Saab 9-5 2.0 TID 160 CV, test drive (Part II)

>>First part of the test drive – Engine, performance and consumption
>>Third part of the test drive – Equipment, prices and assessment

We continue with the test of the Saab 9-5. We have tried the Swedish saloon with the entry-level diesel engine in the range, the 2.0 TID with 160 CV, an engine it shares with models Opel (such as the Insignia or Astra) and which stands out for its consumption on the open road. On the other hand, the behaviour of the 9-5 is geared towards comfort, leaving the sporty look in the background, at least in this diesel version.

We have talked about all this in the first part of the test, and now we turn to the design of the Saab 9-5 and its interior, which stands out for its spaciousness, since five adults can travel in total comfort. We will also analyse the interior finishes of this saloon.

Exterior design

At the front, one of the things that catches our attention is the A-pillar painted in black, as well as its sporty, pronounced features. The headlights have a bluish tint, as do the lights and the indicators integrated into the mirrors. Our unit was fitted with bi-xenon headlights that offered notable illumination, both on well-lit roads and on less illuminated ones. The lighting is completed by LED lights in the lower part of the headlight, which act as daytime running lights.

On the side profile the size of this saloon is evident, reaching five metres in length. The C-pillar stands out for its thickness, once again adding a touch of personality to the model.
Our unit was equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, characteristic of the Vector finish.

But without doubt the most striking feature is its rear, with LED lights running along the entire back of the car and outlining its silhouette. These lights act as brake and position lights. Besides being an attractive design exercise, they also give the vehicle greater visibility when braking or when the position lights are on. This is perhaps another of the most characteristic features of the new Saab 9-5.

Interior design

The dashboard of the 9-5 is quite understated, with a large number of buttons and some nods to tradition, such as the air vents with the typical grille design seen across all Saabs, or the start button located on the centre console. The centre console houses the touchscreen navigation display (optional equipment), while directly below are the radio and climate controls. Despite its understated look, the materials are good and have a pleasant feel that conveys quality.

At first glance it may seem that plastic predominates, but when we look at the fittings we find a very pleasant material to the touch, with remarkable finish quality where no material clashes, at least on the centre console. Looking closely, we find many controls that come from the Insignia, such as the steering wheel, indicator and wiper stalks, light switch, among other elements.

We liked the complete instrumentation, since in addition to the usual readouts, there is a colour screen in the centre of the speedometer that provides information from the on-board computer, road sign detection system or radio station, among other functions.

There is also a head-up display, a system that projects speed information onto the windscreen, as well as navigation directions. This last feature is very practical as it prevents us from taking our eyes off the road to look at the navigation system.

In the front seats there is ample space. The seats are best described as armchairs and have good lateral support; they are very comfortable, and we can adjust the lumbar support (which is movable) or even extend the squab for greater comfort on long journeys. Overall the driving position is correct, but quite low compared with other similar models.

In the rear seats, the space is similar to that of a Peugeot 607

. The car seems designed to be driven by a chauffeur and to enjoy the journey in comfort in the back, where there is generous legroom and sufficient headroom. This rear-seat habitability surpasses many of its segment rivals.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage, the 9-5 does not fall behind either, as it has sufficient space in the centre console to leave our belongings (there is even a slot for the car key), and it also has generous door pockets, both front and rear, where we can store various objects.

The boot has a capacity of 515 litres, a figure in keeping with the size of the car. It also has regular shapes, which allows us to make the most of its more than 500 litres. There is also an opening connecting the boot with the interior of the vehicle, in case we need to carry longer objects or simply skis.

In the final part of the test we will look at the equipment of the Saab 9-5, our overall assessment and all the prices of this Swedish executive saloon.

Photos | David Taboada