Motoring Editor MALCOLM BAYLIS looks at Jaguar's most powerful car to date

NO one can doubt the success of the Jaguar S-Type since its launch in 1999: to date more than 135,000 sold. But such outstanding success has to be maintained and so this week sees the unveiling of the latest models to join the range, in particular an all-new supercharged 4.2-litre S-Type R, the most powerful Jaguar saloon built so far, and three new 2.5-litre V6 entry level models, the least expensive makes the S-Type available for less than £25,000 on the road. There are also a couple of special Sport models.

The new cars go on sale here in March. Customers will have eight models from which to choose, and can also opt for a new super-electronic six-speed automatic transmission providing seamless changes, the first of its type in the executive car market.

The S-Type R is the company's new high performance flagship at £47,400 on the road. With 400 horsepower on tap, the supercharged V engine sends the car from zero to 60mph in 5.3-seconds, and then on to an electronically limited top speed still way, way, above the UK limit.

Jaguar engineers view the new car as one with a dual personality, on the one hand a docile, refined and comfortable executive saloon, suddenly transformed into an all-powerful, fire-breathing supercar.

To match the powerful engine and advanced transmission, the type-R rides on a sports suspension with electronic technology on hand to ensure smooth stability and cornering, backed up by race-engineered brakes designed to cope with any emergency situation with reassuring safety.

The electronic suspension is capable of automatically adjusting to cope with understeer whether at slow or high speeds.

Inside, the car has been given a luxurious look, with sports-style features including leather-trimmed steering wheel, sports seats (which are 16-way adjustable with memory for the driver's seat), as well as new-look facia and door casings finished in a distinctive grey bird's-eye maple veneer.

There is a rear spoiler for high speed stability, exclusive low-slung Zeus alloy wheels, tinted lamps all round and a bright-finish mesh front grille with body-coloured surround.

To emphasise its high performance pedigree, the S-Type R carries the same distinctive R logo that will also feature on the nose cone of the new Jaguar R3 Formula One racing car. In future the R badge will feature on all future R-performance derivatives.

At the other end of the range, the new 2.5-litre V6 model, priced at £24,950 on the road, combines a high specification as well as a highly competitive ownership costs. It has a price advantage of £450 over the equivalent BMW 525i and an £840 advantage over the Mercedes-Benz E240.

Also it provides a higher specification level, which includes electrically adjustable seats and steering column, as well as the ability to split the rear seats for extra luggage if needs be.

All automatic gearbox models are also fitted with an electronic parking brake, another first for Jaguar, which replaces the conventional handbrake lever. It is operated by a console-mounted switch, so saving space. With the automatic transmission the brake is applied automatically whenever the ignition key is removed, and released whenever the gear selector is moved from the "park" position.

But new innovation does not end there. Another is found in the electronically adjustable pedals with memory for the best driving position. The system is used in conjuction with the seat, steering wheel and exterior mirror adjustment. Also the pedal location can be programmed with two memorised positions for different drivers.

Other standard features include automatic dual-zone climate control with combined odour and pollen filters, automatic headlamp activation, stability control with traction control and anti-lock braking, as well as an all-powerful audio system with four speakers.

Safety package includes side curtain airbags as well as energy-absorbent front seat back, with anti-whiplash mechanism, as well as front and rear seat belt pre-tensioners.

The new 2.5-litre engine is also being used to drive the SE (Special Equipment) models, as are the 3.0-litre V6 and the new, larger 4.2-litre V8 engines. The SE models start at £28,900 rising to £36,000 for the top-of-the-range 4.2-litre model.

Emphasis of the SE models is also on luxury, including leather seating, wood and leather steering wheel with integral controls for in-car audio entertainment, anti-dazzle rear view and door mirrors as well as a choice of specially-designed alloy wheels.

New Sports versions are aimed at younger buyers, less interested in reclining in leather-bound luxury than hunched over the steering wheel with the right foot hard down.

There are two engines, the 201bhp 2.5-litre V6 and 240bhp 3.0-litre, both matched to a five-speed manual gearbox but with the extra cost optional choice of the six-speed automatic available. On-the-road prices start at £27,450 rising to £29,950.

Updated: 09:57 Friday, January 11, 2002