If you’re still waiting to be convinced that Jaguar has turned itself around, this model should do it. It’s the F-Type, the most talked about Jag since the E-Type 50 years ago. And it’s arguably the most important model in a generation.

Already it’s earning comparisons with Porsche 911 and Boxster, which is impressive given that Jaguar had a staid, uncool image only a few years ago.

The big cat has come on leaps and bounds since then with models which stand comparisons with the best that Germany can produce. F-Type is an all-new two-seater sports car with rear-wheel-drive and driving dynamics designed to impress.

It is very much a new model with a new direction, using what marketing types call a fresh ‘design language’. And while £58,500 is never cheap, it is well priced compared to its rivals.

There are three models – F-Type, F-Type S and the F-Type V8S. They are powered by Jaguar’s new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine in 340PS and 380PS outputs and its 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol producing 495PS.

So, how exactly does the F-Type match up? Well, this car has had a massive build up.

Jaguar says the F-Type is its first ‘proper’ sports car in 52 years, and as the name suggests it has to follow in the footsteps of the E-Type. Those are massive shoes to fill of course, but view one alongside the other and you can see the lineage.

F-Type nods to its predecessor in the cut-off nose and high rear deck, but it’s a very modern design. It pulls the neat trick of looking sensational in a range of colours and the option of light or dark wheels scope for tailoring.

It’s clever, too, being sculpted out of aluminium just like the bigger XJ saloon. That helps keep the weight down while remaining as strong as a conventional steel structure. It’s a convertible only, of course, but the wise decision to stick with a fabric roof means a 12-second raising or lowering routine and no unsightly design compromises. It’s a strict two-seater and the boot is modest but you could fit a generous weekend’s luggage in there.

It has a few ‘wow’ touches. Approach the door, press a button to pop out the flush-fitting door handle – a feature that keeps the overall design slick – and drop into the driver’s seat.

It’s snug but not cramped, and aside from the button-covered steering wheel the cabin is a lesson in simplicity.

A row of straightforward switches, the familiar Jaguar touch-screen and neat new climate controls complete the job. The joystick-like gearlever encourages you to ‘fire’ it when selecting Drive by pushing the trigger-like button; a clever ploy to get you in the mood.

The three-model range comprises of the F-Type V6, F-Type V6S and the top V8S. But there’s really no such thing as an ‘entry-level’ model here. The only thing telling them apart is a discreet badge front and rear plus quad exhaust pipes on the V8S. Smooth and effortless though it is, the F-Type really shines when pressing on.

We’ve waited patiently for the F-Type and been thoroughly primed for its arrival, but the truth is Jaguar has delivered a truly superb car. It has the looks and performance beyond what you might hope for, but better than that it also rides superbly, is easy to use and has some smart design too. For sports cars at least, 2013 belongs to Jaguar.

l The Jaguar F-Type has been declared the 2013 World Car Design of the Year. Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said: “No design project has given me greater pleasure than the creation of the F-Type. It’s a project I’ve looked forward to from the moment I joined Jaguar, and it's one that’s given my team and I great satisfaction.”

PRICE: £58,520. Entry level of range costing up to £79,985 ENGINE: A 2,995cc, V6, 24-valve unit generating 340ps via eight-speed gearbox and rear wheel drive. There is a 380ps of the same sized engine and a 5.0 litre V8.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 161mph, 0 to 60mph in 5.1 seconds COSTS: town 22.4mpg; country 40.9mpg; combined 31.4mpg EMISSIONS: 209g/km INSURANCE: Group 50 WARRANTY: Three years’ unlimited mileage