I was invited by Remus Uomo a menswear brand created 25 years ago in Belfast. This amazing event was celebrated in the Iconic Titanic museum. There were 300 exclusive guests to celebrate 25 years of Remus Uomo history. Just as exciting, it had been named as menswear brand of the year at the Drapers Independents Awards in late 2016. So what a better way to make an entrance competing against this amazing architectural masterpiece, than to turn up in my first ever Jaguar experience, with the F-Type convertible.
Arriving with the Jaguar F-Type Convertible at the Titanic museum in Belfast
Manual Demands More Of You
When I was asked if I was ok with driving a manual, I literally got goosebumps. I grew up with mechanics and have driven some iconic vintage manual cars during my lifetime. Manual cars suit my lifestyle and personality. I am a woman that wants to be more involved with cars. So I decided to drive the car along the most spectacular scenic drive in Northern Ireland, called Causeway Coastal Route. After all I did have a convertible. The roads were narrow and it’s not like I can speed myself around those corners like a Formula 1 driver. As typical in Ireland, it was raining and therefore this was the perfect day to stop, look and take in God’s natural beauty. On this occasion, I had six of the most spectacular rainbow experiences to digest.
Having a manual was perfect driving, around the counties. The F-Type convertible felt easy to drive and glide. When spreading the wings, I noticed I could settle for fourth and let the engine dig deep. For whatever reason, the gear changes took me back in time. Not as smooth as I would expect, but I loved that feeling. Not knowing what to expect regarding the gear changes at different speeds. Make sure you wear shoes with grip. Today I wore unisex washed grey leather boots by rbmoda, they had lots of grip which is important for driving this manual with a heavy clutch.
The Interior
For me, the interior of the F-Type convertible reminded me of vintage cars that I grew up with. It was a nice familiar feeling, easy to navigate and served its purpose. The design is somewhat cockpit inspired architecture all centred around the driver. I loved the simple controls and clear instrumentation The F-Type convertible interior conveys a sporting style message with a clear purpose to put the driver first. My favourite gadget was the active centre air vents. To keep the centre console as low and sleek as possible, they are activated automatically by the climate control system, and only rise when needed for extra airflow, retracting when not in use.
Active centre air vents up
Active centre air vents down
Rainy Corners
It was raining heavily most of the day, so I decided to test the steering feel. Even though the F-Type convertible is well-weighted and relatively keyed into those corners, I never felt I could push her to the limit. The steering feel was not as good as I would expect. It was blowing one hell of a gale when I wanted to have a pit stop and take in Ireland’s scenic views. So, my favourite part of the day was take off. Boy did those wheels spin easily. That’s the beauty about manual, it’s all about the drive and what you can explore with this F-type convertible.
Colour
When I first saw the F-type convertible, I instantly loved the colour combination. It really suited my lifestyle in Ireland and dare I say it. This was a very feminine car at first glance. Driving through the city of Belfast, it certainly turned heads. Maybe that was because I had it in sports mode. In saying that, to get the sound really noticed you have to work your heel and toe moves, old school driving at its best. I had a blast in Belfast and the Causeway Coastal Route, the F-type convertible, I guess was just like the Irish, loud, friendly and lots of fun.
What a beauty
The Roof Top
The rooftop was simple, but I had to make sure that it was properly down. I was a tad worried, in case I got this wrong, but when I tried to drive over 30 kmph, it was a bit like trying to get the Irish to drink faster whilst having a few beers. It would not allow me to accelerate until the rooftop was properly in place. So the safety warning system was a nice touch. I love my music and the stereo had a nice sound to it, both with the roof top down or up.
The Boot
I giggled when I opened the boot. There was a massive spare tire in my way. I had a lot of luggage so my new best passenger friends were my two suitcases. But I was impressed as they fitted in very nicely. So all I could manage to put in the back was a bag designed by Pink Lining and a bit more stuff.
Small boot in F-Type Convertible holding my Bag by Pink Lining
My Drive
During my drive, I could not help ponder why David Gandy was chosen to be one of the faces for Jaguar. Jaguar has a history of vintage-inspired old school design. Not shying away with its history and maintaining familiar iconic pieces that any Jaguar lover buys into. Driving the F-type convertible around Ireland was an experience I will never forget. This car has sex appeal, is slick and is stylish to drive. Sadly, like all good things it did come to an end. Just like my very brief encounters with David Gandy. The experience I had with driving the Jaguar F-type convertible, was far too short.
The Rainbows
On my new quest in learning to drive luxury cars, I felt so honoured that God spoke to me through rainbows. Every time I parked the F-Type convertible a rainbow began to form. Six to be exact. The locals explained that this was normal. They explained, that I needed to return to Northern Ireland, to experience the double rainbow.
