Jaguar sales aren't what some might think they should be for reasons best left to sports/luxury sedan buyers, but the automaker's midrange S-TYPE remains one of the most distinctive such models.
Those Japanese cars were decades away from even being introduced when Jaguar was a consistent winner of the world-famous 24-hour Le Mans race in France way back in the 1950s, beating Ferraris and other exotic sports/racing cars.
Jaguar sold only 30,424 cars in America in 2005, off from 45,875 in 2004 and 50 percent below the 2002 total. Meanwhile, sales climbed for Acura, Infiniti and Lexus in 2005. And things were not much better for Jaguar in Europe, which is its other major market.
Retaining Old Charm
Ford has owned Jaguar since 1989, but reportedly hasn't made a dime with it since then. However, it's wisely left Jaguar pretty much alone so the singular old Jaguar charm can be retained.
Ford scrapped Jaguar's outdated equipment long ago and replaced it with state-of-the-art production facilities to obtain much higher quality. Those who think Jaguars spell mechanical problems are living in the past.
While other European and Japanese automakers build cars in America, Jaguar still makes autos only in Castle Bromwich, England. It hasn't come to America and bargained with states to get generous tax breaks, special roads and such to land a new plant.
Reasons for Lower Sales
So why isn't Jaguar selling more cars? Some say competitors have been introducing more new models, while others say the fairly new, technically advanced top-line Jaguar XJ sedan looks too much like its predecessor for those to appreciate things such as its advanced aluminum construction.
Still others say the entry Jaguar X-TYPE lowered the automaker's image because it shares parts with Ford's European Mondeo model, although the X-TYPE has been one of Jaguar's top sellers for years.
New S-TYPE Years Away
Jaguar is replacing its alluring-but-aged XK sports car with a new model this year. But the S-TYPE, which is far from being one of the newest kids on the block, probably won't be replaced by a new S-TYPE until spring 2008.
Meanwhile, Jaguar is "remaking" itself into a smaller, more exclusive luxury brand, although its latest advertising campaign that stresses that Jaguars are "gorgeous" is peculiar. Jaguars always have been gorgeous, even when they were mechanical headaches. Nevertheless, the X-TYPE reportedly will be phased out by 2010.
Middle Range Jaguar
The S-TYPE is positioned in the middle of Jaguar's sedan range in size and price—above the X-TYPE and below the XJ. The S-TYPE comes as the base $45,330 3.0 with a 235-horsepower V6, midrange $51,830 4.2 with a 300-horsepower (up from 294) V8 and supercharged 400-horsepower (up from 390) V8 R sedan, which costs $63,330.
All engines work with a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission. It upshifts smoothly, downshifts quickly and always seems to have just the right gear waiting for a driver.
All 2006 S-TYPE trim levels receive richer looking new chrome mesh grille inserts. Such an insert was on the 2005 S-Type R and has been found on the fastest European cars, such as supercharged Bentleys.
Improved Brakes
The 3.0 adds standard 17-inch wheels and a power sunroof and is offered with a $1,700 Aluminum Sport Package that contains 18-inch wheels, sport suspension, sport seats and aluminum interior trim. The R has an enhanced sport suspension for better stability.
A $3,500 "VDP Edition" package for the 4.2 has heated front power seats, premium leather seating material, a front park control, burl walnut trim, a walnut/leather steering wheel, electric rear sunblind and sumptuous footwell rugs.
A $2,800 navigation/Bluetooth package—standard in the R—is offered for the 3.0 and 4.2. And there's a bunch of stand-alone options, including $450 Sirius satellite radio, $2,200 adaptive cruise control for the R and $1,000 special order color and trim combinations for all versions.
Fast to Very Fast
All S-TYPEs provide a good balance of sport, luxury and civility. The 3.0 provides lively performance, while the 4.2 is faster and the R is very fast.
My latest S-TYPE test car was the 4.2. Its quick steering is light in town and becomes firmer at highway speeds for better control. The car has quick moves, a poised demeanor and Jaguar's typically supple ride, which isn't bothered by bumpy roads. The brake pedal has a good feel, and stopping distances are short.
Lush-Life Interiors
Jaguar sedans are known for lush-life interiors, and the S-TYPE continues the tradition. It's quiet in there, and four 6-footers fit comfortably, although they don't have much surplus room and a sloping rear roofline means tall rear occupants must watch their heads when leaving the car.
While visibility is generally good, it's impossible for a driver to see close-up objects directly behind the car.
Gauges can be easily read, and front/rear cupholders are conveniently positioned. However the dashboard touch screen that contains some sound system and climate controls can be distracting. Also, Jaguar's venerable "J-gate" shifter allows imprecise gear selection if a driver shifts in a hurry and isn't paying attention.
Decent storage space for cell phones and such is provided by storage pockets in all doors, deep console bin and a fairly large glove compartment.
Rather Shallow Trunk
The trunk is usefully shaped. It can be easily loaded with its wide opening, but is rather shallow. Split-folding rear seatbacks flip forward to enlarge the cargo area and sit fairly flat. Their trunk-mounted releases helps prevent thieves from gaining access to cargo via the rear seat area.
The hood opens on twin hydraulic struts to reveal easily reached fluid filler areas and an engine set back for better weight distribution.
No doubt that the 2006 S-TYPE should remain a handsome, solid performer until its successor arrives in a few years. Just don't count on it having the resale value of a BMW, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz.