2006 Jaguar S-Type

For 2006, the Jaguar S-Type receives new front-end styling with chrome mesh grille inserts on all models; there’s a horsepower jump for the 4.2-litre, to 300 hp from 294, and the 4.2-litre supercharged to 400 hp from 390; the naturally-aspirated models are now certified to ULEV ultra-low emissions standards, and the supercharged V8 to LEV II; a new Conti-Teves braking system improves stopping distances and pedal feel; all models receive dual-stage front and side airbags with Jaguar’s Adaptive Restraint Technology System; the Sport receives a standard aluminum interior trim package; and Bluetooth wireless technology and satellite radio become available.

The S-Type is available in five models, as the 3.0, Sport, 4.2, VDP and R. Engine choices are a 3.0-litre V6, naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8, and supercharged 4.2-litre V8. All come with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The S-Type 3.0 uses the 3.0-litre V6, and includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dynamic stability control with emergency brake assist and traction control, power-adjustable wood and leather steering wheel, automatic dual-zone climate control, Bronze Madrona wood interior trim, leather interior with heated front seats and eight-way driver and six-way power passenger adjustment, 60/40 folding rear seat, CD player, power windows, power sunroof, reverse park control, and electronic parking brake.

The Sport edition also uses the V6, and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, larger ventilated front brake discs, sport seats with perforated leather seating surfaces, perforated leather-wrapped wheel, aluminum interior trim, and two-tone or monotone sport seats.

The 4.2 uses the naturally-aspirated V8, and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, memory driver’s seat, wheel and mirrors, power-adjustable pedals, six-disc trunk-mounted CD changer, garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers and self-dimming mirrors.

The VDP edition also uses the naturally-aspirated V8 and adds chrome mirror caps, Xenon headlamps with automatic levelling, 16-way driver’s and 12-way passenger heated power-adjustable seats, premium leather seating with contrasting piping, pre-wire for voice-activated controls, front park control, Burl Walnut interior trim, electric rear sunscreen, and premium carpets with Jaguar logo.

The high-performance R uses the supercharged engine, and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, R-Performance brakes, computer-activated suspension, monochrome exterior, bright-finish mesh grille, trunk lid spoiler, R-Performance sport seats and wheel, unique front bumper and air intake grille, grey-stained Bird’s-Eye Maple wood veneer, stainless steel exhaust tips, DVD-based satellite navigation system, pre-wire for voice-activated controls, Bluetooth wireless technology, front park control and ski hatch.

All of the S-Type engines are very smooth and capable, and the supercharged R may be the ultimate sleeper: a sedate-looking luxury car with 400 hp on tap. A manual gearbox would be even more fun, but isn’t on the option sheet. All three models also handle much better than their stiff-upper-lip styling would suggest. The R’s Computer Active Technology Suspension, or CATS, is a two-stage sports suspension that automatically switches the system’s dampers from “soft” to “firm” in milliseconds, depending on road and driving conditions; it also switches the rear or front dampers slightly ahead of the others to reduce or increase understeer, depending upon which is preferable.