2004 Jaguar S-Type R Review

Jaguar long has come up with sedans that go fast and handle well, while retaining the automaker's traditional luxury. So it shouldn't be surprising that this British outfit's S-Type R is among the world's best-performing, poshest sedans.

The problem with the old sexy Jaguar sedans is that they eventually began falling apart because of cost cutting and shoddy production. Their race-winning six-cylinder engine was strong, but eventually leaked. Further, the front end fell apart, along with the gearbox, interior, paint, bodywork--everything.

Nevertheless, seductive styling, attractive prices and high performance kept drawing new -- and sometimes repeat -- customers.

Those old bad quality days are gone, thanks to Ford Motor's purchase of Jaguar around 1990. It gutted the old Jaguar factory, installed modern equipment, kicked out marginal parts suppliers and greatly raised the level of quality. Jaguar now gets high customer satisfaction ratings, and Ford has had the smarts to leave the automaker pretty much alone to develop models.

The supercharged, 390-horsepower S-Type R is the costliest version of the S-Type sedan, which is less expensive than the top-line XJ sedan but more pricey than the entry X-Type sedan.

The S-Type arrived in 1999 and was significantly improved in 2003, when the R model arrived. All versions are nicely painted and the accurate fitting of doors, hood and trunk lid would do justice to a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Lexus.

The S-Type R streaks to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and, as I found while driving one in Spain, comfortably cruises at 100 mph. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. That's an academic figure in America, but indicates that the car has the juice to keep its occupants out of harm's way during, say, a quick pass on a highway.

Estimated city fuel economy of this large, rather heavy sedan isn't a strong point, at 17 mpg. The highway figure is 24 mpg because the smooth six-speed automatic transmission lets the engine loaf at highway speeds.

The entry level S-Type 3.0 model costs $43,230 and has a 3-liter, 235-horsepower V-6 that makes it fast enough for most folks (0-60 mph in 7.3-7.5 seconds). You can get it with a sporty five-speed manual gearbox or optional six-speed automatic.

The popular mid-range S-Type 4.2 version has a 4.2-liter V-8 providing 294 horsepower and neck-snapping acceleration, with 0-60 mph taking 6.2 seconds. It costs $49,330 and comes only with the six-speed automatic, as does the R version.

The automatic transmission always seems to be in the correct gear. It has Jaguar's traditional "J-gate" shifter, which allows manual shifting when a driver slides the shift lever to the left of a "J" gate on the console. However, it's easy to overshoot a gear when shifting manually with that gate. It's best to leave the transmission in automatic "drive'' mode most of the time.

The R version's power steering is rather heavy at low speeds, but that's preferable to it being overly light. Handling is excellent, thanks partly to an electronically controlled sport suspension and huge 18-inch wheels with very wide tires. The rub here is that it's easy to scuff the wheels on such objects as curbs or concrete islands at a bank's drive-through teller area.

One might expect the ride to be overly firm with those tires and a stiffer suspension, but it's supple. The brakes are strong, although the pedal is rather touchy.

All S-Type models are loaded with comfort, convenience and safety equipment, including front side air bags and front and rear side curtain air bags.

Besides its potent engine, standard S-Type R features include powerful anti-lock Brembo brakes, super-bright Xenon headlights, monochrome exterior, rear spoiler, sports seats and electronically adjustable pedals.

As with all S-Type models, the R has leather upholstery. It also has a perforated leather steering wheel cover and gray bird's eye maple wood veneers, which look elegant but seem a little too gray.

Jaguar is a big believer in tradition, so the R version's sparkling front mesh grille is reminiscent of the one on the legendary Jaguar C-Type sports-race car of the early 1950s. The sculpted hood and quad headlights have been a Jaguar hallmark since the automaker's 2.4 sedan of the mid-1950s.

Interior and exterior door handles look classy, but should be larger. Turning the key in the driver's door quickly opens and closes the windows and sunroof to let out interior heat on a hot day. (I can't imagine why else anyone would want to do that.)

Four 6-footers easily fit in the S-Type R, although the large front console eats up space and there isn't much rear headroom to spare. Gauge faces look plain, especially in such an upscale interior, but can be quickly read. Controls generally are easy to reach and use.

The trunk is long, but rather shallow. Its opening is low and wide for easy loading, but the R version doesn't have the 60-40/split-folding rear seat of the other S-Type models to increase cargo capacity.

The S-Type R has that old Jaguar magic -- without any of the old headaches.

2004 JAGUAR S-TYPE R

Prices:
$62,455

Likes:
Very fast. Confident handling. Posh interior.

Dislikes:
Low fuel economy. No surplus of rear headroom. Touchy brake pedal action.