Test Drive Saab 9-5 2005 - 2009 Sedan

Aero traffic

Saab 9-5 Aero is able to fly, but in the market still slows down
 
And yet I believe that SAAB Swedish companies in Russia are undervalued. Not in the sense of their value - this is just fine, but in terms of buying interest. Fast, stylish, available in comparison with competitors, they seem to deserve more public attention. Even somehow it's a shame that, according to our research, published in the recent release of AI-Market, the same Saab 9-5 Aero loses about three years about 47% of its initial cost. What is the reason? In unkind Molve on the high cost of service and dubious reliability? I do not think: almost all competitors in this relationship, just say, no better, and some worse. The failure, in my opinion, can be explained by the lack of a clear market orientation, a certain image. For example, in the USA Saab has long gained the fame of the car of intellectuals. In Europe, he became a car diplomats. But in Russia? That and it will try to look at him with a fresh look.
 
Chrome headlights will not spoil
 
Saab cars have always been (and remained) a rather original product, the risk say - not for everyone. In this, their plus and minus simultaneously. Once, when the Swedes produced a model 9000, these sedans were very popular in our country, especially in the Wednesday of Bankers. The nine-fifth has become less, he is more designed to travel ahead, and not the rear seats, and for the time of this circumstance, it was confused by the former Russian clientele. And the new thing is still becoming hard.
 
Anyway. After recent restyling, the silhouette, and the body as a whole, has changed slightly. The ledged front part at first can be frightened by the abundance of chromium and some avant-garde, but they will not refuse her expressiveness and style. Chrome fully emphasizes the sportiness model. And in general, the exterior details complement one other, making the overall picture very attractive. Darken optics with shining xenon headlights, original bumper shape, beautiful alloy wheels, even a corporate icon - everything is done skillfully, tastefully.
 
Thematic solutions
 
Inside 9-5 Aero changes not much. And it is especially nice that they are not fundamentally on corporate identity. Still in a driver's seat you can feel like in the cockpit. However, Aerotema is dictated by both history and the name of the tested modification. Hence the devices deeply recessed in the torpedo with a large speedometer in the center, the abundance of buttons on the center console, slightly rotated to the seat sitting. As a result, the driver is literally surrounded by sources of information and various onboard devices, as in the pilot cabin. Fortunately, in order to deal with all this, it is not necessary to undergo a special course of study.
 
However, the functional load is large. The same audio center in the central console has a built-in CD changer, which will read easily and various music files, and with information about their name, corresponding directories and similar things. Moreover, directly on the console is a separate entry for MP3 player or other media information. Moreover, it sounds quite decently, although it still does not reach this Hi-Fi. Yes, and unification with similar devices in other machines of the GM concern, perhaps, does not paint cars brand. But let's not pick up and note that now the climate control control unit with three swivel levers is placed directly under the music installation. But only ventilation deflectors remained at the top of the console - the on-board computer information is now displayed on the monitor under the speedometer. Readings are convenient, and in the dark, the combination of green numbers and white scales looks great, even fascinating.
 
The whole picture is complemented by the ignition lock on the tunnel between the driver and the passenger, as well as the buttons of electrical windows, are still not very well-spaced under the central armrest. In addition, if we say that I didn't like it very much, the front armors are located on a decent floor of the distance - I would like to be even closer to the floor. Although this is the case of habits and taste. And to the form of seats, the range of their adjustments and the softness of claims can not be. How can not cause any complaints of the quality of finishing materials and the accuracy of fitting all parts, as well as the interior color solution. Even a decent size of a ram with a massive insert of silver color, it looks quite appropriate.
 
As I have already mentioned, behind it is not too much space, although passengers who are not spoiled by trips in limousines should not particularly complain about closeness. The backs of the rear seats are folded, so it is possible to increase the already considerable - 500-liter - trunk. But still Saab 9-5 Aero is a car for the driver.
 
Shaving flight
 
A remarkable feature of Aero modification is its motor. While, let's say, SAAB 9-3 Sport Combi or a brother at the Opel Vectra GTS concern is a 6-cylinder engine with two turbines, 9-5 Aero has a 4-cylinder power unit with one turbocharger. In principle, this is another reincarnation of a 2,3-liter engine of 230 hp known to the previous generation of a 2,3-liter motor. However, after replacing the turbine and modification of the engine itself, it has already been issued 260 hp, which, remind, are transmitted to the front wheels. Moreover, as before, the greatest return of the motor is felt after 4000 rpm, although with Nizami, the engine is all right - pulls like a nice.
 
That is why sharp starts from the traffic lights, even on dry asphalt, often lead to a triggering of the electronic stabilization system, which also monitors and behind the slip of the leading wheels. And he does not have to accelerate and speak - you are seriously pressed into the back of the seat, and the smooth operation of the ACP, which was installed on the tested car, does not allow this power to weaken up to a maximum speed of 250 km / h. True, comfortable and assertive acceleration, to which the machine is perfectly accustomed, turns into small lags when it is necessary to achieve a sharp acceleration. From here, by the way, such a decent difference in the dynamic characteristics of versions with ACP and with conventional mechanics. Fortunately, there is a Sport button directly on the ACP lever, as well as the position of Manual, which provides the driver with the ability to independently move from one stage to another press of the buttons on the steering knitting. By the way, using them with active taxiing in the city is not very convenient - the keys are quite small, and the rim of the ram is slightly viable.
 
There are some complaints and to suspensions. Despite the sports chassis, which is standardly installed on the version of Aero, the bodies of the body in turns are still noticeable, and the rosary feedback on the steering wheel is not traced. On the other hand, the trip is pretty comfortable, and maybe how much rapidly, which makes the most charged modification of 9-5 quite suitable for everyday urban exploitation. And if a section of a free highway was issued, then you can experience on yourself - like all 260 hp and 350 nm of torque will begin to torment the front tires. Saab stands on the highway with the confidence of the winner, he is able to give a lot of pleasant sensations. And in the cabin, at the same time you feel and in fact - as in a comfortable business jet: it's quiet and comfortable. To the brakes of the car there are no complaints - the slowdown is quite consistent with the dynamic potential.
 
And in conclusion, I note that in the time that 9-5 Aero was operated in our edition, the average fuel consumption was about 14.5 liters per 100 km of run. And it is quite good, taking into account the city and very active ride.
 
Support will be
 
Honestly, I do not know - how much this model will laugh on the conveyor. Probably, in the coming year or two, she will not go anywhere. But I know that a crossover from Saab will soon appear. What will undoubtedly increase the attractiveness of the brand as a whole. Although without this, nine-fifth deserves attention. Yes, and the price does not frighten: from $ 32,310 for the usual Saab 9-5, and from $ 46,350 - for the version of Aero.
 
Andrei Osipov
 

A source: Newspaper "Car Izvestia" [№18 (107), 2006]