Saab 9-5 test drive since 2010 sedan

Aero move

Saab 9-5 Aero is able to fly, but so far it slows down on the market
 
Nevertheless, I believe that the cars of the Swedish company SAAB in Russia are underestimated. Not in the sense of their value - this is exactly all in order, but in terms of purchasing interest. Fast, stylish, accessible in comparison with competitors, they seem to deserve more attention of the public. It’s even somehow disappointing that, according to our studies published in the recent issue of the AI-Market application, the same Saab 9-5 Aero loses about 47% of its initial cost in three years. What is the reason? In the unkind rumor about the high cost of service and doubtful reliability? I don’t think: almost all competitors in these relations, frankly, are no better, but some are worse. Failure, in my opinion, can be explained by the lack of a clear market orientation, a certain image. Say, in the USA, Saab has long gained the glory of an intellectual car. In Europe, he became a car of diplomats. But in Russia? That's it and it will try to look at him with a fresh look.
 
You can't spoil the headlights
 
Saab cars have always been (and remained) with a fairly original product, I will risk saying - not for everyone. This is their plus and minus at the same time. Once, when the Swedes released the model 9000, these sedans were very popular in our country, especially among bankers. Nine to fifth has become smaller, it is more designed for the trip in front, and not the rear seats, and already due to this circumstances he lost his former Russian clientele. And so far it acquires a new one.
 
Anyway. After recent restyling, the silhouette, and the body as a whole, changed slightly. At first, the turned front at first can frighten the abundance of chromium and some avant -garde, but you can’t refuse to express and style in expressiveness and style. Chrome fully emphasizes the sportion of the model. And in general, the details of the exterior complement one another, making the overall picture very attractive. Parous optics with radiant lenses of xenon headlights, the original shape of the bumper, beautiful cast discs, even a corporate icon - everything is done skillfully, tastefully.
 
Thematic solutions
 
There are no many changes inside 9-5 Aero. And it is especially pleasant that they did not radically affect the corporate identity. As before, in a driver’s place you can feel like in the cockpit. However, Aerotem is dictated by both history and the name of the tested modification. Hence the deep -trained instrument shield with a large speedometer in the center, the abundance of buttons on the central console, slightly turned to the wheel sitting. As a result, the driver is literally surrounded by sources of information and various on -board devices, as in the cockpit. Fortunately, in order to figure out all this, you do not need to undergo a special training course.
 
However, the functional load is great. The same audio center in the central console has a built-in CD changer, which will easily read various music files, with information about their name, corresponding catalogs and the like. Moreover, right on the console, a separate entrance for the MP3 player or other media of information. Moreover, all this sounds quite decent, although Hi-Fi still does not reach the present. Yes, and unification with similar devices in other cars of the GM concern, perhaps, does not paint brand cars. But we will not find fault and note that now directly under the musical installation is the climate control control unit with three rotary levers finished with chrome. But in the upper part of the console there were only ventilation deflectors - the information of the on -board computer is now displayed on the monitor under the speedometer. It is convenient to read the readings, and in the dark, a combination of green numbers and white scales looks perfectly, even bewitching.
 
This whole picture is supplemented by the ignition switch on the tunnel between the driver and the passenger, as well as the buttons of electric windows, still not very successfully located under the central armrest. In addition, if we talk about what I did not really like, the front seats are located on a decent distance from the floor - I would like to be even closer to the floor. Although, this is a matter of habit and taste. Moreover, to the shape of the seats, the range of their adjustments and softness of claims cannot be. How the quality of finishing materials and the accuracy of fitting all parts, as well as the color scheme of the interior, cannot cause any complaints. Even a decent size of the steering wheel with a massive silver insert, it looks quite appropriate.
 
As I had already said, there is not too much space behind, although passengers who are not spoiled by trips in the limousines should not be much to complain about crowding. The backs of the rear seats are folding, so there is an opportunity to increase the already considerable - 500 -liter - trunk. But still Saab 9-5 Aero is a car for a driver.
 
Falling flight
 
A noteworthy feature of Aero modification is its motor. While, say, the SAAB 9-3 Sport Combi or the Opel Vectra GTS concern’s brother has a 6-cylinder engine with two turbines, the 9-5 Aero has a 4-cylinder power unit with one turbocharger. In principle, this is the next reincarnation of a 2,3-liter engine with a capacity of 230 hp. However, after replacing the turbine and modifying the engine itself, he began to give out 260 hp, which, I recall, are transmitted to the front wheels. Moreover, as before, the highest returns of the motor are felt after 4000 rpm, although with the bottoms of the motor everything is in order - pulls like cute.
 
That is why sharp starts from the traffic light, even on dry asphalt, often lead to the operation of the electronic stabilization system, which also monitors the slipping of the drive wheels. And you don’t have to talk about acceleration - you are seriously pressed into the back of the seat, and the smooth operation of the automatic transmission, which was installed on the tested car, does not allow this force to weaken up to a maximum speed of 250 km/h. True, a comfortable and assertive acceleration, to which the machine is perfectly accustomed, turns into small deeds 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 automatic transmission and ordinary mechanics. Fortunately, there is a Sport button directly on the automatic transmission lever, as well as the Manual position, which provides the driver with the opportunity to independently move from one step to another by pressing the buttons on the knitting needles of the steering wheel. By the way, it is not very convenient to use them with active steering in the city - the keys are quite small, and the rim of the lamb is slightly large.
 
There are some complaints to pendants. Despite the sports chassis, which is standardly installed on the Aero version, the body rolls in turns are still noticeable, and there is no clear feedback on the steering wheel. On the other hand, the trip is quite comfortable, and it may be arbitrarily swift, which makes the most charged modification of 9-5 quite suitable for everyday urban operation. And if you turned out to be a section of the free highway, then you can test it 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 in fact - as in a comfortable business jet: it is quiet and comfortable here. There are no complaints to the brakes of the car - slowdown is quite consistent with dynamic potential.
 
And in conclusion, I note that during the time, which was operated in our editorial office, the average fuel consumption was about 14.5 liters per 100 km of run. And this is very good, given the city and very active ride.
 
Support will be
 
Honestly, I don’t know how much more this model will last on the conveyor. Probably, in the next year or two, she will not go anywhere. But I know that soon a crossover from Saab will appear. Which will undoubtedly increase the attractiveness of the brand as a whole. Although without this, nine or fifth deserves attention. Yes, and the price does not scare: from $ 32,310 for the usual Saab 9-5, and from $ 46 350 - for the Aero version.
 
Andrey Osipov
 

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 18 (107), 2006]