Jaguar S-TYPE 3.0 V6 range
Jaguar, it seems, can do no wrong. Yes, it may run a Grand Prix team that accumulates fewer points than a squid at a scrabble board, but right about now the companys stock is flying high. Like any company, Jaguar knows that whilst the hat may be on the side of the head today, they could be riding the crest of a slump tomorrow and thats why they took a long hard look at the product range, swallowed some corporate pride and made some changes. The S-TYPE 3.
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Although Jaguar shifted over 140,000 S-TYPEs worldwide, the model was never good enough on a purely objective level to challenge the BMW 5 Series or the Mercedes E-Class. The Audi A6 did most things better and Jaguar knew that drawing on the image and sense of occasion that the Jaguar brand bestowed could only last so long. People would wake up one day and realise that Browns Lane was a busted flush. Fords Premier Auto Group, the controlling hand behind Jaguar realised that swift action was required.
The product of that remedial class, the Jaguar S-TYPE 3.0 V6 is such an advertisement for the in house talent at Jaguar that one wonders why the previous car was quite so average. Never mind. Although the cat may have expended one of its nine lives, its now at least managed to land on its feet.
"Although it looks superficially similar, make no mistake, this is a radically different proposition"
At first its not easy to pinpoint the changes. It looks pretty much the same. Line one up next to its predecessor, however, and the difference becomes instantly apparent. The front end looks a good deal sleeker, the rather fussy chrome bumper inlays having been ditched in favour of a clean, body coloured look.
Theres a crisper V-shape to the bonnet too, drawing the eye towards the neater grille. The front bumper is deeper and the air intakes and fog lamps are a little more aggressive. One of the horizontal swage lines on the cars side has been toned down to emphasise the swooping window line. Weight distribution is helped by an aluminium bonnet that replaces the previous steel item.
Lift this lighter bonnet and theres still a 3.0-litre V6 that cranks out 240bhp nestling in there. The engine features a continuously variable cam-phasing system and a variable geometry air intake to bolster the S-TYPEs torque curve. Where the old car was truculent in traffic, the latest is silky.
That clumsy jerkiness has now been entirely banished, giving the S-TYPE the same level of everyday driveability as the class leaders. Its quick too, hitting 60mph in a trifling 7.3 seconds on the way to 146mph. Three models are available, standard, S, Sport and SE, at prices starting from £27,995.
As before, these compare favourably with the mainstream German manufacturers in terms of power and price. The difference now is that fuel economy has been improved, interior quality has been tightened up and the ride and handling have been given a thorough working over. Theres a state-of-the-art six-speed ZF automatic transmission and a stiffer body structure improve the handling. The interior benefits from a slightly more contemporary style and improved practicality.
The instrument panel now features round chronograph dials and a pair of LCD message centres. Buyers who want a more dynamic look can even specify the facia in aluminium. Trim choices have expanded too, with materials including cloth, classic leather, perforated leather and unique R leather as fitted to the range-topping S-TYPE R model. Colour options have been expanded and theres a choice of three wood veneer options Bronze Madrona, Grey Birds Eye Maple and classic Burr Walnut or a completely lumber free option should wood not appeal.
All models get automatic dual-zone climate control, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, a 140-watt sound system (or better), alloy wheels and the usual complement of front and side airbags. Opt for the 3.0-litre V6 Sport and youll get a model thats easily recognisable with its more menacing appearance. This impact is enhanced by the addition of some seriously purposeful 18-inch Monaco or Indianapolis (your choice) two-piece alloy wheels manufactured by BBS.
Finished in silver, the seven-spoke wheels use titanium fixing screws and are fitted with monster Pirelli P-Zero low profile tyres. Other features include sports suspension with uprated springs and dampers, plus larger ventilated front brake discs. Inside, youll find leather sports seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, a leather sports steering wheel and grey-stained birds-eye maple veneer trim. It's on the road, however, that the S-TYPE's real credentials are finally proved. Thanks to that 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 6-speed auto 'box with its traditional Jaguar 'J-gate'. Jaguar did a fine job of identifying what was good and what needed changing with the MK1 S-TYPE and the latest facelift has finished the job. The current 3.0-litre car might be forgotten amidst the column inches devoted to the 2.
7-litre V6 diesel and the 4.2-litre monsters, but in many ways its the most significant of all the S-TYPE variants, pitching itself head to head with the best of the opposition. Jaguar for the F1 Constructors Title may well have commanded shorter odds than an S-TYPE that can show a BMW 530i the way home, but sometimes the form book gets upset. Not that the team in green can expect a fiver from me for the next race
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Jaguar S-TYPE 3.0 range
PRICES: £27,995-£31,995 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 249-259g/km
PERFORMANCE: [3.0 V6 man] 0-60mph 7.3s / Max Speed 146mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [3.0 V6 man] (urban) 18.5mpg / (extra urban) 35.1mpg / (combined) 26.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS, ARTS safety system
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4861/1819/1444
