2008 Jaguar S-Type

NEW FOR 2008:

- 3.0 and 4.2 models get new bumper from 2007 S-Type R

- New and larger wheels standard on all models

- New 3.0 and 4.2 "Satin Edition" package with Satin Mahogany veneers, leather steering wheel and leather shift knob

For 2008, the Jaguar S-Type is in its final year; in 2009 it will be replaced by the all-new XF. Changes to the S-Type are minimal and include a new bumper and wheels, and a "Satin Edition" package in a limited number of exterior and exterior colours.

The S-Type sedan is available as the 3.0, with 3.0-litre V6; as the 4.2, with 4.2-litre V8; and as the R, with supercharged 4.2-litre V8. All engines mate to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Features on the 3.0 include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated leather seats with 16-way driver and 12-way passenger power adjustment, reverse park control, electronic parking brake, Burl Walnut wood interior trim, wood and leather steering wheel, side and rearview auto-dimming mirrors, power sunroof, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, rain-sensing wipers, garage door opener, bright exterior trim and mirror caps, and CD stereo.

The 4.2-litre adds DVD-based satellite navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free telephone system, front park control, Xenon headlamps with automatic levelling, electric rear sunblind, premium stereo with single in-dash CD player and six-disc trunk-mounted changer, and JaguarVoice pre-wiring for voice-activated controls.

The R adds 19-inch alloy wheels, Satin Mahogany wood interior trim, Enhanced Computer Active Technology Suspension (eCATS), R Performance brakes, R Performance sport seats, R Performance leather-trimmed steering wheel, performance-designed front bumper and air intake grille, stainless steel exhaust tips and trunk lid spoiler.

The R is also available with a Luxury Package which adds soft-grained leather-trimmed seating with piping, Burl Walnut wood interior trim, chrome exterior accents, electric rear sunblind and adaptive cruise control.

Smooth and capable, the S-Type offers typical Jaguar luxury with performance, especially in the sedate-looking but extremely capable R. Its enhanced eCATS suspension is a two-stage system that automatically switches the car's dampers from soft to firm almost instantaneously, depending on road and driving conditions, and can adjust the dampers to reduce or increase understeer, depending upon which is preferable. If you want one of these, now's the time: when they're gone, that's it.