2008 Jaguar S-Type Review

Specifications

Mild Updates for Midsize Jag

Earlier this week Jaguar announced the successor to its midrange model, the S-Type. The upcoming XF will be a continuation of the money-losing British brands conservative image shedding program that started with the gorgeous new XK sports car. The new sedan is ramping up to be an important new model for Jaguar, sporting a completely different look and much improved driver appeal. But before the XF arrives - sometime in 2008 as a 2009 model - Jaguar has given the retro S-Type one final update for model-year 2008 as a final send off.

Slated for delivery early next year, the revised S-Type will get a handful of updates, all of which are based around the aesthetics of the car. All models will now bear the exterior details of the range-topping S-Type R, including its sportier front bumper, smoked headlamps and bright mesh grille. V6-powered cars receive 17-inch Antares wheels, while 18-inch Triton alloy wheels are available as an option. Sport models also get new wheels - 18-inch Mercury - plus a bodykit; the supercharged R model now gets 19-inch Barcelona wheels as standard.

In terms of interior upgrades, the “Classic” seat design has disappeared from all but the base model which is now replaced by the multi-function Sport seat. Base models also gain leather-wrapped steering wheels as standard, while Satin Mahogany wood trim is now available as an option. A new two-toned ivory and leather color combination is available on the SE trim level. Like the exterior, the changes done to the interior work in favor of parts consolidation, allowing Jaguar to cut prices.

Rear park assist is now standard on all cars, while dual-zone climate control, power heated seats, and Bluetooth connectivity for cell phones continue as standard equipment. Key options on the S-Type include DVD navigation (standard on V8 and R models), front parking assist and adaptive cruise control with Forward Alert that warns the driver of an imminent collision.

In North America, the S-Type will be available with three engines, a 3.0-liter V6, a 4.2-liter V8, as well as a 400-horsepower supercharged version of the latter engine, all of which are mated to the rear wheels via a ZF six-speed automatic gearbox. The most popular choice for the S-Type in international markets is the twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 diesel that was introduced back in 2005. With 206 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, it delivers impressive performance, taking 8.1 seconds to 60 mph  and having a top speed of 143 mph. It also achieves miserly fuel consumption, averaging 35 mpg.

The new S-Type made its debut earlier this week at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy, and will arrive in dealerships next year.