Reviews - Jaguar

Overall Rating

S-Type offers distinctive though not universally liked styling and a range of smooth, powerful engines. It's well equipped and good to drive, but it's less roomy than some executive rivals.

• Refined, eager engines give lively performance
• Excellent road manners and well controlled ride
• Stylish retro image and a luxurious cabin

• Less refined than 5-Series or E Class at speed
• High insurance and servicing costs, especially V8
• Rear headroom could be better

Continuously developed over its lifetime, S-Type is now a very finely tuned executive car. But it's self-consciously retro styling divides opinion; either love it or leave it. The latest aluminium bonnet saves weight but the S-Type capitalises on what's under it. Fine engines are a Jaguar trademark. S-Type's petrol units are very powerful, whether V6 2.5 and 3.0 or the 4.2 V8. All are thirsty, so a frugal new turbodiesel engine is an appropriate alternative; it pulls the S-Type along very smartly. Ultimate is the supercharged S-Type R, a truly astounding performer. Ride and comfort are good, but despite the car's size is the back seat is cramped, especially for taller adults. And fitting lots of luggage into the shallow boot is a challenge. Reliability has steadily improved, but running an S-Type is always going to be expensive because of substantial depreciation and high servicing, insurance, tax and fuel bills.

JD Power stars: 4

Best Models: 2.5 V6 SE Auto

Worst Models: Type R: fast but lacks refinement

Replacement: 2006

• BMW 5-Series (1996-03)
• Lexus GS
• Mercedes-Benz E Class (1995-02)