IN THE spring of 1999, Jaguar reintroduced the Fifties' look, made popular by John Thaw as Inspector Morse in the TV police drama series with the Jaguar Mark 2, when they created the S-type.
Despite retro styling, of which I'm sure the Oxford sleuth would have approved, the S-type wasn't as well received as the Browns Lane, Coventry carmaker would have liked.
There was a question mark against the build quality and finish on the early models, while there was also disappointment at the rather low-rent feel, for a Jaguar, on the inside story.
Last year, in order to make more positive progress in the executive field stalked by the likes of the BMW 5 Series and the E-Class Mercedes, Jaguar addressed these low points and introduced a revised S-Type.
The refreshed S-Type comes with a quartet of petrol engine options, a new 2.5-litre V6 offering an agreeable entry level point, a three-litre V6, a 300bhp 4.2 V8 and a 400bhp 4.2 V8 for the searingly pacy S-Type R flagship model of the range.
Recently, I spent some roadway time in the company of the Jaguar S-Type three-litre V6, the mid-range member of a series built on the Ford Lincoln chassis.
Much Jaguar expertise has gone into further improving build quality and finish, while the S-Type's outward and visible signs have also been the subject of more refinement, designed to subtly enhance the already distinctive style.
The countenance of the car sees the grille showing benefits of a light revision featuring Jaguar's legendary "growler" emblem, while along the flanks, new chrome window surrounds enhance its distinctive profile.
Cabinside, too, has received much attention, the driver now sitting in front of an impressive, full-width bird's eye maple wood fascia housing instrument gauges illuminated by a racing green hue, which is also carried through into the door panels.
The centre console housing the audio and climate control systems, has also been redesigned, new switches are much more user friendly, and bright finish detailing on door handles and speaker surrounds add to a much more luxurious feeling interior.
Seating, too, has received much attention, new front-of-house accommodation proving comfortably supportive, particularly on the long haul, while, on the SE test car, leather upholstery came as standard, along with electric adjust for both driver and front seat passenger.
A further plus to the inside story is the demise of the awkwardly-placed handbrake, the lever having been replaced by a clever Electronic Parking Brake, operated by a single touch on a switch neatly sited adjacent to the gearstick.
On the tarmac, this executive cruiser stands poised in very businesslike fashion before responding to the urge of the smooth-spinning three-litre V6 power source housing a potent 240bhp, capable of doing the 0-60mph dash in 7.6 seconds, en route to a top speed of 145mph. Where legally allowable, of course.
It's torquy, too, 221lb ft being available at 4100rpm, the power combining agreeably with a more firmed-up body and all-new front suspension with revised rear, to provide a refined, well balanced and comfortable ride in all parts.
On the downside, taller passengers may find headroom a little tight in the rear and the rather shallow boot may have its limitations for some, but, overall, the Jaguar S-Type is a distinctive looker that makes no aplogies for its echoes of the past, looking well set to continue the Jaguar line in style.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar S-Type 3.0-litre V6 SE
Price: £31,400
Mechanical: 240bhp, 2967cc, V6 petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 145
0-62mph: 7.5 secs
Combined mpg: 26.4
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 259g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint