Jaguar S-TYPE Review

Introduced in 1999, the Jaguar S-TYPE is an evolution of the much loved 1960’s S-TYPE - epitomised as the ultimate get away car in the cult 1970's TV series 'The Sweeney'.

When the first generation S-TYPE went on sale in 1999, it signalled that Jaguar was a company entering a period of significant change and the S-TYPE was evidence of Jaguar’s ambitions in new growth areas of the market.

In 2002 the S-TYPE underwent a series of engineering revisions which saw it develop considerably, with many of its suspension and drive train advances appearing in the all-new aluminium XJ the following year. With new engines and transmissions, new suspensions and major structural enhancements, the S-TYPE was building recognition and praise for its all-round ability and specific Jaguar appeal.

Further revisions in 2004 saw the announcement of a number of styling changes to both the front and rear. Which included a package of interior revisions, build quality improvements, enhanced specifications and the introduction of the all-new, 2.7 litre, twin-turbo, V6 diesel engine. For the first time S-TYPE buyers were able to choose diesel power as an alternative to the existing four petrol engine options.

The Jaguar S-TYPE 2.7 V6 Diesel is available in Classic, S, Sport and SE specifications with the choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission (£1350 option). Prices for the diesel model range from £28,895 for the S-TYPE 2.7 litre V6 diesel 6-speed manual to £32,895 for the SE 6-speed automatic.

For decades the Jaguar brand has been synonymous with performance and desire and with the introduction of the S-TYPE Diesel Jaguar are able to compete in the diesel marketplace with rivals Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

We tested the S-TYPE 2.7 V6 Diesel Sport to see how Jaguar fare in the competitive world of premium diesel powered mid-size saloons.