Jaguar S-Type : TOP CAT?

The Jaguar S-TYPE Offers A Welcome Alternative To Executives Tired Of Teutonic Efficiency. June Neary Tries It

Its good to see Jaguar back in the limelight. Im old enough to remember the time when if you thought of an executive car in this country, you thought of a Jag. Thanks to Ford money, the leaping Cat is leaping once more, first with the S-TYPE and more recently with the smaller X-TYPE model, both aimed at young executives completely unlike me. Still, I was pleased to slip behind the wheel of the S-TYPE Sport I tried recently, the car designed to provide a real alternative to premium customers tired of Teutonic efficiency.

I have to say that the styling was not entirely to my taste though it does grow on you. Certainly, it makes a distinctive rear view mirror statement - just as Designer Geoff Lawson intended. Inside, he's fashioned a typically Jaguar interior embellished with wood veneer.

The dimensions are very similar to a BMW 5 Series, both inside and out. Theres comfortable room for four and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat to extend the boot should you need to. That boot (a major failing I seem to remember of the 1960s S-TYPE) is usefully large too. If luxury is a great priority, theres an optional voice activated control system which enables you to given spoken commands to the climate control system, the stereo and the 'phone (which now has an integrated keypad). It also works on the satellite navigation system, which can respond to traffic congestion when calculating your route. I also liked the little touches like the headlights which turn on automatically. Or the Smart Locking system which made it impossible to lock my keys in the car.

A range of three engines are being offered all with six-speed automatic gearboxes, starting with a usefully punchy 3.0-litre V6 engine. Here you should be able to average around 25mpg in normal use. Theres also a 4.

2-litre supercharged V8 if you really want to burn some rubber, with correspondingly imposing prices. The final component of the range is the economical 2.7-litre V6 diesel which is the big seller. It's on the road, however, that the S-TYPE's real credentials are finally proved. Thanks to a stiff chassis and an even 50:50 weight distribution, handling is superb, equally as good as the rival BMW and far superior to opposition from Mercedes, Audi, Volvo and Saab. Improved ZF power steering helps you enjoy it too. Enthusiastic drivers will be impressed, whether they're using the short-throw Getrag manual five-speeder or the auto 'box with its traditional Jaguar 'J-gate'.

Prices (from £29,085 to £45,090) look competitive against the mainstream German manufacturers and include the Dynamic Stability Control system that was previously a pricey option. Nevertheless, the S-TYPE certainly isn't cheap. Even the entry-level V6 comes fully loaded. Expect to find alloy wheels, leather trim, front fog lamps, electric seats, traction control, climate-controlled air conditioning, a trip computer, ABS, twin front and side airbags and a sophisticated security system. No other premium sector rival can match this.

It wouldnt be my first choice in the class but its certainly a true Jaguar - and the kind of car that will have many thinking again over their choice of executive saloon. As in the Sixties, a Jaguar may once again, be the executive thing to have.