PRACTICAL CLASSIC? A WEEK WITH A 4.0 V8

When we borrowed a 4.0 V8 S-type we were worried the fuel bills might bust our budget, but it turns out these bigger powerplants tend to be more frugal than the V6s in the real world – and the V8 is even more fun to drive than the economy king, the 2.7-litre diesel. The S-type still feels very modern to drive, with strong brakes, powerassisted steering and anti-lock brakes on all cars. Having tried an S-type R in the past we know that the 400bhp and supercharger whine are addictive, but the normally aspirated V8 offers plenty of low-down muscle, the gearbox shifts smoothly and there’s plenty of space for a family. Practicality is excellent thanks to folding rear seats on all cars, but it’s a shame Jaguar never offered an S-type estate. That would have been a practical classic.