Saab 9-5 2.0 TID 160 hp, road test (Part III)

>>First part of the test – Engine, performance and fuel consumption
>>Second part of the test – Exterior design, interior and boot space

Over the past few days we have thoroughly analysed the Saab 9-5 equipped with the entry-level diesel engine. It is the two-litre TID unit delivering 160 CV, sourced from Opel, but it is more than enough to move this saloon, which exceeds five metres in length. All aspects of the handling and engine are covered in the first part of the test, where the standout feature is the comfort the Swede offers on the open road.

In the second part we review the exterior design, which leaves no one indifferent on this 9-5, whether because of its distinctive rear with its LED lights or its front with sporty lines and a very personal design. Ultimately it is an attractive car. On the other hand, the best thing about its interior is the rear seats, which offer plenty of space for passengers (as if it were a saloon from a higher segment), along with the quality also present in the interior finishes.

Having seen all these details, we now focus on the standard equipment of the Saab 9-5, on the items fitted to our test unit, and we also look at the prices of this Swedish saloon, as well as our overall verdict on the model.

Equipment

We start with the safety equipment present from the base level on the Saab 9-5, which includes a complete set of front, side, curtain, rear side airbags and active head restraints. Stability control, the rollover detection system and tyre pressure sensors are also standard.

In the Euro NCAP tests it earned five stars, with high scores for occupant protection (94%) and child protection (80%), and it also offers good neck protection in the event of an accident. It is therefore a saloon with high safety standards, on a par with a premium model (or even better in some cases).

Reviewing the rest of the equipment, we find the typical three trim levels Saab has accustomed us to: Linear, Vector and Aero. Our unit was a Vector with some extras, but even the basic level comes standard with: keyless start, dual-zone climate control, electric handbrake, leather steering wheel, electric windows, on-board computer, sound system with MP3 player and USB port, premium sound system with nine speakers, or 17-inch alloy wheels, among other items.

As we can see, the standard equipment is very complete, with a starting price of €35,550 (for both the 160 CV diesel and the petrol of the same power). At this price there is no premium saloon offering this equipment and space, especially in the rear seats.

Among the optional extras, the head-up display system that projects information onto the windscreen stands out. It is a recommended extra for the practicality it offers on the road, since at a single glance you have all the information on the windscreen, from speed and revs to the navigation, all configurable at the touch of a button.

We also cannot forget the road sign recognition system, which was also fitted to the Opel Insignia, and it works very well, reading signs even in adverse weather conditions.

Bi-xenon lights are another recommended extra on the Saab 9-5, as they provide very good visibility at night and in poorly lit areas; optionally they can be adaptive, giving full illumination. We also liked the sound system: our unit had Harman/Kardon speakers delivering high sound quality (although the typical BOSE ones are missed). Another practical detail is the USB port that comes as standard (and you don’t have to pay extra for it, unlike with premium brands).

The sat nav , however, seems to us a dispensable extra. It works properly and has a touchscreen, but beyond the aesthetic it can be dispensed with without any problem, especially as its price of €2,618 is high.

Overall verdict

Saab’s new offering is a very interesting vehicle. At last it has a flagship saloon worthy of the brand, one that can go head to head with a premium car. The new 9-5 has considerable dimensions that translate into a large interior, something few rivals offer in its segment, while also featuring an innovative design that gives this saloon its personality.

The interior quality is present throughout the cabin, although it is quite sober. All the materials feel pleasant to the touch and the fit and finish are correct. On the other hand, the equipment available on the new 9-5 as standard beats any premium saloon at the same price, while optional systems such as the windscreen information projector, road sign recognition or keyless start, which are typical of the premium segment, are also available.

Finally, the engine and handling. Our unit had the 160 CV diesel, which was a little tight for moving along with ease, sufficient for relaxed driving, but for overtaking and on the open road the 190 CV TTID engine would be more advisable. On the other hand, it is not notable for sporty handling, since comfort takes priority, but there are options such as adaptive suspension that can substantially improve the behaviour of this saloon.

In short, the Saab 9-5 holds its own against many premium saloons, it has a design different from what we usually see on our roads, and it is an interesting product for its price, space and quality. Lastly, the price is at a sensible level given the standard equipment and the car, since for around €40,000 you already have a Saab 9-5 with a diesel or petrol engine and a complete specification.

Prices

• 9-5 Linear Turbo4 180 CV €35,500
• 9-5 Linear Biopower 220 CV €37,500
• 9-5 Linear TID4 160 CV €35,500
• 9-5 Linear TTID4 190 CV €38,100
• 9-5 Vector Turbo4 220 CV €39,000 (XWD €43,540)
• 9-5 Vector Biopower 220 CV €39,500 (XWD €44,100)
• 9-5 Vector TID4 160 CV €37,500
• 9-5 Vector TTID4 190 CV €40,100 (XWD €43,900)
• 9-5 Aero Turbo4 220 CV €44,500 (XWD €50,000)
• 9-5 Aero TTID4 190 CV €45,600 (XWD €49,400)
• 9-5 Aero Turbo6 300 CV €58,000 (XWD)

Our unit was a 9-5 Vector TiD4 160 CV with: sat nav, leather, xenon headlights, Harman/Kardon speakers, head-up display, among other options, with a final price of €46,814.

Photos | David Taboada