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~ ~ This new sports model from the British manufacturer Jaguar made its first public appearance at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy in December, 2000.
This is the car that Jaguar (now a Ford-owned subsidiary) hope will endear them to the more youthful buyer, and manage to lure them ... Read review
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...model from the British manufacturer Jaguar made its first public appearance at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy in December, 2000.
This is the car that Jaguar (now a Ford-owned subsidiary) hope will endear them to the more youthful buyer, and manage to lure them away from competitors such as BMW and Audi.
~ ~ The S-Type Sports was the model in this range that the Jaguar designers really went to town on.
At first glance, ... ...is the modifications by the Jaguar engineers that have really rung the changes in this model.
There are two engine choices. The 3.0-litre V6 (240 bhp) or the 4.0-litre V8 (281 bhp).
Both have been tuned so as to deliver power rather than torque, with the car really coming into its own at the top end of the rev scale.
The smaller-engined 3.0-litre V6 comes with a manual gearbox, and hits the 60 mph mark in less than seven seconds, ... more
~ ~ I dropped into the local Jag dealer recently to have a look at the new X-Type that has just been launched here in Ireland. Disappointment for the mad cabbie; none in stock. (all sold!!) But never having been known as a fella to waste an opportunity, I instead got my hands on another little sporty number that was sitting on the forecourt, the revised model S-Type Sports.
~ ~ This new sports model from the British manufacturer Jaguar made its first public appearance at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy in December, 2000. This is the car that Jaguar (now a Ford-owned subsidiary) hope will endear them to the more youthful buyer, and manage to lure them away from competitors such as BMW and Audi.
~ ~ The S-Type Sports was the model in this range that the Jaguar designers really went to town on. At first glance, the first change that really strikes you is the now totally chrome-free body that serves to give this car a much “beefier” road presence and a far more menacing appearance. It comes in a choice of five exterior finishes, with the bumper inserts, the number plate mountings, and the grille surround now all colour-coded. A unique bonnet badge and a striking set of 18-inch, seven spoke BBS alloy wheels highlight even more its sporty characteristics.
~ ~ But while the new S-Type Sports is unquestionably lovely to look at, it is the modifications by the Jaguar engineers that have really rung the changes in this model. There are two engine choices. The 3.0-litre V6 (240 bhp) or the 4.0-litre V8 (281 bhp). Both have been tuned so as to deliver power rather than torque, with the car really coming into its own at the top end of the rev scale. The smaller-engined 3.0-litre V6 comes with a manual gearbox, and hits the 60 mph mark in less than seven seconds, going on to a top speed of 146 mph. The 4.0-litre V8 comes with an automatic box, and has a 0 to 60 mph time of only 6.6 seconds, and will carry you to a top speed of over 150 mph. However, it has to be said that Jaguar have done nothing to radically modify the engines or to reduce the car’s overall weight, with the unsatisfactory end result that the S-Type Sports is actually no faster than the standard versions of this car.
~ ~ There have been some dramatic suspension modifications however, that set the Sport apart from the rest of the range. The new suspension system is called CATS (Computer Activated Technology Suspension), and is fitted as standard on the 4.0-litre. This really stiffens up the ride, and practically eliminates any body roll on corners at high speed, while at the same time the actual ride quality has suffered very little as a result. The new “speed proportional” power steering system is also a huge improvement on the standard models, and gives much more feel and feedback to the driver. The car sits very snugly on the road on its grippy tyres, but the brakes could have been improved upon, as they tend to lack both power and feel for a performance car. It is possible to drive the car very “energetically” however, and it really eats up the road when pushed, and allows you to attack corners with gusto.
~ ~ The interior also has been modified somewhat. The seats have been given added support, but the rear seating is barely adequate for two fully-grown adults, and the boot space is very small and limited. The front seating is very comfortable however, with 8-way electrically adjustable leather seats and an adjustable leather steering wheel. Full climate control adds to the comfort. A new and very attractive dark maple wood finish has been added in the cabin, that was first used on the XKR Silverstone, and which enhances the sporty theme beautifully. It’s only a pity that this effect is spoiled a little by the over generous use of cheap looking “mud grey” plastic on both the centre console and the dashboard, which overall has a rather cluttered and confusing layout.
~ ~ One last little crib. If Jaguar really intended the S-Type Sports to appeal to the younger car buyer, then they really should have fitted a good quality sound system and CD autochanger as standard, rather than as optional extras. Prices in the UK start at £30,900 for the 3.0-litre, rising to £38,400 for the 4.0-litre Auto. While Jaguar maintain that the modifications to this car represent good value, I personally feel that it’s a bit on the expensive side for its young target audience. I think that if I was in the market for this style of car I would be inclined to wait and buy an X-Type that has an entry level price of around the £22,000 mark for the 2.5-litre V6. Once they get another X-Type in stock, then I’ll put it through its paces, and see how the two models compare.
...brings my nicely onto the Jaguar S-Type.
I have test driven TWO S-Types now. The Standard S-Type S and the S-Type SE which has all the goodies. Both 2001 (same age as my 607)
I'm shocked quite frankly.
The Bog standard S-Type S
The first one I drove was an utter dissapointment, I thought stepping into a Jag would be like stepping into a whole other league. Boy was I wrong. It felt like I had actually stepped into something worth nothing.
The ... ...torquey (which it probabley wouldn't) as my 607 and didn't push you into your seat like my 607 does. didn't feel like the correct progression to me!
The gearbox however worked flawlessly.
The inside of the car, was also abismal. Sorry, but it was, no leather, cramped and no toys!! I feel sorry for the people who bought these new!
Now onto my better part of the review, of the second one I test drove.
The S-Type SE.
This one has leather, so immediately ...
rally1998 20.07.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Jaguar S-Type 3.0
Advantages: Looks Disadvantages: Not as quiet as I had expected
...have been kept to the Jaguar guarantee of £150 + vat (every 10,000). Fuel consumption on high speed motorway journeys can top 30mpg, but 26mpg is the average.
One amazing feature of the car is Jaguars ability to change the entire software when in for a service. The latest software upgrade (to cure a minor problem with the airconditioning) has had an unbelievable effect on the 0-60mph performance. Jaguar now let the car rev to over 7,000 rpm before ... ...extra 'buzz' from the exhaust !
The best accessories ? These have to be the rain sensing wipers, the auto-dimming rear view mirror, and the fantastic reverse park control.
The worst accessories ? The headlight washers, which are next to useless jets of water, and the roof bars (on a Jag ?) which are far too difficult to fit.
Some people don't like the look, I do and I have really enjoyed driving it. Would I buy another ? - probably not, my son ...
Alan_Baker 05.02.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Jaguar S-Type 3.0
Advantages: Speed, comfort, style, class Disadvantages: None to think of
Well first of all you are probably thinking how on earth does a 22 year old female get to drive a very fast 3.0litre S-type Jaguar? Well its not mine and its my dads. But I get to drive it! Bonus!
Out of all the cars I have driven over the last 5 years, which is quite a few! This is the best.
It is a dream drive, handles well, takes corners well even at high speeds.
Yes it should be for the amount of money you have to pay for it, but not everything ... ...thought out, from the engine to the paint work
The drive is smooth, you cant hear the engine, the radio system is fantastic, the size is perfect and yes a women can drive it with ease.
The acceleration is fantastic, having that extra litre makes the car feel as if its taking off, leaving the men who believe its correct to try and beat women off the lights even thou they are driving a 2.0litre or less. Which I dont agree with, but when driving a ...
Kelmisty 11.05.2003
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Jaguar S-Type 3.0
...plunge and looked at the Jaguar S-Type. This model is easily the best S-Type that Jaguar make, this is because of many things. The gearbox is very slick and easy to use, the road holding is superb, the interior makes you feel very special, it is a very typical Jaguar. If there is such a thing as a typical Jaguar. If I have 1 gripe it is the acceleration, it could be that little bit better, but they do make 4.0 litre version if speed is your thing. ...
dannythefish 16.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Jaguar S-Type 3.0
Advantages: Excellent Jaguar Warranty. Dealer service very good. Turns heads. Disadvantages: NOT reliable. Poor built quality. Jaguar DO NOT return emails!!
I once owned a Jaguar X-Type and had may problems. I decided to part-ex it for an S-type.
Since I purchased my S-Type I have had nothing but problems. I do not expect a car that cost £36500 new to be so poor. I have had rain water in the luggage compartment, jogging when accelerating and constant misfire.
I have noticed that there are lots of Ford connector etc. in and around the car. Is Ford's intervention the problem? Trim rattles and do not ... ...the engine management light appears Jaguar are unable to identify which coil is faulty. It just cost me £401 to replace all six coils and spark plugs. Unfortunately this did not fix the problem, it made it worse....
I have been told by two Jaguar dealers that the ignition coil problem and the water ingress in the luggage compartment is very common and Jaguar are aware of it and have since took steps to sort it out with new models.
Should this be ...
JPCcomputers 11.08.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Jaguar S-Type 3.0
