2006 Jaguar S-Type R -- A Superbly Mediocre Car
Yet another poster child for "Cars that aren't terrible, but aren't terribly good, either." I just got home in a 2006 Jaguar S-Type R and I'm more convinced than ever that this is a perfectly adequate vehicle. It's actually better than adequate in several ways, such as it's powerful 4.2-liter V8 engine (400 hp) and comfortable-yet-supportive seats that effectively hold you in while straffing apexes (something the S-Type R is quite adept at). So where's the rub? It starts with the plasticky, Ford parts bin switchgear (not so good in a $60,000-plus vehicle) and continues in the convoluted center stack controls that are totally counter-intuitive. Lots of tiny buttons with bizarre labels...
For instance, the "mode" button actually changes the audio settings (bass, treble, etc.). On most vehicles the "mode" button changes the source material (AM/FM/CD etc.). Instead, this car has separate buttons labeled AM/FM, CD and CDC (that last one is CD changer, I think??), while the "Audio" button just brings up the station presets on the touch screen. Worse still is the optional Sirius Satellite radio system, which consists of a separate plate at the base of the center stack with another head unit for controlling the satellite system. Yes, this car has two head units, with the second one located so far down that you're basically staring at the floor whenever you use it -- and you have to stare hard because the display is both small and easily washed out in bright light. Seriously, this looks like something Best Buy might do for someone who wants to add satellite radio to a car without effecting the existing features like climate control and navigation. It even has a separate power button that you have to hit to supercede the rest of the audio system. It's almost like Ford is having trouble justifying any further investment in Jaguar... Oh yeah, the 12V power point in the center console didn't work, either. Did I already mention that the latest BMW M5 is one of the greatest cars on the planet?
Curious question - it seems as though you and your staff have access to a ton of cars, how do you decide who gets to take what car home? or is it just first come?
also, BMW's are not noted for reliable or easy to use electronics (the 7 is rock bottom with the 5 not far behind).
Perhaps one of the sporty Lexuses might be a better comparison?
I noted the same problems about what Ford was doing with Jaguar about four years ago when I first sat in a Jaguar Mondeo - er - I mean X-Type. I usually don't have a problem with parts/components sharing between brands owned by the same parent, but when those parts feel cheap in a $20,000 vehicle, they will feel even more so in a $30,000+ vehicle.
Look on the bright side, it's a superbly adequate vehicle that depreciates enough to make them used car value buys! =)
I wouldn't even utter the words M5 in the same article. Different league of car, both in price ($20-$30,000 premium over the S-Type R) and performance (the M5's "Economy" mode limits it's V10 to the Jag's max output).
The upcoming S6 (not RS6) might be a better comparison, as well as the V8 Lexus GS. The problem is that the Jag will definitely best the Lexus in cornering and at least give the Audi a run for it's money.
Ford should look to Acura to determine how to simplify the tech interface.
Do you plan to update this with impressions of the Jag's driving dynamics?
Thanks,
- Ray
I can tell you that the actual driving dynamics are pretty strong. This platform (LS/S-Type) was always a very good starting point, but Ford didn't do enough to cultivate either model after their initial launches. And yet the S-Type remains a dynamically engaging car with good steering feel, controlled body motions and capable brakes. Plus the seat holds the driver securely without being uncomfortable, so you can take advantage of those dynamics while being confidently held in place. Unfortunately, all of those strong points are shared with the Audi and BMW competition, and even the Mercedes is dynamically capable (just not as inspiring in terms of feedback to the driver). So the Jag has no clear advantage for the most part but still has the above-mentioned disadvantages (less hp, cheapie parts-bin controls, continuing build-quality issues, etc.). Like many cars on the market, this would be a damn good one...if the competition wasn't producing a slightly better version.
"S-Type remains a dynamically engaging car "
Indeed.
I agree.
And long term reliability remains a concern with any Jag . .
But when I took 1 for an extended (36 hour) test a while back, I did find the R version to be tremendously capable.
Thanks for the additional comments . . .
- Ray
As an owner of a 2003 StypeR, I would have to disagree as to the comparisons in terms of performance and control ease-of-use. The brand new M5 is definitely more powerfull and offeres impressive performance but at over $20,000 premium. The Jag is very much an equal in performance and more affordable than the previous M5 and E55 (I think it's considerably better that the E55, BTW).
As far as the controls, the iDrive is absolutely, without a doubt an UI (user Interface) disaster. I have met one owner out of 7 that is OK with it. Not like it, mind you, just OK. Everyone else loathes it, including me, and I have driven the 745i for a considerable amount of time. The iDrive 2.0 seems to be a slight improvement, but that's like saying that William Hung's voice is an improvement over nails-on-blackboard.
Did I already mention that the latest BMW M5 is one of the greatest cars on the planet?
And the Ugliest too!! How could they actually greenlight such a pathetically from-any-angle bad looking car.
The new 3 series is fine. The new Audi A/S5 is great but the 5 series sucks BIG TIME/... who cares if it kicks if it is fugly to the max!!!