SAAB 9-5 Review

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SAAB 9-5 Review

Summary:

What we like: Safety, Turbo engines

What we don't like: New model coming

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SAAB 9-5 review in detail:

The current Saab 9-5 has been on the market for almost 10 years and is beginning to feel a bit old, though it still looks all right thanks to a significant facelift in 2006. The 9-5's front body assembly was made stiffer at the same time, and its suspension and steering re-tuned for improved ride and handling. The advantages are improved interior space and the 9-5 is positively cavernous for a car of its external size.

Saab 9-5 has front-wheel drive, something that the Swedish maker has used for generations. At-the-limit handling tends to strong understeer, although only when you are going very hard. In normal driving it is all but neutral.

All 9-5s are powered by four-cylinder turbocharged engines although each has a different level of tune. There's a concentration on torque so there's always good pulling power once you get past some brief turbo lag.

The Holden-built V6 engine, as seen in the smaller, newer Saab 9-3, is noticeably absent from the current 9-5. An interesting feature is the option of a BioPower engine that can run on as much as 85 per cent ethanol.

It's currently on trial in Australia and is shortly expected to go on general sale.

The next generation 9-5 is expected in November 2008.

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