| COMFORT AND EQUIPMENT RATING: |
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The S-Type has a fine ride, among the best in the class. It's better on the cheaper, non-CATs suspension models, but still good on the top-spec 'R', despite the much-stiffened suspension. At the redesign in 2002, Jaguar also tackled one of the car's earlier failings - wind noise. The revised version is much quieter at speed; positively hushed, in fact. And, because of the high gearing allowed by the six-speed automatic gearbox (the 'R' turns over at barely 2000rpm at around 90mph), there's no engine drone at cruising speeds either. It's well equipped at the price, too, with all models coming with climate control, leather seats, CD player, ABS, stability control, CD, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control, automatically dimming rear-view mirror, auto headlights, and side airbags. It's not bad, but like a few executive cars, not as spacious as it really could be. Certainly, for front-seat occupants, there's plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable, while three, three-point seat belts mean that the back is fine for three adults - over short distances at least. Two adults could sit comfortably in the well sculpted rear seats indefinitely. The rear seat splits 60/40 on all but the 'R' version and the boot is fair, as is oddments space in the cabin. Unlike many competitors, though, there's no estate option.
Stereo-wise, entry-level models have just a four-speaker 140-watt Alpine system, but further up the range is a 10-speaker 320-watt Alpine Premium Sound system which sounds much more robust. At around two grand, the satellite-navigation system isn't cheap, but it is brilliantly easy to control. There's a display screen on all models with optional touch-screen control systems. There are also voice-activated controls, particularly useful for impressing your friends: "Radio, tune preset two", and away it goes.
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