A NEW Jaguar S-Type has been launched. Designated as "Plus" models there will be three versions, the entry level 2.5-litre, the 2.5-litre SE and the 2.5-litre Sport. Prices start at £25,995.

The Plus models are in fact the run out edition of the 2.5-litre petrol engine in the S-Type range, which will be deleted from the range at the end of this month, following the arrival of the S-Type diesel.

All the Plus edition models feature more than £3,000 worth of extra equipment. The 2.5-litre has automatic transmission, leather seats, 17-inch Aurora wheels, reverse park control and floor mats; the SE Plus and Sport Plus also get a technology pack including navigation system, Bluetooth technology, telephone and Jaguar voice control, a convenience pack with front and rear parking assistance, rain sensing wipers and electrochronic exterior and interior rear view mirror, and a cold climate pack with headlight powerwash, heated front windscreen and even heated rear seats, and floor mats.

Standard fittings include cruise control, climate control, dynamic stability control, traction control, electronic parking brake, automatic headlights, adjustable headlight levelling, heated rear windscreen with wipers, power assisted steering, trip computer and Alpine audio system.

Jaguar's X-Type diesel range moves up a gear with the introduction of a new 2.2-litre turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission.

The new engine takes the number of diesel X-Type models to four and Jaguar's diesel range to five, with a sixth soon to be announced in the shape of the new XJ model.

The new 155PS engine gives X-Type customers the choice of a diesel offering both high performance and refinement. With torque peaking on over boost at a solid 400Nm, the 2.2-litre engine delivers a combination of cruising power and rapid acceleration. Taking 50-75mph (80-120km/h) acceleration in 4th gear as an example, the 2.2-litre is timed at 6.7-seconds, putting it ahead of the pack in its segment and comparable to cars with much larger petrol engines.

The new 2.2D - which meets the new Euro IV emissions legislation - will complement the existing 2.0-litre common rail turbocharged diesel engine that was introduced in late 2003.

This 2.0-litre engine has also been re-engineered for the new model year, and like the new 2.2-litre now features electrically controlled improved turbocharger and immediate throttle response. Jaguar is also introducing a new six-speed manual transmission.

The new model will go on sale in September, and prices will be announced closer to that date.

Dealer: Minster Jaguar, Jaguar House, Cliftonmoorgate, Clifton Moor, York (01904691144).

Updated: 16:12 Thursday, June 02, 2005