S'AGARO, Spain--Don't try this at home, but the supercharged
2003 Jaguar S-Type R sedan easily cruised at 110 mph on the high-speed highways outside this resort town near Barcelona. The sleek 400-horsepower R also did well zipping around curves in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains near here, while providing Jaguar's traditional comfort and poshness. High-speed driving is common in this area, where Jaguar recently held a media preview of the revamped 2003 S-Type. The rear-drive S-Type has been one of the British automaker's most popular models since introduced in 1999. While that model has doubled Jaguar North American sales, Ford-owned Jaguar must maintain interest in it because of stiffer competition.
"A Jaguar isn't just transportation. It's designed to make its owner smile when he approaches it, when he drives it and when he walks away after reaching a destination,'' Mike O'Driscoll, president of Jaguar's North American Operations, said in an interview. "You don't get that from a lot of German, American or Japanese cars.'' The 2003 S-Type also did well here with its non-supercharged V-8, which is larger and has had horsepower increased from 278 to 300.
The 240-horsepower V-6 retains its old size and power rating, but has been revised for better responsiveness. "We expect that 65 percent of S-Type buyers will order a V-8 model, with the remainder opting for the V-6. The S-Type is slightly modified to accommodate the 70 worldwide markets in which it is sold, and Americans generally want a plusher version than the one sold in Europe,'' said David Lewis, brand marketing manager for the S-Type.
Phil Hodgkinson, chief program engineer for the S-Type, said American S-Type buyers want "more engine torque at lower rpm levels to suit typical U.S. driving. Bigger engines also are wanted in the United States. In Europe, the S-Type is sold with a 2.5-liter engine, but it's too small to suit our American customers.'' All models benefit from S-Type improvements for 2003.
Jaguar said about 70 percent of the car has new content, although it retains the classic Jaguar styling of its predecessor. Among the few visual changes are a revised grille and new outside mirrors. There also are a new dashboard with a full-width bird's eye maple veneer panel and race-style gauges. The redesigned center console still eats up too much front room and contains a DVD navigation system that proved virtually worthless after I made a few wrong turns and got temporarily lost during lengthy test drives (thank goodness for the paper road map in the car).
New seats suit specific characteristics of each model, and driver comfort can be enhanced with optional, electronically adjustable foot pedals. The new S-Type goes on sale in America in May with prices ranging from $42,495 for the base V-6 version to $62,400 for the blindingly fast R. Jaguar is introducing the 155-mph R because rivals such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz have hot rod versions of regular models. Actually, the new $49,975 V-8 model should be just fine for power-hungry American drivers. The V-6 version is no slouch, and should be faster than ever with its newly offered manual transmission.
The R is the hottest S-Type ride, streaking to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. It has a sports suspension, race-style Brembo brakes and the latest Jaguar electronically controlled suspension to optimize ride and handling. A special bright-finish mesh front grille helps visually distinguish the R from other S-Type models and its rear spoiler enhances high-speed stability.
There are exclusive alloy wheels and a red R logo also used on the nose of the new Jaguar R3 Grand Pix race car. Inside are leather sports seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Don't want to spend the money for the R? Well, Jaguar offers Sport versions of the V-6 and regular V-8 models for driving enthusiasts. They have a color-keyed exterior, leather sports interior and updated sports suspension and brakes.
Besides better engines, all S-Type models have more luxury, safety, refinement and performance. Improvements include a completely redesigned interior with a more integrated look and enhanced occupant safety items such as a new front energy absorbent seating system and new front and rear side-curtain air bags for head protection. The new braking system has a four channel anti-lock system with "panic assist'' braking for emergency stops, along with electronic traction control and standard Dynamic Stability Control system. The old S-Type had Jaguar's typical made-in-heaven ride, but it's even better with a new front suspension and extensively revised rear suspension. Stiffer construction also helps.
There are two new transmissions including a six-speed automatic for all models and a five-speed manual for the V-6 version. A new electronic parking brake replaces Jaguar's traditional handbrake lever. The brake is applied automatically when the ignition key is removed.
While heavy, despite weight reduction measures, all 2003 S-Type models have the steering, handling, braking and nimbleness of a lighter car. Seats are comfortable and gauges are easily read. Four 6-footers fit, and electronically adjustable pedals are especially convenient for shorter drivers.
However, occupants have little room to spare in the snug interior, and a high window line doesn't allow an airy interior. The trunk is long, but not especially deep. And its lid has manual hinges that eat into cargo space. However, rear seatbacks flip forward to enlarge the cargo area. The R clearly is the sexiest new S-Type. But the 2003 models have been improved enough to prompt current S-Type owners and prospective new buyers to take a close look at all the latest versions.
2003 JAGUAR S-TYPE
Prices
$42,495-$62,400
Likes
Nicely revamped. Stylish. Posh. Exceptional new supercharged version.
Dislikes
Rather tight interior. Confusing navigation system. Manual trunk hinges.