SecondHandSense/Jaguar S-Type:We will soon see the replacement for the Jaguar S-Type, the car introduced by Jaguar to try to attract a younger type of driver and a less staid image, back in 1999. It does not seem like that long ago, and the fact that the car does not look all that dated is a testament to the traditional approach to its design.
Even though it shared its original platform with other cars in the Ford group, the designers were careful to maintain trademark classic looks, and the plan worked. The S-Type is an elegant design, if not a truly practical one, and while Jaguar may lag behind its competitors when it comes to desirable brand names, it has the edge over a Lexus any day for its design. One drawback on the earlier model was that the rear looked a bit odd and ungainly.
It had a facelift three years ago to improve aspects like the dashboard and improvement in space in the rear, something that was a genuine source of annoyance in the previous model. The rear was also re-worked to soften its raised profile and make it more in tune with the front end.
On the whole, the S-Type is a very impressive car. It has that engine purr when you start it, and the overall impression is one of comfort and refinement. You have a choice of 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre petrol engines and a very refined 2.7-litre diesel. For those with high mileage lifestyles, then the diesel is a must. The petrol versions tend to be very expensive to run, in terms of tax and petrol bills.
The most enjoyable versions are those with leather upholstery and a smart automatic gearbox. On a long journey, there are few cars to match it for comfort and this is where the S-Type is at its best. In town it will cut the mustard, and you will feel nicely cloistered in traffic. The car is well equipped, and the newer dashboard provides a serene backdrop at night. Space is always a bit of a compromise with Jaguars, and while the front capacity is good, the same cannot be said of the rear, mostly due to the drive tunnel running rearwards. Headroom in the rear can also be restricted.
The rear-wheel-drive gives good ride and handling, and the car has plenty of feedback. But this is more a car to enjoy comfort in and not to be pushed too hard - although its performance and acceleration are not lacking.
Ford has been working hard on Jaguar in the past few years and quality is now beginning to show. There have been some problems with gearboxes and diesel particulate filters, but you won't see the same wholesale faults and complaints that were abundant a decade ago.
The S-Type has not been crash tested in the EuroNCAP crash test programme.
A 2003 model with the 3.0-litre engine, good equipment, such as leather upholstery and traction control and with 75,000km is on offer for €31,000. A 2005 model with the favoured 2.7-litre diesel engine and the same equipment and 43,000km up is on offer for €45,000.
FOR:Prestige and comfort.
AGAINST:Petrol versions expensive to run. Rear space and narrow boot.