THIS summer Jaguar made some minor revisions to its S-Type saloon range and added a new 2.7-litre twin-turbo diesel engine option.
The company is hoping for a substantial increase in S-Type sales with the arrival of the powerful new diesel option, which has already received widespread critical acclaim.
Ideally suited to the S-Type format, the sophisticated engine produces 206bhp of power and a hefty 320lb/ft of pulling power and comes with a choice of manual and six-speed automatic transmissions.
The all-important CO2 figure is 189g/km in manual mode and 208g/km with the automatic transmission system.
This results in a company car tax liability of 26 per cent and 30 per cent for S-Types powered by the new engine, which is produced at Ford's Dagenham plant.
Performance is impressive, with a 0-60mph time of just eight seconds, a top speed of about 135mph, and economy of 40mpg.
Since the introduction of a diesel option for the smaller X-Type model, oil-burning sales now account for 66 per cent of the total.
On the road the S-Type diesel feels smooth, quiet and sophisticated, and once on the move it is virtually indistinguishable from its petrol-powered equivalents.
Prices range from £27,670 for the well-equipped standard saloon, rising to £31,670 for the Sport version.
However, whilst there is no denying the dynamic abilities of the car and its importance to the S-Type line up, the model's inherent shortcomings remain.
It feels traditional rather than modern, which may not appeal to younger buyers, and rear leg room is extremely tight.
For those who love the Jaguar heritage and are besotted with the brand, the S-Type diesel is just about as good as it gets.
The company is part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group, which also includes Volvo and that is where the S-Type's greatest opposition lies.
The D5 version of the Volvo S80 model costs less than the Jaguar, offers similar performance with better packaging and is worth checking out before taking the plunge.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar S-Type 2.7 D V6
Price: £27,670
Mechanical: 206bhp, 2,720cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 8.5 secs
Combined mpg: 40
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 189g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust