New Car Review of the 2004 Jaguar S Type Mid-Size Sedan.

Description: Mid-Size Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $43,230 - $62,455
Invoice Price Range: $39,339 - $56,834

Jaguar's mid-size series of rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports luxury sedans include S-Type 3.0 V6, rated for 235 hp, and S-Type 4.2 V8 with normal aspiration worth 294 hp and the performance-geared S-Type R with supercharging zipping strength to 390 hp. Jaguar puts the ZF six-speed automatic in all three versions, but a five-speed manual from Germany's Getrag is available on S-Type 3.0 by special order.

The sleek shell of S-Type sedans reveals characteristic hints of classic Jaguar lines from past models. A bowed profile with roofline slinking to a low tail evokes images of the popular Mark 2 saloon car from the 1950s, while twin bulges over headlamps as defined in a sensuous sweep rearward across a long sloping hoodline may also be found more recently in past and current editions of Jaguar's XJ sedans. And that unique prow with pairs of oval articulated headlamps flanking an unusual grille wrapped in chrome: It may bear the DNA of a Jaguar but looks aggressive and provocative.

The S-Type R goes further by adding a bright-finish mesh inset in the grille as rimmed in the body color. Also, there are xenon HID headlamps on tap, plus a spoiler on the tail for high-speed stability. S-Type R adds electronic controls that automatically vary suspension shock damping from soft to firm in order to maximize rider comfort, car handling and driver control.