Jaguar-Land Rover-Aston Martin-Bentley of Naples

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Walk Around

At a glance, the 2008 S-Type still looks much the same as it did when it was introduced in 1999, as an intentionally retro tribute to some of the best-loved Jaguars of the past: specifically the 1956 "compact saloon" that became the wider-tracked, bigger-windowed Mark II in 1960 and, ultimately, the longer-tailed, all-independent-suspension S-Type of 1963.

Ironically, or perhaps appropriately, the current S-Type has evolved almost as thoroughly in its ten years on the market. Jaguar substantially re-styled the S-Type for 2005, giving it a sharper, cleaner, more assertive face, with a more sharply defined V-shaped bulge in its hood. At the same time, the S-type acquired a longer, leaner look down the side with better integrated door sills. Around back, its distinctive round tail lamps provided a more technical, jewel-like appearance and blended smoothly into the new curves of the tail. The wider rear trunk finisher was simplified, running the full width between the new rear lamps. Jaguar claims the subtly re-shaped trunk reduced both lift and drag.

A trend began in '06 when the chrome mesh grille previously seen only on the high-performance R-model became standard across the lineup. Now, for 2008, the R-model's more deeply sculpted front bumper has been applied to entire line as well. It features three sharply defined scoops in place of the single, wide-oval opening of the previous bumper. Base-level 3.0 and 4.2 models will, however, keep their bright bumper and grille trim, all of which turns body color on the R. Unless, of course, you order the Luxury Package, which decorates the R with base-level brightwork.

Both 3.0 and 4.2 upgrade to 18-inch wheels for 2008, but not the same 18-inch wheels. V6 S-Types get a 10-spoke pattern that Jaguar calls Triton, while base V8's get a five-spoke wheel called Vulcan. Optional on both, and standard on the R-model, is a new 19-inch wheel Jaguar calls Barcelona.

The S-Type's wipers feature an interesting washing system, with the washer jets incorporated into the wiper arms for better coverage. Lever-style door handles remain, which are aerodynamic but we find them harder to grab than the kind you slide your fingers through.

Body panels fit closely together. Overall, quality has improved dramatically in recent years. In 1989, Jaguar ranked at the bottom of the list in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, one rung above Yugo. By 2003 Jaguar had risen to third from the top, just below Lexus and Cadillac. In 2007 Jaguar still finished in the top eight in an increasingly competitive race, where that rating represents a much higher standard of quality than it did a decade ago.

Interior

2008 Jaguar S-Type

All Jaguar S-Types come with rich leather upholstery, with contrasting piping on most models. Sumptuous leather is used on the surfaces of all seats and door panels. Burl walnut wood veneer is standard as well, with new matt-finish Satin Mahogany now serving as the more performance-oriented motif for the supercharged R-model. And even there, walnut can be substituted as part of the Luxury Package.

The standard wood-and-leather steering wheel looks and feels good; and it harmonizes visually with the colors of the instrument panel behind it. A well-designed toggle on the left side of the steering column quickly, easily and precisely controls the power tilt and telescopic adjustments for the steering wheel. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with a nice firm seat bottom that minimizes fatigue on long trips.

There is a decent amount of space for rear-seat passengers. Rear legroom is on par with other similar sized cars.

The instrument pod contains just a fuel gauge and water temperature gauge besides the speedometer and tachometer. All told it is a pleasant design. Climate controls and sound system buttons are big, easy to discern and easy to operate.

Two glove boxes are provided in addition to the center console storage. Sunglasses can be stashed in an overhead console case lined with soft rubber. Dual cupholders are provided, but are mounted far enough to the rear as to be a bit awkward to reach while driving.

Trunk space is only average at 14.1 cubic feet, due to the curvy rear end. Old-fashioned swan-neck hinges intrude into the cargo space, but their advantage is that the trunk lid will conveniently pop up when opened. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split for 28.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

The electronically controlled parking brake is designed to work intuitively and will automatically release in certain circumstances: Switch on the parking brake with the car in Drive at an intersection and it switches off when you accelerate, handy when stopping for traffic lights on steep hills.

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