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| Road Test: Jaguar S-Type (2002-) |
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Jaguar S-Type
by David Rose
I've test-driven the S-Type 3.0 V6 and 4.0 V8 several times, wanting to get to like it but always preferring the XJ8. The S-Type seems to lack the charisma its looks promise to someone who 'always wanted a Jag'.
Now, after a weekend hire taking in 350 miles and a 30mpg run down the M1, I'm more impressed than I expected to be and suffering pangs of temptation. The car looked superb in Pacific Blue and I was amazed by the economical cruising. Likes: - Serene ride and the way it cruises on a whiff of throttle - very Jag-like
- Punchy engine, once you've discovered 'sport' mode on the autobox
- Sharp steering and brakes
- Good standard stereo
- Styling and detailing (love it or hate it - I love it now)
- Economy: 22 mpg urban and pottering, 27-31 mpg motorway cruising at 70-80 mph
- Lots of little details (eg tick-tock indicators, twin trip computer)
- Boot - looks pathetic but is actually quite wide and managed to swallow our two giant cases
- Value for money
Dislikes: - Road roar on concrete and coarse motorway tarmac, standard 16 in tyres
- Seats - comfortable in the end, but they look cheap and the squab is too short
- Minor controls, including radio and heater, are fiddly and the trip computer is on the dash rather than a stalk
- Lack of engine 'music' - a Rover 2.5 V6 is far rortier
- A few rough edges build-wise
Overall, I enjoyed the Jag-ness enormously and felt great driving around. A final 30-mile blast around my favourite test route brought a smile to my face, too - this is a seriously fast and sporty car once you get used to the bulk.
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