CORPORATE users have already given an enthusiastic reception to Jaguar's new S-type. As the business express model was winning sustained applause at its Motor Show unveiling, corporate operations manager Christine Downton revealed that the company had staged a secret preview for top fleet buyers two weeks ago.

'We took 150 executives to see it in production at Castle Bromwich and explained how we intend to position it against the competition. We are thrilled at their response to the car - it's better than we expected,' Downton said.

'They understand the commitment we are making to the sector and the extent of our investment. The comments which are coming back are very positive and we know we are on the right track with this car.' She said the event had left Jaguar 'more optimistic than ever' about its chances of success against key rivals like the BMW 5-series when the S-type becomes available from the end of March.