You've got to admire fans of the Saab brand. According to the Swedish firm's research, Saab owners are the most loyal in the business. And in recent years they've had to be, as the firm hasn't exactly been forthcoming with brand new products.
But after a 13 year wait — yes, 13 — and against the more recent backdrop of the uncertainty surrounding the firm's very existence, it has done what many thought was impossible: it's produced a new car.
And not any old car, but a new 9-5. After over a decade in production it would be an understatement to say that a new version was sorely needed. Not only for Saab to remain competitive, but to help restore faith in the business.
Now under new ownership thanks to the Dutch company Spyker, Saab is also in possession of important new products expected to be launched in the next few years. In short, the company's future looks a lot brighter. It's not the clean sheet approach that you might expect, though. Developed under GM stewardship, there's a fair chunk of familiar componentry under the car's skin, although it's clearthat Saab's engineers had a free rein to make their mark. The result is, visually, a rounded and fuss-free exterior.
The desire to keep things simple yet distinctive has resulted in smooth lines and a bold stance.
Proof that the designers chose the right path comes in the form of familiarity; even after all these years, the new 9-5 can't be mistaken for anything else. And it'sa big car too, easily trumping the German competition for cabin space — especially in the rear.
Seeking a competitive edge is what it's all about. The plush-riding 9-5 offers buyers an alternative to the firm-riding, sports-obsessed ‘Big Three', while the largely matt interior, impressive ergonomics, frankly huge infotainment screen, supportive seats and clear instrumentation prove that this reborn Saab has remained rock-solid in its adherence to long-held values.
A Saab wouldn't be complete without a selection of powerful turbo engines, and this 9-5 can be had with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit outputting 216bhp plus a beefy 2.8-litre V6 producing 296bhp. Four-wheel drive comes with the latter and can be specified on the former.
The end result is a V6 9-5 that demonstrates a surprisingly agile character. It manages to remain calm and unflustered whatever you throw at it, and the combination of all-wheel drive and a computer-controlled adaptive ride system do much to boost grip levels and iron out most road imperfections.
And if you think that Saab is being generous with equipment levels — all-wheel drive, adaptive ride, big sat-nav screen, xenon headlamps — you'd be right. Keyless ignition is, for example, a standard feature across the range, while a head-up display ensures that drivers can keep their eyes on the road.
There's even the option of a full-on entertainment system — wireless headphones, rear seat screens, ability to play various sources independently, Bluetooth phone option — plus a choice of leather upholstery and load dividers for the capacious boot.
Saab is understandably proud of what it has achieved against the recent backdrop of uncertainty. Granted, the 9-5 had been in development for some time but, if it wasn't for the brave decisions taken by management and the investors, it might not have madeit this far.
The 9-5 isn't looking for sympathy as a way of securing sales, though. The car deserves to do well because of its looks, driving appeal, spacious cabin and the simple fact that Saab resisted the temptation to join the ranks of the ‘me-too' crowd and produced something genuinely distinctive.
Specs and Rating
Model 9-5
Engine 2.8-litre V6
Transmission Six-speed auto AWD
Max power 296bhp @ 5,500 rpm
Max torque 400Nm @ 2,000 rpm|
Top speed 250kph
0-100kph 6.9sec
Plus Powerful V6, all-wheel drive, elegant styling
Minus Will take time to regain lost footing
