MOTORNETNEWS  ROAD  TEST  -  MARCH  2008

SAAB 9-5 WAGON - BIOPOWER

Instead of petrol electric hybrid power or fuel cell-operated engines, Saab has gone down a different road in its quest for 'greenness' in its new models. The new 9-5 BioPower wagon can use up to 85% ethanol fuel/15% petrol mix in its 2.3-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine. Because of a supply problem at the GM Holden/Saab head office, the test car was running on 100% petrol so there wasn't a chance to see if the power output remained the same as for petrol only.

The 9-5 is Saab's largest model and is a roomy, well built wagon in the European style and sports the Saab corporate look around the front. It is not cheap at $64,000 but it is a quality machine that rides very well and has quite a luxurious interior.

OUTSIDE:

From any angle the 9-5 is unmistakably a Saab with the swept back headlights, usual Saab grille and the unique third side window treatment. Multi-spoke alloy wheels sit under neatly flared guards, exterior mirrors and side protection mouldings are body-coloured  and the deep front bumper has side nacelles housing the driving lights. 

The uniquely shaped C Pillar is a nice design feature that breaks the usual slab sided look of a wagon and allows for a different shape to the third window. Roof rails are standard and the tail lights wrap around the rear section to provide visibility from the sides and carry across into the tailgate that has a washer/wiper system fitted. Rear parking sensors are also standard.

The large, wide bonnet comes right over the guards and is held open by gas  struts. The engine bay layout is neat and tidy and access to maintenance points is reasonable.

INSIDE:

The roomy wagon body carries five adults easily with plenty of room left over for luggage or other cargo. It is always a mystery as to why so many people buy a 4WD wagon weighing over two tonnes that still only carries five people and virtually no luggage - and uses 50% more fuel into the bargain!

The tasteful mid grey and charcoal leather trimmed seats are very comfortable in both front and rear compartments and the attractive plastics used for dashboard and other trim areas has a nice quality feel. The three spoke wheel is fully adjustable and has a leather-wrapped rim and there is more leather on the gearshift lever and handbrake.

The dashboard layout reminds one of an aircraft cockpit (Saab does build aircraft, too) and is oriented towards the driver. All dials and controls are sensibly laid out although Saab (like most other manufacturers) still persists in adding a rev counter even though the car has automatic transmission. There is nothing complicated about the controls, they are designed to do their particular function and are clearly marked and work effectively.

The wheel has remote audio and trip computer controls while the excellent cruise control is operated by a simple column stalk.  Perhaps the only criticism is that the interior owes more in design to the 1960s than most other cars but, even though it may be outdated to some extent, everything is in its place and works easily and well.

There are door bins, a centre bin in the armrest and a glove box - and that's it! The older design didn't allow for a spot for the mobile phone or the iPod. It does, however, have the excellent pop-out drink holders in the dashboard. The driver's seat has electric adjustment but the front seat belt height is fixed. Leg and head room are excellent all round and the rear passengers get individual reading lights, a centre armrest, small door bins,  pockets in the front seat backs and twin cup holders.

LUGGAGE AREA:

Behind the rear seats there is a wide, long load area that is fully trimmed. The rear seats fold flat if even more space is needed. The tailgate lifts easily on large gas struts and there is a cargo blind to hide items from prying eyes. The solid rear floor has a unique folding operation and reveals a temporary spare tyre and steel wheel. This spare wheel leaves lots of room for storing valuables that need to be hidden when the car is parked.  The cargo area has tie down rails and the tailgate has inside recesses for easy closing. The area is also completely free of obstructions such as wheel arches and this makes loading luggage a simple job.

ON THE ROAD:

Unless you are a previous Saab owner it does take a few days to get used to using your left hand to insert the ignition key into its slot in the centre console. It is there for a purpose, of course, the Saab ignition key also locks the transmission. The 4-cylinder, turbo-charged 2.3-litre engine has 154 kW and 230 Nm of torque developed from 2000rpm and that is enough to handle the extra weight of the wagon and produce fairly brisk performance. The all-petrol 2.3-litre engine develops 191kW and 350Nm - quite a step up from the Bio Power unit.

Ride and handling are very good with very good grip under all conditions. All round vision is extremely good and the  optional rear parking sensors allow you to park easily. Steering and brakes have always been a strong feature with Saab and the wagon has the extra safety of Electronic Stability Control for added protection. Fuel consumption was as low as 8.1 on the motorway and averaged 10.8 in urban driving.  The 78 litre fuel tank is quite a bonus.

PRICE:                $63,900 Plus on road costs (5-speed auto only available)

STANDARD:    Dual front, head and side airbags; ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution; dual climate-controlled air-conditioning; 16: alloy wheels; cruise control; central remote locking; Electronic Stability Program; fog/driving lights; heated front seats; engine immobiliser; leather upholstery; power mirrors, steering & windows; 7-speaker radio/CD/cassette player; roof rails; front seat belt pre-tensioners; trip computer and Traction Control.

OPTIONS:        Alarm System $750; metallic paint $1,200; Parking Distance Control $75; power sun roof $2,000; Xenon headlights $1,500.

INSIDE: