Saab test drive 9-5 2001-2005 sedan

1265 changes for one Saab

A new version of the Swedish fighter under index 9-5 entered the Russian market
This time, Russia did not lag behind the rest of Europe: the updated Saab 9-5 model almost simultaneously adorned the showrooms of official dealers in Stockholm, Paris, Berlin, Moscow ... The prices, however, are different-what you can do, high Russian customs duties are high. But for our buyers they remained at the same level as they were on previous models: from 33,900 (sedan with a two -liter engine) to $ 47,500 (Aero Wagon). Meanwhile, exactly 1265 changes were made to the cars of the 2002 model year.
External differences are clearly visible, you just have to look at the front of the car. A new chrome radiator grille, the front bumper and molding are a single whole. And the bumper itself is extended forward by 20 mm, which gives the contour of the car even greater dynamism. Front headlights, which now at the request of the buyer can be bixenonov, look a little differently (I will open one secret: the first cars with such an option will enter Russia in November). The back lighting technology also passed through restyling. As a result, the sedan became 22 mm longer, and the station wagon by 20 mm. At the same time, the model is absolutely recognizable, although it looks more modern and more solid. However, the main innovations are hidden inside. They touched literally everything: gamma of engines, suspensions, automatic gearboxes, electronic systems.
You should not compete
On the eve of winter, it is worth recalling such a little thing: the castle larva is protected by a plastic plug. With the help of a piece of plastic, the Saabovtsy saved their customers from problems after washing in the cold. We sit in leather seats and immediately feel excellent side support. The chairs have become more sports, but no less convenient. We are in the most prestigious version of Aero (there is no longer a GRIFFIN modification) with a mechanical gearbox. In the cabin, everything is familiar, unchanged.
After the first minutes of the trip, you immediately feel that the pendants - the front and the back - became different. They are undoubtedly more stringent, but at the same time that they cannot but admire, they provide quite decent amenities. It seems that the engineers have reached the edge of the possible in the eternal compromise between sports and comfort. The rigidity of the front suspension springs is increased by 10%, and the diameter of the reptile stability stabilizer is 1 mm. This entailed a change in the characteristics of all shock absorbers. Of course, pendants of different modifications of the 9-5 model are not the same. But in any option, they provide better handling and do not allow noticeable body rolls in corners.
We calmly move along the left row, when we suddenly notice that on the right someone is trying to overtake. It is not right. Gas pedal - on the floor, an arrow on a scale talking about the work of a turbocharged, is rapidly moving to the red zone, and we get explosive acceleration. Yes, now it is clear what the torque increased to 350 nm, which is capable of forced mode, is increased to retain a value of 370 nm within 20 seconds. Saab literally shoots and begins its flight on smooth asphalt. However, the word flight, although it corresponds to the image of the brand, is still not accurate. For a moment, the car does not lose connection with the roadbed. Before one of us in the driver’s chair to go to the fourth gear, and there is no one in the rear view mirror. Let the competition with us and started the owner of a very good European car.
It's time to calm down and try the station wagon. The turbocharged gasoline engine, of course, is weaker than the Aero version, but the car is very dynamic. Frankly, it was not possible to calm down. The controllability of the difference between the station wagon and the sedan is practically no. Therefore, we will stop and look into the trunk. He is simply huge, and there are a lot of useful things in it. For example, the floor can travel along special rails and is perfect as a table or even a chair. Yes, yes, he is able to easily withstand two hundred kilograms, which was immediately verified.
In addition to a mechanical checkpoint, an automatic machine is also proposed. Here is another serious innovation. And, I must admit, she did not disappoint at all. In general, teaching the box to digest a huge torque is not an easy task. At the same time, the automatic transmission, of course, is equipped by the Saabov tradition by S - Sport and W -Wiza. True, the loss in dynamics is more than a second, but this is compensated by convenience during urban driving. Yes, and outside the city you can not deny yourself anything: the car is responsive to the gas pedal and is not inferior to competitors, even equipped with an automaton with an option of forced gear shifts. The new box has another important plus: it is sealed, it is not required to change transmission oil.
What is ESP
The new SAAB 9-5 is also the latest ESP dynamic stabilization system. It works in conjunction with ABS, an electronic brake forces regulator (EBD) and an electronic anti -wings system (TCS). As a result, the Swedes managed to create a real electronic assistant who does not constrain a driver, but really capable of assisting in extreme situations. If numerous sensors find that the wheel has a weak adhesion to the road or that the back of the car is ready to go into a skid, the system slows down one or more wheels - just as required. The angle of rotation of the steering wheel is also taken into account. In practice, there is a feeling that the driver is assisting AC capable of acting faster than an ordinary driver. It is not without reason that the developers say that the system is scared before the driver.
It is impossible not to mention the famous Saabov security. Passive and active safety systems on new modifications of SAAB 9-5 are significantly improved. Although the previous versions according to the results of the Crash tests of EURONCAP have earned the title of the safest 2000 car. And at a recent symposium on road safety in New York a separate prize, the SAHR active headrest system was awarded.
As you know, the premiere of the new Saab 9-5 took place at the Moscow International Motor Show at the end of August. Sales, one might say, began immediately. All modifications will be presented on the Russian market - Leaner (it can be considered basic), ARC (more refined style), Vector (this equipment is designed to emphasize new characteristics and dynamism of the car) and, of course, Aero. In addition, the buyer can order a complete set at his discretion. The main rate is placed on cars with a turbocharged engine of 2.3 liters. Diesel versions are not supposed to be supplied yet.
Oleg Osipov, Andrey Osipov

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 1 (1), 2001]