2011 Saab 9-5 Reviews

Brand loyalty is being tested around the world as Saab, under financial siege and with its factory still closed, unfurls its flagship model.Private owners will have to scrutinise Saab's future to assure them that parts and service will be available. Fleet and user-chooser owners will want Saab's corporate solidity to prop up resale values and maintain sensible balloon payments.And then there's the car. The new Saab 9-5 is a good car - in a lot of ways, equal to its peers. But the cold facts overshadow the attributes of the car itself and beg the question: Will Saab aficionados spend up to $100,000 to have the badge in their driveway given the parlous corporate state and no guarantee of sunrise in the morning?VALUEForgetting for a moment the mist surrounding its future, the 9-5 offers a big car that perfectly suits the prestige segment. It is very well equipped and I'm delighted to note it retains the indelible Saab character that classes it - and its owner - as something special. The price of the all-wheel drive 2.8 Turbo model is $94,900 and almost $20,000 more than the 2-litre, front-wheel drive version. Add $5500 for the sunroof and rear entertainment system and the 9-5 moves into the $100,000-plus zone. Harman Kardon surround sound audio is standard and sensational. The 9-5 wants for nothing except a good home.DESIGNIt looks really good. That short and almost horizontal bonnet with rounded nose and swept-back headlights, the upright A-pillars and severely curved windscreen, slim side glass that subtly rises towards the boot and the long and gentle slope of the roof and trunk put it into another class.Designers maintain Saab's link with aircraft, despite the company foolishly splitting off the now successful aero business in 1969. The cabin is very roomy, the boot huge and the dashboard has a distinctive and very purposeful design.TECHNOLOGYHistorically, Saab has always trod new roads in technology. The latest, however, doesn't introduce much new but rather gather up clever bits. For example, electronically-adjustable suspension; a heads-up instrument display on the windscreen; automatic park assist; and a night panel switch that shuts down all instrument lighting except speedo and, on standby, any emergency panel warning lights. The Holden-made V6 engine is 2.8-litres and gets a turbocharger, drives through a six-speed sequential automatic transmissi on and then through a Haldex clutch that proportions power between the front and rear wheels depending on demand. There's also an electronic rear limited-slip diff that allocates power between the rear wheels.SAFETYIt's chocka-block with safety features, starting with a five-star crash rating, six airbags, the automated park assist, full-size spare wheel and all the electronic aids including all-wheel drive, stability control, cornering control and brake assist.DRIVINGIn terms of design, the cabin is well done though time spent familiarising yourself with the switchgear placement is advised. The keyless start button is down near the gear stick, the parkbrake is electric and the seat is electrically adjustable so it's an easy car to fit into. The engine is a bit noisy at idle but no complaints about performance. It hits its straps from around 2500rpm and delivers with excellent response. The six-speed transmission can bump uncomfortably up its gears at low speeds - though is much smoother when more power is applied - and steering is light and a bit vague. While I'm here, cabin noise and ride comfort is excellent at anything over 60km/h but at lower speeds it is drummy (probably due to the tyres) and the ride gets jiggly (suspension) and handling is less than precise. The 9-5 is more American in feel than European. The all-wheel drive has merits in handling, safety and when hitting the snow but may be an overkill for most Australian buyers.VERDICTTough call, this one. I'm impressed with its engine performance and love the distinctive styling. It betters the BMW 5-Series in features and space, equals it in lots of ways but is notably out of this race in handling and driveline smoothness. Then, like a father discussing the future with his intending son-in-law, there's the small issue of what's going to happen tomorrow.SAAB 9-5 AEROPrice: $94,900Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km, roadside assistResale: 44%Service Interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 11.3 l/100km; 262g/km CO2Safety: six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC. Crash rating 5 starEngine: 221kW/400Nm 2.8-litre V6 turbo-petrolTransmission: Six-speed sequential auto, AWD Body 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 5008 (L); 1868mm (W); 1467mm (H); 2837mm (WB)Weight: 2065kgTyre size: 245/40R19 Spare tyre Full-size

Saab's hopes of a phoenix-like rise from the ashes rest squarely on two cars - the 9-5 Vector four cylinder in diesel and petrol and V6 petrol Aero. Both are built on a GM platform and use GM underpinnings.VALUEThe Aero is a $94,900 competitor for the likes of BMW 5-Series, E-Class Benz and Audi A6. Whether punters will chance their hundred grand on a Saab is an interesting question.DESIGNIt's an impressive car to look at particularly around the three quarter rear section and from straight on. The interior is awash with electronics and plenty of luxury kit including lashings of leather and woodgrain fascia and an impressive audio system. It's a good place to be especially with multiple adjustments for the driver who can set up the car within a range of parameters for ride, response and feel. These can be set to default or will reset to normal settings after every startup.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is a sweet sounding Holden 2.8-litre, petrol, twin cam V6 with a twin-scroll turbo fitted. It sees life in various cars including Alfa Romeo and in larger capacity (without turbo) in Commodore. Outputs are 221kW/400Nm through a six speed automatic transmission and then all wheel drive that seems to work... sometimes.DRIVINGWe had couple of "moments" when the front wheels started spinning with the rears stationary reversing up a slippery drive. What's the point? Due to its abundant equipment, the Aero is a weighty beast tipping the scales at close to 2.0 tonnes but the way it goes and handles belie this.Fuel economy hovers around the 11.5-litres/100km mark.It has a large boot and generous rear seat legroom with passenger DVDs. The drive experience is positive with the big Saab delivering on most fronts. And it appears to be built to a high standard, in Sweden.VERDICTIt's just that lingering doubt that needs to be overcome, something that took Audi more than a decade after it came and went in Australia a couple of times.

It wasn't so long ago that Saab was for all intents and purposes dead in the water.Dumped by General Motors during the financial crisis, it was eventually bailed out by German sports car maker Spyker which has in turn joined with a Chinese company Hawtai Motor Group with a guarantee of substantial financial support in return for shared technology.It's all a bit confusing really, apart from the fact that Saab is back and back with an all new resuscitated 9-5. So what? I hear you say. They couldn't get it right the first time what makes you think they'll do any better this time around?The short answer to that question is that the new and improved 9-5 ain't half bad.It's not going to set the world on fire but it is definitely appealing, with its long bonnet and swept back windscreen.The 9-5 has plenty of cache for the price and is a genuine alternative to mainstream Audi's, Benzes and BMWs.Going forward, however, Saab needs to work on putting some distance between its cars and those of the opposition.It needs to emphasise the points of difference that make a Saab a Saab, like returning the ignition key to its rightful place between the front seats. That's what will sell cars.DESIGNBuilt on GM's Epsilon platform, the new 9-5 is a much larger, more substantial offering than before.It's 172mm longer than the first generation 9-5 and, more importantly, 361mm longer its sibling the 9-3. Previously the two models were far too close in size.Suprisingly, the 9-5 is longer and wider than the Mercedes E-Class, although the Benz boasts a longer wheelbase.In keeping with its aircraft heritage, the car's interior features green instrumentation, with some aviation cues like the horizon-style speed gauge and the night panel button that knocks out all but essential instrument lighting at night.Ironically the speed gauge is not necessary because the holographic head-up display projects the car's current speed in the lower part of the windscreen.The interior is light and bright and friendly, with clean unclutterred styling and easy to read instruments.The centre console is dominated by a large touch screen navigation screen with a an upmarket Harmon Kardon sound system and 10Gb hard drive.Bluetooth, park assist, bi-xenon lights, automatic lights and wipers and heated front seats are all standard.TECHNOLOGYMotivation in the Vector model is provided by a 2.0-litre turbo charged petrol engine that delivers 162kW of power and 350Nm of torque from 2500 revs.It's good for 9.4 litres/100km and will do the dash from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 235km/h.The four cylinder engine is hooked up to a 6-speed Japanese Aisin transmission, with the option to change gears manually via the shifter or steering wheel mounted paddles.For another $2500 the optional DriveSense chassis control system provides intelligent, sport and comfort modes _ but we reckon sporty doesn't feel all that sporty.DRIVINGPerformance is brisk but the turbocharger has trouble keeping up with the demands of the throttle. Although traction control is fitted, the front wheels tend to scramble for traction, especially in the wet.VERDICT The 9-5 is an appealing car, but we're hoping there's better things to come yet as Saab seeks to redefine its identity. The 9-5 Turbo4 Vector sedan is priced from $75,900.

It has been a long time since I've driven a Saab and even longer since I've driven one I liked. So long, in fact, that I can't really remember if there was one at all.Under the stewardship of GM, the cars became bad, dull or hopelessly outdated. The previous 9-5 was a symptom of that regime. It lacked the upgrades needed to keep it relevant and fell behind the competition.DESIGNThis car has at least as much GM involvement and, in gestation terms, has been ready for 12 months or more. But it does have a couple of advantages. It's much larger than its predecessor; the previous 9-5 was too close in size to the smaller 9-3. This car has generous rear seat room and a capacious, if shallow, boot.Besides turbocharging, other Saab signatures are realised through the car's sheet metal, which has a distinctive cabin shape with visor-like glass. It looks like a Saab even without the liftback rear that used to be part of the formula.Inside, the asymetrical speedo, grid-pattern vents, shapely seats and cockpit-style centre console also echo brand strengths. It's a pleasant place to be.Trainspotters will notice the absence of a central ignition key slot and funky flip-out cupholders. Those will be a deal breaker for no one.TECHNOLOGYThe underpinnings are good. Although they're shared with lesser brands such as Opel, the car's composure and chassis tuning feel up to segment standards. It feels solid and substantial.VALUEIt's packed full of gear. There's not a lot missing from the spec sheet and an entry level car comes almost fully loaded. The list includes stuff that's now de rigueur, such as Bluetooth, as well as premium kit such as an informative head-up display. Active cruise control seems to be the main omission.DRIVEThe range has been rationalised. Previously, there were almost as many Saab variants as buyers. This time it boils down to three engines: the petrol four-cylinder, driven here, a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel and 2.8-litre V6. All have turbocharging, a Saab signature, and the petrol four delivers surprisingly adequate, if unspectacular, performance.Driving the front wheels via a six-speed transmission, it reaches 100km/h in 8.5 seconds. The V6 offers all-wheel drive but is a lot heavier.Some will question the ride quality, though, which rumbles and thumps over road details, and the tyre roar generated by unfavourable tarmac. But on a first taste the 9-5 exceeded expectations. In a very real sense, the only way was up.VERDICTThe 9-5 must redefine the brand for a new generation of buyers and it is at least in with a chance.Read more about prestige motoring at The Australian.

A new flagship is waving the Saab flag again in Australia. The all-new 9-5 is the first newcomer since the Swedish brand was released from more than 20 years of suffering under General Motors, and comes with the promise of value pricing, impressive quality and styling that breaks away from the origami school of creasing in European design.Now, if only they could get the ride and handling right... The 9-5 is a good looking car that's noticeably bigger than any previous model to wear the badge, and a bottom line from $71,900 - helped by a Luxury Car Tax break for an eco-friendly diesel engine - will help to get it on shopping lists against everything from the BMW 5 Series and Benz's E Class to the Volvo S80.Saab Cars Australia is planning a slow burn on the 9-5 - and the rest of its comeback plan - and is only predicting around 100 sales this year. "Our brand is not something we shout about. We want to talk to people individually," says Steve Nicholls, managing director of Saab Cars Australia. He says the point of difference for the 9-5 is the way it looks."All our communciations are based around design. That's the key message. It's not about kilowatts or how much you can fit in the boot," says Nicholls, who flew global design boss Simon Padian to Australia for the introduction of the 9-5.VALUEThe starting price of the 9-5 is helped by a diesel that comes in at 6.8 litres/100km, but even the petrol-powered Vector is affordable - for the class - at $75,900. The flagship Aero Turbo6 XWD is priced from $94,900 with all-wheel drive and most of the good luxury stuff, although a back-seat DVD system is an extra-cost option.Good stuff on the Vector includes a head-up instrument display and chilled glovebox in addition to the usual satnav, an all-speaker Harmon-Kardon sound system, leather trim, bi-Xenon lamps and more. The top-line car is boosted by park assist, sports seats cornering headlights and more. Every 9-5 comes with keyless entry and the start button is in the console between the seats, the traditional location for the ignition key in any Saab. "We've created a big gap now between the 9-3 and the 9-5," says Nicholls.TECHNOLOGYWhen Saab was part of the GM family, the way the company was treated was basically just child abuse. That meant investment and development was always limited, so Saab is playing catch-up. Even so, its all-turbo engine philosophy is sound, it promises body strength and safety as good as anything in the class, and there is independent rear suspension - but not in the turbodiesel.Engine outputs are 118kW/350Nm for the diesel, 162/350 in the petrol four and 221/400 in the 2.8-litre V6, with all cars using a six-speed automatic gearbox. To put the 9-5 in its place, it's just over five metres in length with a wheelbase of 2837mm, has 513 litres of boot space and a full-sized spare.DESIGNThe shape and style of the 9-5 is a welcome move away from the creases-and-crunches, origami style of so many modern European cars. It even has a blacked-out A pillar to disguise the traditional bulk around the front of a car, and an aero-influenced curving windscreen."Because we're Saab we're allowed to be different. To be honest, I think if we followed the rest of the crowd we'd lose our soul," says Saab's chief designer, Simon Padian, in Australia to preview the 9-5."Saabs have always been durable, practical cars that are designed to be used. Our customers want cars that have meaning and substance." "The 9-5 is the result of a very conscious journey. We're always looking for a way to create more desirable products."So the body is smooth an distinctive, while the cabin has a driver-  focussed dashboard and the sort of quality final finishing you expect in a Saab.SAFETYThe 9-5 should easily clear the five-star bar at NCAP, but Saab says it wants more and is bringing everything from its 'black panel' dash - which blanks everything but the speedo on command to cut after-dark strain - to the head-up display. There are front-side-thorax-curtain airbags, ESP stability control and ABS brakes, as well as a rollover sensing system.DRIVINGThe look and feel of the 9-5 promises a lot. It's a classy car where you can see and touch the quality. The engines also respond well, from the quietness of the diesel to the pull of the V6, with a smooth shifting automatic - although there is no response to calls for a downchange when you tug the shift paddles in D, only in Sport.Based on a very short drive in a full range of cars, the 9-5 is fairly quiet - apart from some wind noise around the mirrors - the seats are very comfy and supportive, and the dash is well laid out with plenty of toys. The head-up display is the best we've seen but there is a silly extra display in the dash that means you can have three speedometers operating at once - main, head-up, and an 'altimeter-style' extra - and that's plain silly.The real problem with the 9-5 is the suspension. Regardless of the car, and despite running through 17-18-19 inch tyre sizes, the suspension is crude and fails to cope with Australian conditions. Saab says it wants a sporty feel, but the 9-5 crashes through potholes, is nervous on corrugations, and is generally not a nice place to travel. And there is torque steer and kickback, as well. The 9-5 is promises a lot but urgently needs to have its suspension fixed before it can be considered as a serious prestige contender in Australia.VERDICT: "Looks good, drives not so good."SAAB 9-5 ***1/2