IT'S amazing what a difference a few millimetres can make. Take the Jaguar S-Type premium sports saloon as a case in point.
When designers drew up plans for a revamp, they sought the views of those who matter most - the customers.
Feedback confirmed that people nearly always fall for the S-Type's face, it was the rear end that needed modifying to give the Big Cat some extra poise.
A lift of the tail by a mere 30mms, more at the side than the middle, followed and had a dramatic effect on the car, making it look far more contemporary.
Raising the lamps higher and over the top corner as well as lifting the chrome on the bumper also removed what was a relaxed look to give the Jaguar more energy.
The changes, which also saw the car's nose enhanced and grille made more upright, were also designed to finally ditch the perception that the S-Type is a retro model.
That's something continued inside, where a re-designed instrument pack emphasises the car's sporty character as well as presenting more information more clearly.
To describe the S-Type Sport's interior as luxurious would be spot-on, but the ambience is far more gentlemen's club than five-star hotel, the large leather, heavy duty seats and overall feel of the fittings giving the car a definite masculine appeal.
And gone is the wood effect fascia to be replaced with an aluminium criss-cross finish, a style made famous in Jaguar sports cars like the 1961 E-Type - it's the first time an S-Type interior has been available without wood trim.
Equally important to the range's evolution was the introduction of a twin-turbo V6 diesel engine, making the executive saloon an even more attractive proposition.
But the test car featured the super smooth, if not supercharged, 4.2-litre V8 petrol unit. It's a refined and satisfying 300bhp powerpack that works effectively with Jaguar's six-speed automatic gearbox and performs positively in all road conditions while excelling on the motorway.
Suspension revisions to the car are subtle but significant, leading to a supple ride and taut body control while the steering feels perfectly connected.
It's not all plain sailing however. Among the standard features is a system that bleeps as you creep closer to an obstacle - fine for parking or reversing, but irritating when it goes off next to lorries at the traffic lights.
And while the S-Type's boot is quite long, it's also very shallow.
As you would expect from a £38,000 car, the kit is extensive and includes eight-way electrically operated driver's seat with memory function, front, side and curtain airbags, remote sound system operation, dynamic stability control, power fold back door mirrors and sports seats.
But you have to pay extra for Xenon auto levelling headlamps, sat-nav, 18-inch silver Monaco wheels and Premium sound.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar S-Type 4.2 Sport
Price: £38,595
Mechanical: 300bhp, 4,196cc, 8cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.5 secs
Combined mpg: 24.5
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 274g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust