Since its release in 2013, the Jaguar F-type, the spiritual successor to the legendary E-type, has been a smash hit. It’s the British automaker’s flagship; Jaguar's greatest triumph since being acquired by Indian mega-corp Tata Motors in 2008. In a weakened post-recession sports car market, the F-has defied all expectations.

The biggest challenge for the F-Type, however, lies ahead. Can it keep the momentum up? Can Jaguar unleash variant after variant while maintaining quality and without letting buyers get tired of the F-Type?

This is no easy feat, but can be accomplished. Take Porsche with the 911 for example. At last count there are 21 different variations of the 911. There’s always something new, which keeps consumer interest up and ensures a constant stream of media attention.

We’d love to have 21 different F-Types to choose from. Currently there are just six. But for the 2016 model year F-Type, Jaguar is adding two more. And the new additions are important for the Canadian market: an all-wheel drive coupe and cabriolet. Jaguar is also offering a manual transmission now.

Walkaround

There’s nothing to distinguish the new all-wheel drive F-Type from its rear-wheel counterpart visually, save for a slightly different hood.

Across the lineup, 2016 model year F-Types are getting minor updates to trims and options. If you bought an F-Type two years ago when it was launched, don’t worry: early adopters aren’t missing out on anything groundbreaking.

Interior

For this first time in an F-Type, you may see a good old-fashioned six-speed manual gearshift sticking up from the centre console. Before you go to the online configurator to build your ultimate Manual/AWD/V8 F-Type, know that you’ll be disappointed. The manual gearbox is only available on RWD V6-powered models. That’s actually fine with us as it further cements that particular breed of F-Type as the choice for driving enthusiasts.

Technology

The new AWD system — which Jaguar is calling Instinctive All Wheel Drive — is rear biased. In normal conditions most of the power is automatically sent to the rear wheels. The fronts are only called upon when necessary, usually to pull you out of a slippery situation. Jaguar engineers worked hard to maintain, on the AWD models, the wonderfully wild RWD character which has come to define the F-Type driving experience.

AWD is available on the V6 S, but mandatory on the V8-powered R - a shame that.

New standard features for 2016 include adaptive suspension and a panoramic sunroof, as well as an updated touchscreen system.

Performance

Don’t worry, Jaguar hasn’t muted the F-Type’s insane, raucous, spine-tingling exhaust note. And the new electric power steering hasn’t dulled the joy of piloting an F-Type at all.

Let’s talk AWD first, because it’s likely the option more Canadians have been waiting for. It is unobtrusive. The car still feels rear-wheel drive at 6/10ths. Pushing harder however, you do miss those little twitches from the back end that remind you the F-Type is an overpowered menace. The AWD has tamed it. With AWD, you can flatten the throttle mid-bend, and the F-type will just drag itself through, without cutting back so much on power. It feels more planted on the road too. Although, that’s partly due to the re-tuned suspension which Jaguar says is a little stiffer.

As for the manual transmission, well, if you want it, you know who you are: a small but vocal minority of purists. The six-speed suits the character of the F-Type as a car meant to be enjoyed, not to set lap times.

Value

Even though the price has gone up because of the addition of AWD, the top of the range F-Type R still represents good value in terms of horsepower per dollar.

You’ll pay a high price though to jump from RWD to AWD on the V6 S model. The difference there is a full $8,000. The manual transmission, as you’d expect, is a no-cost option.

Conclusion

As a rival to the Porsche 911, the F-Type remains as competitive as ever. More standard features, plus the availability of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission will only serve to broaden the F-Type’s appeal.

We will miss that rear-wheel drive F-Type R though…