Automotive
The British automotive enthusiasts welcomed the rebirth of the Jaguar S-Type with open arms, seeing it as a hopeful sign for the brand's future under Ford's management. After a turbulent period marked by financial struggles, Jaguar was slowly finding its footing once again, and the S-Type was a key component in Ford's efforts to revitalize the iconic British marque.
The original S-Type was introduced in 1963, and its design inspired the new model. The retro styling was executed perfectly, with a heart-shaped grille and quad headlights that evoked memories of the classic model. Jaguar designed the new S-Type to fill the gap below the flagship XJ lineup, while plans for a smaller sibling, the X-Type, were also in the works.
In terms of luxury, the S-Type featured a cabin adorned with leather and wood trim, offering an upscale ambiance for its occupants. However, some plastic panels and Ford-sourced buttons detracted from the otherwise refined interior. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort, and the generous wheelbase allowed for ample legroom for both front and rear passengers.
After four years on the market, Jaguar gave the S-Type a mid-life refresh, which included updates to make the car Euro 5 compliant. This refresh kept the car's overall shape largely unchanged but included notable updates, such as new headlights with clear-lens technology for improved visibility and a wider grille at the front. The rear bumper was subtly reshaped to provide a more cohesive look.
Although the S-Type represented a significant step forward for Jaguar under Ford's ownership, the platform it was built on was distinctly American, which didn't sit well with some traditional Jaguar enthusiasts. The inclusion of diesel engines also sparked controversy among purists, though it was a reflection of the industry's shift toward more fuel-efficient powertrains in the 2000s, with turbo-diesel engines becoming increasingly popular in Europe.
In 2004, Jaguar made further improvements to the S-Type. While the car’s overall shape remained similar, the headlights were redesigned to incorporate new clear-lens technology, improving illumination. The front bumper received a wider grille and round fog lights, while the rear bumper was subtly reshaped. Inside, the S-Type’s dashboard received a complete redesign, replacing older elements with a more modern layout, including rectangular air vents. The center stack introduced an infotainment system that featured satellite navigation and a color display, though the J-pattern gear selector from the previous generation remained.
Under the hood, the S-Type received new engine options, including a 2.5-liter V6 borrowed from Ford’s Mondeo and a 2.7-liter turbo diesel engine derived from the Land Rover Discovery, marking a shift toward more diverse engine offerings.
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