Jaguar S-Type R 2005 Review

The S-type R is a splendid mix of elegance, sportiness and power.

It gains the bolder more aggressive look of refreshed S-types, yet maintains its classic feel.

The bigger grille, bolder eyes, 18-inch alloys and subtle R badges that dot the exterior add to the sporty but graceful feel of the cat the marque is named for.

The S-Type R's rear enjoys the biggest make-over. The sharp, more stubby rear replaces the old droopy looking one.

The squarer profile, cut-down rear window line and reworked tail lights give the S-Type R more character.

As you walk towards the S-Type R you can feel that there is something special before even getting inside.

A quick run of the hand over the beautifully finished paintwork is the first giveaway of a Jaguar.

The brakes peek through the huge rims, an indication that there is something special under the bonnet to need those to stop the car.

At a turn of the key your ears are treated to the sweet rumble of the supercharged 4.2-litre V8 engine.

The muscular idle is just a hint of what is to come.

So to is the launch from the lights. It is only when the rev counter hits 3000rpm and the soft scream of the supercharger kicks in you become aware of just how much urge the S-Type R is capable of.

The engine produces 281kW of power and a very useful 553Nm of torque.

The latest six-speed Jaguar automatic is near to seamless and according to Jaguar, does the 0-100km/h dash in just 5.6 seconds, a seriously quick sprint when matched to an automatic box and 1800kg.

As you would expect, the S-Type R has superb handling and ride.

The suspension is supple and soaks irregularities with ease but holds the car tenaciously to the road. It is built around Jaguar's adaptive suspension system – CATS. The suspension has been lowered and tightened, but without compromising the ride comfort. Handling is sports sedan category and aided by the multi-piston Brembo brakes and huge 18-inch rubber.

While steering at first feels a little floaty it was surprising just how hard the Jaguar would corner yet still remain agile and graceful.

Inside, the S-Type R's sports bucket seats are finished in the same soft-touch leather that wraps around the door trim and various parts of the interior.

The bucket seating position can be moved in 16 positions and the steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach.

The memory setting makes light work of different drivers so once found, your perfect seating position is saved forever. The dash has a sporty aluminium finish that complements the elegant feel.

While housing every technological marvel in the centre dash computer, the Jaguar designers have done well to remove the need for hundreds of buttons to work it.

The touch-screen display controls pretty much everything including the climate control, TV, radio and satellite navigation system.

The Jaguar also has steering wheel controls, just to make life even easier. The rear is roomy but still really only a two-seater, however, there is a good amount of luggage room in the boot.

At about $60,000 less than the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG and on a par with Audi's S6, the Jaguar S-Type is sure to convince buyers to shop around.