems to be reflected in sales figures. More than four thousand of these reached Jaguar enthusiasts annually in its first four full years of availability in the US. Since then, yearly sales have halved until 2022 when just 683 F types were sold.

Numerous negatives came to mind during my first thirty minutes with the 2024 F-Type R75 AWD convertible. The canvas-topped model seemed like the ugly sister of the sumptuous coupe. Was the cat on the grill blackened in shame? That wide console though padded seemed a bit close to my knee and….and accessing those antiquated USB-A ports deep in a covered box required contortionist maneuvers. The bulk of my Barbour coat (mandatory British winter wear) hindered lap belt closure.

I found neither charging pad nor a dedicated cell phone holder. The touch screen was a mere four inches tall. And this six-figure car lacked such modernities as a forward-facing camera and a heads up display! Aargh – no spare (actually an all-too-common trend). And a small trunk.

But then: I settled in. The tan and black leather was soft and abundant, covering nearly every possible surface. The seats were multi-adjustable and comfortable (and remained so after three hours behind the wheel and throughout the week that followed). The ten-inch width of the touch screen was in easy reach. Media, Nav and Phone functions could be visualized simultaneously. The larger gauge cluster was equally capable. Presets were available for steering column and bucket seat positions. All the usual steering wheel mounted controls were there.

I lowered the top with a single button. The open Jaguar seemed to lengthen and without the distraction of a soft roof that reminded me of an old RX-7, I could admire its ($950) Giola Green exterior. I suddenly appreciated the darkening of the trim. Spoiler up or down, it was uncluttered, bold and attractive from every angle. Seat ventilation and heating could be activated with a press of the rotating climate control button. Windows up, heat up (with vents rising out of the dash) and wind blocker up, I donned hat, gloves and scarf and was quite comfortable on a 40-degree day.

Though low to the ground, the Jag's suspension handled bumpy roads with aplomb. Out of the city, I unleashed the exhaust: raspy, snarly and intermittently popping; it was glorious. The supercharged 575 hp V-8 delivered. On the Jag's and my stopwatch, sub 4 seconds 0-60 times were readily achievable. Modes were adjustable with mapping, damping, steering, and shifting all changed together with 'Dynamic' actuated but subject to separate engagement at driver's whim.

The R type encouraged and rewarded spirited driving. Bolsters and the padded console embraced me. It was predictable. With effort and a smile, I could produce oversteer and recover from same. Shifts of the ZF transmission were rapid and super smooth. Few GT/ sport vehicles have encouraged me to use the paddles (or console mounted shifter) as much this car, ever endeavoring to achieve 3000-3500 rpm and that 'sweet exhaust note'. I let the rpms soar, the spoiler was deployed, and while I never approached its 186-mph top speed, I always felt in control.

An internet perusal has revealed the F-Type to be among the most reliable of the marque. (Left unattended the battery can discharge, a not infrequent malady with many modern exotics.)

A base F-Type convertible with rear wheel drive and a mere 444 hp supercharged V-8 lists for $80,000. The $92,000 F-Type 75 convertible adds all-wheel drive and a few trim and lighting options. Our test car, the top-of-the-line R75, was the only model with a 575 hp powerplant. The car's purchase price of $115,000 (plus an extra $3500 for its leather and paint upgrades) seems far less than that of many high-end sports/ exotic cars and includes the safety and savings ofs 'Elite Care 'with a five year/ 60,000 mile warranty and complimentary maintenance during that period.

Jaguar has announced that this is the final year of the F type. Its evolution will be electric. Driving Impressions believes the R75 F-Type is a modern and future classic. Buy some soft luggage. Use garment bags. But get one while you can and drive it everywhere.