The car was given a...

The car was given a makeover two years ago, but the changes were confined to the engines, suspension and interior, making the S-Type better to drive than it had been at launch. Now, the Coventry firm has given its mid-size exec a fresher exterior, plus further cabin revisions. And, as we revealed last year, there will be a diesel for the first time.

The car retains its popular retro look, but both ends have been altered to give a sleeker appearance. At the front, the Jag gets new headlights, which seem more sunken, and a smaller, more upright grille.

These styling cues were first seen on the R Coupнѓ© concept unveiled at 2001"s Frankfurt Motor Show, and give the S-Type"s nose extra definition.

The bonnet has also been changed and is now made from lightweight aluminium, as opposed to the original car"s steel. Jaguar says this gives the S-Type better handling balance, as well as a slight improvement in economy.

All models now feature a mesh grille in the front bumper, with the exception of the range-topping R version, which gets bigger cooling ducts to allow more airflow into the supercharger. At the rear, the car has bigger lamps and a lower loading lip, while the boot now sports a higher, less droopy profile. Inside, the cabin features a more contemporary look. Buyers will be able to choose from either a traditional wood-capped dash, as featured in the outgoing model, or an all-new aluminium facia, which has a much more sporting feel than that of the previous-generation car. The seats of the facelifted S-Type are larger, with more lateral support, while the doors are clad in new fabrics to match the upholstery.

There"s also a new instrument pack, which incorporates a pair of chrome-edged dials and two LCD message screens. These allow the driver to display clock, odometer, trip and warning information at the same time.

Mechanically, the new car remains unchanged from the outgoing model - for now, at least. The five-speed manual and six-ratio automatic transmissions are the same, while buyers can choose from the current S-Type"s 201bhp 2.5-litre V6, 240bhp 3.0 V6, 300bhp 4.2 V8 and 400bhp supercharged 4.2 V8 engines.

The diesel will follow later, using a new 2.7-litre V6 oil-burner co-developed by Jaguar"s parent firm Ford and PSA Peugeot-Citroen. Delivering 205bhp and 440Nm of torque, this will be available with manual or self-shifting gearboxes.

The facelifted S-Type will arrive here in mid-April with prices expected to remain similar to those of the outgoing car. Diesel versions are tipped to join the line-up before the end of June.