The New S-TYPE In Detail
Published: 4th January 2004
In 2002, Jaguar's luxurious mid-sized sports saloon forged ahead with revised powertrains, including the new entry-level 2.5 litre V6 and the all-new supercharged 4.2-litre V8 of Jaguar's most powerful saloon car ever, the 400bhp (DIN) S-TYPE R. Jaguar also introduced the first ever six-speed automatic transmission in the executive segment, an innovative and effort-saving Electronic Parking Brake, plus a completely restyled interior, blending traditional Jaguar luxury and craftsmanship with advanced technology. When combined with automatic transmission, the Electronic Parking Brake features a drive-away function, which automatically releases the parking brake when the driver selects Drive, but holds the car until the throttle is applied - even on gradients of up to 1 in 3.
The 2002 revisions also introduced suspension changes to deliver exceptional ride comfort with poised, agile handling fully in keeping with Jaguar's peerless tradition. And of course it had the benefits of Jaguar's rational use of advanced design, from Computer Active Suspension Technology (CATS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to the company's standard-setting Adaptive Restraint Technology (A.R.T.S.). And now the S-TYPE moves on again.
Styling and Design - Less is More
Style has always been a major consideration for Jaguar buyers. The sleek lines of the new S-TYPE have been redrawn, to be more athletic, contemporary, leaner and with more obvious muscle definition. The new S-TYPE has changed dramatically by changing subtly - pursuing the classic design philosophy of less is more. All that changes as the new S-TYPE tones up.
As Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum says, "Too much detailing becomes too confusing, with no focal point. This car has a focal point and it's clear what it is - the front grille and twin headlamps. But to make it work, everything around that focus has to be as simple as possible, and the extensive changes for 2004 are designed to achieve precisely that."
A new aluminium bonnet (previously steel), not only improves weight distribution and handling balance, but also introduces a more defined vee shape, drawing the eye forwards to the revised grille and giving the whole front of the car a crisper, more powerful look and stance. The way the curvaceous bonnet meets the complex curves of the headlamp apertures changes too, giving much tighter fit lines and emphasising Jaguar's fine build quality. Overall, the front of the new S-TYPE displays a stronger, more dominant character.
Jaguar S-Type
Our Jaguar S-Type Guide lists the full specification of the current UK S-Type range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £29,085 - £45,090
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 7
We have road tested the Jaguar S-Type, to read our in-depth car review:
Jaguar S-Type Review - Apr 2005
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 30th Mar 2008
