WITH all the fuss surrounding the launch of the superb new Jaguar XK, it is interesting to see how the older - and next- to-be-replaced stablemate - S-Type compared to the aggressively-styled newcomer.
It could be the XK is the shape of things to come and if so that will disappoint the fans of the distinctive retro-look of the S-Type.
That S-Type styling is not to everyone's taste but it also offers a real alternative to some of the competitors.
England cricket captain Michael Vaughan drives one and is quick to sing its praises. The Americans, Jaguar's biggest customer base, seemed to like it too - before the economic downturn hit the Big Cat sales - and it recently scored heavily for owner satisfaction in a JD Power survey.
The Sport version has athletic styling, its chrome replaced by matt black trim and, best of all, this model came with Jaguar's superlative diesel engine.
This 2.7-litre twin turbo diesel is one of the best on the market, offering excellent performance, good economy and wonderful refinement.
It took me a minute or two when I first squeezed in and fired the engine up to remember that this indeed was a diesel.
Not a hint of diesel clatter can be heard inside and, even on tickover, you would be hard-pressed to identify the rattle of an oil-burner as Jaguar's clever designers at its Whitley plants in Coventry have worked hard on keeping vibration to a minimum.
Accelaration is brisk as well. It rushes from 0-62mph in around eight and a half seconds and under this kind of hard accleration is about the only time you will hear the engine working.
Having said that, it does produce a sweet note. One thing that puzzled however was the power takeup.
Having driven the bigger XJ with the same engine, turbolag was never evident, but in this case it did mean adjusting driving style and accleration.
That aside, the diesel delivers excellent economy and 41.5mpg is claimed.
The retro look of the interior is mirrored inside and is typical Jag. It features a sporty aluminium fascia housing a classily constructed set of instrument dials.
The steering wheel is crafted in wood and leather with the signature Jaguar's head centrepiece.
The seats are sporty, but comfortable with aerated leather trim and electrically adjustable controls.
Leg room in the front is excellent, but rear passengers are more cramped for both legroom and headroom as a result of the swooping rear.
All the materials are constructed from the highest quality materials and the interior just oozes luxury. All the fittings feel top quality and everthing closes with a reassuring Jaguar clunk.
Boot space is only just adequate suffering from being too shallow, but is probably enough for most needs.
The S-Type looks sporty and delivers that promise on the road.
The ride is smooth, but when asked the Jag's chassis copes with the most demanding of questions.
Body control is excellent when cornering and the car greedily hugs the road. The ride is good and even the worst potholes are absorbed with ease. Steering is both very responsive and gives the driver bags of confidence.
As you would expect from a car costing £30,000 plus, luxuries abound with innovations like adaptive cruise control and rain sensing wipers.
Jaguar has been going through a tough time but the firm can now see light at the end of the tunnel with the new XK and new models in the pipeline.
In the meantime the S-Type continues to deliver in terms of quality and the sheer kudos of owning a Jag.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar S-Type 2.7 V6 D Sport
Price: £33,995
Mechanical: 206bhp, 2,720cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 8.5 secs
Combined mpg: 41.5
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 179g/km
BiK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust