The Jaguar S-Type is a mid-size executive car that was manufactured by Jaguar from 1999 to 2009. Although the production of the S-type was halted in 2009, it remains an extremely sought-after used option among young executives and families that wish to travel in comfort and style.

Jaguar was on the verge of developing a small saloon car to complement XJ6 before its privatization to Ford in 1984. After Ford took over in 1989, these plans were shelved, only to resurface several years later. 
In 1995 car designer Geoff Lawson began styling the S-Type built on the Jaguar/Ford Dew platform. Then in the last quarter of 1998 at the Birmingham International Motor Show, the S-Type was unveiled. 

The first generation of the S-Type was released between 1999 and 2002 with the denotation “X200”.  Unique features of this model release include a U-shaped centre console.
The models that followed were denoted “X202”, “X204”, and “X206”; with the last digit specifying the model year. The S-type models released in 2002, 2004, and 2006 had their Jaguar logo incorporated on the radiator grille. 

In 2002, Jaguar released the supercharged Jaguar S-Type R as part of the S-Type line-up, hoping it will compete with the likes of the Mercedes E55 AMG and BMW’s M5.

 

Engine

The Jaguar S-Type was launched with two engine options, but later with other releases, new engines were offered. Let’s take a look at these engines and their features.

  • The 3.0-liter (AJ30) V6 DOHC petrol engine produces a maximum power of 240 hp and a torque of 223 ft-lb. This engine has an average fuel consumption of 9 km/l.
    This model S-Type accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and has a maximum speed of 233 km/h.  
  • The 4.0-liter (AJ26) V8 DOHC petrol engine produces a maximum power of 284 hp and a torque of 276 ft-lb. This engine has an average fuel consumption of 8.3 km/l.
    This model S-Type accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and has a maximum speed of 240 km/h.
  • The 2.5-liter (AJ25) V6 DOHC petrol engine produces a maximum power of 200 hp and a torque of 180 ft-lb. This engine has an average fuel consumption of 10.5 km/l.
    This model S-Type accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and has a maximum speed of 228 km/h. 
  • The 4.2-liter (AJ33) V8 DOHC petrol engine produces a maximum power of 298 hp and a torque of 303 ft-lb. This engine has an average fuel consumption of 8.1 km/l.
    This model S-Type accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h. 
  • The supercharged 4.2-liter (AJ33) V8 DOHC petrol engine produces a maximum power of 395 hp and a torque of 399 ft-lb. This engine has an average fuel consumption of 8 km/l. This model S-Type accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h.
  • The twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 diesel engine produces a maximum power of 207 hp and a torque of 320 ft-lb. This engine has an average fuel consumption of 10.2 km/l. This model S-Type accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 230 km/h.

These engines transfer power to the wheels via either a five-speed manual, five-speed automatic, six-speed semiautomatic or six-speed manual.

 

Interior

The interior of the S-Type is typically Jaguar with the interior embellished with wood veneer. The S-Type has an excellent driving position, with a well-positioned seat and a rake and reach steering column, an angled dash with easy-to-read instrument dials. The U-shaped centre console has all the controls for air conditioning and the stereo and is within reach. High-end models come with an easy-to-use touch screen system.

The S-Type can comfortably accommodate four passengers, with enough legroom for the driver and front passenger, while at the rear, legroom is quite limited and the large transmission tunnel makes it difficult for three to seat, but the seats are supportive and comfortable enough for longer journeys. The rear seat can be split-folded in a 60/40 arrangement enabling the extension of the boot when necessary.

 

Storage

Stowage-wise, the S-Type comes with a central twin cup holder, a cubby hole between the front seats, small door pockets, and a 400-liter boot, enough to fit a few bags. 

Exterior

The exterior of the S-Type has an old classic look, but it features cutting-edge technology.

Its retro-style remains, with an oval (round) grille, fluted sills, and quadruple fluted headlights. At the back, there’s chrome lining at the edge of the boot lid with Jaguar name underneath, there’s also the presence of dual exhaust pipes at each end beneath the rear bumper which also features a chrome lining at the top.

Features

The S-Type comes equipped with several features including Alloy wheels, Climate control, Heated Mirrors, Power Assisted Steering, Space saver spare wheel, Traction Control, Alarm, Audio remote, Body-coloured bumpers, CD, CD Multi changer, Cloth seat trim, Cruise control, DVD, Electric driver`s seat, Electric mirrors, Electric passenger`s seat, electric sunroof, Folding rear seats, Front electric windows, Front fog lights, Headlight washers, Heated seats, Height adjustable driver’s seat, leather seat trim, Lumbar support, Metallic Paint, Parking Sensors, Rear electric windows, Sat Nav, and, Sports seats.

The car also has plenty of essential safety equipment/features including, ABS, six airbags, Isofix child seat anchor points, anti-whiplash seats, 3×3 point rear seat belts, dynamic stability control, and emergency brake assist.

 

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