Jaguar S-Type 2004 review

Actually it's probably not even such a great place to visit two days after the federal election; it's like being in Melbourne the week after the Cup.

Unless, of course, you've been invited to town by Jaguar for the unveiling of their new S-Type sedans.

Canberra's circular road system might be about as exciting as a Democrats' policy meeting, but the highways and byways of the surrounding district are anything but boring.

Head out west towards Cotter Dam, and you'll find some of the most challenging roads anywhere; cutting through rolling hills and farmland with sweeping curves, exhilarating hill climbs and some tight, choppy corners.

We drove the new S-Type in two forms: a 4.2-litre V8 and the more sedate 3-litre V6. Both are accomplished cruisers, the kinds of cars you could drive all day and still emerge feeling fresh.

If you're looking for something more sporty, there's also the S-Type R with its 298kW supercharged V8.

That's what I call executive power. Jag has made some significant technical changes to the S-Type: engine and suspension refinements, better interior and some clever new gadgets.

But most important, the model has undergone a much-needed aesthetic overhaul, giving it a fresher, cleaner look.

While few panels have escaped this tidy-up, the S-Type's previously sad, droopy-looking tail enjoys the biggest makeover, replaced by a more shapely, contemporary rear end with squarer profile and reworked tail-lights. It brings the S-Type closer in appearance to its big brother XJ.

Jaguar expects to sell about 250 S-Types a year, a sensible figure considering it is competing against those Godzillas of the executive prestige market, the mighty Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW's impeccable 5-Series.

Jaguar's new Australian general manager, David Blackhall, says his plan to increase Jaguar's toehold in this segment involves simplified model strategy, better specifications and a power advantage over its model rivals.

Jag has pared back the S-Type line-up to four models: a choice of two V6s (SE and Luxury), a Luxury V8 plus the S-Type R. The V6 SE ($89,900, 179kW) enjoys a big power advantage over rivals like the Mercedes E240 ($92,500, 130kW) and BMW 525i ($92,600, 141kW). The V6 Luxury model, which Blackhall claims hits this market's ¿sweet spot¿ at just under $100,000, is pitched against the E320 ($128,500) and 530i ($110,200).

It's pretty good value at this price – even if it lacks the punch of the V8s or the responsiveness the same engine produces in the bigger, all-aluminium XJ6, which is about 150kg lighter.

Each has the same, smooth 6-Speed ZF auto transmission. Opting for the V8 adds some welcome performance and a lovely engine note which seeps into the S-Type's cabin courtesy of twin exhausts.

The S-Type V8 ($124,900) is at least $30,000 cheaper than a bent eight Benz or Beemer; while S-Type R ($169,950) even further undercuts the $200,000-plus Benz E55 AMG and BMW M5.

Of course, that doesn't necessarily make the Jag better buying than either.

While the allure and old world romance of the marque continues to attract buyers, others will feel that the Jaguar continues to be a touch too close to its parent company, Ford.

But the new S-Type certainly merits a second look by anyone with $100,000 to spend on a luxury sedan. It's tremendously comfortable, enjoys first-rate driving dynamics and is a more attractive machine than its predecessor.

Perhaps the Jag's interior falls a little short of the E-Class for sheer quality and feel. But the S-Type is well laid out, well-finished, and reasonably spacious.

Its touch-screen cabin command system gives it a smart point-of-difference against the Germans: funkier than Benz's Command set-up and definitely more user-friendly than BMW's i-Drive.

Fuss-free gadgets include rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights and a one-touch electronic park brake.

There's no doubt Jaguar is in a transitional phase. A major corporate restructure was announced recently and design guru Ian Callum is yet to bring his first new models to the market place.