Saab test drive 9-5 2001-2005 sedan

Viking with a tie

The updated Saab 9-5 is from the 2002 model range, which is already interesting in itself. But we were especially attracted by the fact that the car was executed in the intermediate configuration of Vector, but had a sports suspension corresponding to the well -known version of Aero.
 
Classic Saab models have always had brutal design, durable body and powerful engines. In recent years, cars of this brand tried on more civilized outfits, but steel muscles and small personal fortresses are still hidden under elegant costumes ...
 
The updated 9-5, like the prerestyling version, looks whole and harmonious. The front bumper, now performed at the same time with the radiator grille, but a little adjusted optics did not particularly change its appearance - to identify the new car is easiest on the 95 nameplate, which has moved to the left edge of the trunk cover.
 
On the day of the test it was already quite cold, and this helped to appreciate the northern origin of the car: her care for a person from the first seconds of stay in the cabin allow you to feel seats with separate heating.
 
A leather steering wheel adjustable in height lies in hand. Conveniently the location of the switches of the rotor and control of the wipers. A panel of devices that has two backlight modes is perfectly visible through the cutout in the steering wheel (only the speedometer readings are visible with night, the rest of the information is displayed as needed). In the combination of indicators, unequivocally hinting at the character of the machine, there is a switch sensor of boost pressure.
 
By starting the engine, insert the ignition key into the lock on the central console between the seats. The solution is unconventional, but convenient.
 
The clutch pedal is easy and informative, and this is somewhat unexpected with an impressive (185 hp) motor power. The operating range of the gas pedal has, according to the sensations, two zones: at the beginning of the course - you are in the steppe city machine; Approximately in the middle of the path of the pedal to the floor, it is as if moving to another element: the tachometer arrow instantly reaches the red zone, your hand, overcoming the power of inertia, strives for the skin of the KP lever. Accelerations are delightful, switching give pleasure, and only after a cursory look at the speedometer you allow, with some effort, to weaken the pressure. Once, two, three, a deep breath: we are still on the test, we need to analyze the situation and keep ourselves in reasonable, albeit tight framework of urban driving.
 
The power of the Saabov turbo engine is really great. He confidently pulls from one and a half thousand revolutions, and after four thousand a real riot begins. You can’t call the moment characteristic of the motor even, but it is saturated and has no failures - clearly thanks to the use of a new low -pressure turbine, which shifts three four cylinders.
 
The steering supplies you with reliable reactive effort, zero is felt well. When maneuvering, handling can not be called a honed, but the car is just beautiful on the highway. Easy insufficient rotation programmed by engineers makes the machine safe even for an inexperienced driver. In addition, the Traction Control does not doze off.
 
The suspension, despite sports settings, does not sin with excessive stiffness, meekly practices irregularities - they are almost invisible at speed: the work is affected to reduce the unsubstantiated masses through the use of light alloys.
 
SAAB 9-5 is recognized as one of the safest cars in the history of EURONCAP tests (EURONCAP is a European organization conducting independent Crash Car Crash tests). The setting of the systems of the machine responsible for the movement, according to the sensations, was carried out on the basis of safety, not to the detriment, however, the famous riding nature of the cars of this brand. And the updated version, in addition to the usual set of eirbegs, also acquired active head restraints.
 
Summarizing the impressions, we agree on the opinion: the Saab automobile compartment is included in the mature period of life. The opposition of oneself to the whole world and the demonstration of power are already behind. It was time to create original but consonant time things that will be in demand today and not only a handful of aesthetes. It is such an updated 9-5 - surprisingly the correct and practical car, which, however, is not devoid of a bright personality.
 
The cost of the machine in the presented configuration is $ 38900.
 
Saab 9-5 Vector 2.3t
 
Complete mass, kg - 1665 o dimensions (length/width/height), mm - 4805/1792/1449 O base, mm - 2703 O Max. Speed, km/h - 230 O time of acceleration to 100 km/h, C - 8.3 o counter. Fuel consumption, l/100 km: mixed cycle - 9.4 o engine - Ecopower 2.3T, in order, 4 -cylinder., 16 -valve., with turbocharged; Power, L.S. at MIN -1 - 185/5500; Twisting, NM at MIN -1 - 280/1800; The power system is directly. Injection o transmission - 5 -t., Mean. o tire size - 215/55r16 o wheels suspension: front - mcpherson; The rear - unenvalum., multi -winged. o Brakes - disk, with ABS O steering - gear -rake, with gur o price, $ - 38900.
 
Text: Dmitry Sokolov
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [12/2001]