IT’S been a long time between drinks for Jaguar’s two-seat sports cars.

All up, it’s been half a century of waiting – and some false starts – as the Indian-owned British luxury and sportscar maker sorted out what would replace its iconic E-Type coupe and convertible.

The result is the F-Type, an all-aluminium two-seater that bucks convention by arriving in convertible form, and not as the traditionally expected coupe – for that, we have to wait until later this year.

It will need to offer something special, as it is pitched squarely at Porsche’s well-rounded, mid-engined Boxster that sets the pinnacle for sun-loving two-seaters by a pretty wide margin over the established set on everything but price.

The F-Type is no Boxster. However, before you grunt in derision and head out the door for the nearest Porsche showroom, the F-Type does have some endearing attributes. And one grievous annoyance.

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