- sedan 60,000
- Syosset, NY
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- autoshopper.com
2003 jaguar s-type review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Improved ride, handling and horsepower. introductionjaguar has re-engineered its s-type sedan for 2003, but the differences are hard to see visually, at least from the outside. Driving it, however, reveals a big improvement in responsiveness, ride quality, and vehicle dynamics. Revisions to the interior bring improved comfort and convenience. an exciting new s-type r now rides at the top of the model line with a powerful supercharged engine, a sports suspension, and big brembo brakes. But it's not necessary to spring for the r model to benefit from the improvements: the standard s-type 4. 2 delivers thrilling performance in its own right along with all of the class expected of a jaguar. though transmissions seldom generate excitement, a new six-speed automatic transforms the 2003 s-type cars, making them extremely responsive and an absolute joy to drive, whether quietly motoring around town, covering great distances, or attacking backcountry roads. The new six-speed automatic is available throughout the entire s-type line and is the same transmission used in the new bmw 7 series. jaguar's s-type rear-wheel-drive sedans compete with such mid-size luxury cars as the bmw 5 series and the mercedes-benz e-class. They ride very smoothly and are capable of making the driver feel better after getting out of the car than he or she felt before getting into it. dynamically, the new jaguar doesn't have quite the edge of a bmw 5 series, but the performance advantages of the bmw are mainly evident when using stopwatches at a racing circuit. What's easier to measure is the price differential, and here the jaguar shines. lineupthree models comprise the s-type range, distinguished primarily by their engines: 3. 0 liter, 4. 2 liter, and the high-performance r. Each model comes fully equipped with rich leather upholstery and all the other features associated with a premium luxury car. For 2003, all s-type models boast new interiors, new suspensions, new transmissions, and new or revised engines. s-type 3. 0 42,495) is powered by a revised 240-horsepower 3. 0-liter v6. It comes standard with a new getrag five-speed manual transmission. It's also available with the new zf six-speed automatic 43,875). option packages: premium 1500) includes adjustable pedals, power passenger lumbar support, electrochromic outside and inside mirrors, programmable garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, memory system; sport 2000) includes computer active technology suspension (cats), 17-inch sport alloy wheels, body-colored exterior trim, gray-stained birds-eye maple interior trim, sport shift knob, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, sport seats; communication package 2250) includes portable cellular telephone, jaguarnet emergency messaging system, voice-activated controls. Standalone options: power moon roof 1100); xenon headlamps 675); premium sound system 1800); heated front seats 500); dvd navigation system 2200). s-type 4. 2 49,975) is powered by a new 300-horsepower 4. 2-liter v8 (substantially more powerful than last year's engine). The v8 comes with the six-speed automatic. Standard features include the power moonroof and premium package listed above. s-type r 62,400) is powered by a new 400-horsepower supercharged 4. 2-liter v8 mated to the six-speed automatic. In addition to the features found on the 4. 2, the r model comes loaded with the xenon headlamps, premium sound system, and heated front seats. walkaroundjaguar's s-type stands out among other sedans in the $45,000-$55,000 bracket, evoking memories of the original s-type and mark ii sedans of the mid-1960s. few styling changes set the new 2003 s-type range apart from last year's models, however. Most people won't notice the subtle detail changes: the 2003 model year brings a revised grille with the jaguar leaper and an integrated growler emblem. Along the sides, a new chrome window surround has been added to enhance the profile. New exterior mirrors, new wheels, and new badges complete the changes. Two large headlamps and two small headlamps flank an oval radiator grille. The vertically oriented oval grille is canted forward at the bottom to such an extent that its lower edge is right at the front of the bumper. From the rear, the s-type has a nicely crouched stance, as though the cat is about to pounce, with trademark triangular-shaped taillights. sport models are distinguished from the rest of the range by color-keyed exterior trim around the grille, trunk lid and bumpers, along with special 17x7. 5-inch alloy wheels. s-type r is distinguished by its mesh grille. It comes with a rear spoiler, special wheels and a unique front air dam with extra ducting for cooling the supercharged engine. originally launched for model year 2000, the s-type sits in the middle of jaguar's sedans. It fits between the luxurious xj range and the new x-type sedan, about 6 inches shorter overall than the xj but the same width. The s-type is not small, however. It's a little bigger and heavier than the 2002 bmw 5 series, but retails at a lower price. interiorall jaguar s-type models come with rich leather upholstery. Attractive birds-eye maple stained bronze trims 3. 0 and 4. 2 models, adding more warmth to a warm interior. Sport models and the s-type r are trimmed in gray-stained birds-eye maple veneers. The driver's seat is narrower in r models. sumptuous leather is used on the surfaces of all seats and door panels. The steering wheel is made in a combination of matching wood and leather and feels good. A well-designed toggle on the left side of the steering column quickly, easily and precisely controls the power tilt and telescopic adjustments for the steering wheel. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with a nice firm seat bottom that minimizes fatigue on long trips. s-type is close in interior dimensions to the standard-wheelbase xj models. Actually, there's a tad more room rear-seat legroom than in the standard xj. There is a decent amount of space for rear-seat passengers. Rear legroom is on par with other similar sized cars and is actually better than in the standard wheelbase xj sedan. for 2003, jaguar added more storage to the s-type interior. Two glove boxes are provided in addition to the center console storage. Sunglasses can be stashed in an overhead console case lined with soft rubber. Dual cupholders are provided, but are mounted far enough to the rear as to be a bit awkward to reach while driving. trunk space is only average due to the curvy rear end. What's more, jaguar engineers use swan-neck hinges that intrude in the cargo space; their advantage is that the trunk lid will conveniently pop up when opened. It starts with the dashboard that stretches across the width of the car rather than wrapping the driver in a cockpit-type environment. The lower center of the dash is arranged in a distinctive semi-circular panel; it is a bold design element that draws mixed reactions: some love it, others don't. This panel, which is finished in a smooth glossy metallic-looking finish, contains the automatic climate controls, sound system and optional navigational system display. The buttons are big, easy to discern and easy to operate. The instrument pod contains just a fuel gauge and water temperature gauge besides the speedometer and tachometer. All told it is a pleasant design, but not as exotic as jaguars of the past. new for 2003 is an electronically controlled parking brake. Driving one of the s-type cars is highly satisfying. It imparts a feeling of class and sophistication to passengers. The six-speed automatic zf is the same transmission used in the new bmw 7 series (which starts at $67,850). This transmission is extremely responsive and silky smooth. It delivers both better performance and improved fuel economy. It features a sport mode, allowing the driver to shift manually. Select this mode and the transmission will not shift above the highest gear selected, though it will shift up and down below this gear according to conditions. The transmission has two overdrive ratios. Sport mode stays in fifth unless the driver maintains a steady state for. Tachometer✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Leather Seats✔ Navigation System✔ Alloy Wheels
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