Jag's big torque-talker walks the walk

This week, Autocar introduces Jaguar's new S-type diesel to its biggest forecourt rivals - BMW's 530d and the Mercedes E320 CDi.

It joins a market segment already brimming with quality and talent; both Mercedes 'E' and BMW 5 diesels have been hailed as the best cars in the real world over recent months. However, hopes will be high at Brown's Lane that Jaguar's tradition-breaking oil-burner can prove even more impressive.

So what's the verdict? 'Here's the thing,' writes David Vivian. 'If this was three years ago, we'd suggest signing on the dotted line that originates in Munich. But, in 2004.... there's a better car.'To find out which car that is, get Autocar this week