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Having given the 9-5 its third facelift, we didn't think Saab had anymore tricks up its sleeves for the 10-year old flagship model. Until we drove the Aero version that is. Although this has the same turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder as before, it's been tweaked to pump out 10bhp more, which gives it a total of 260bhp.
To tame the newfound power, Saab revised the suspension with a stiffer set of shock absorbers, firmer and lower springs, bigger anti-roll bars and wider 17-inch wheels. The end result is a car with enough significant differences compared to its predecessor that it feels almost like an all-new model.
Mainly, the new 9-5 Aero is punchier across the rev range and it corners more confidently than before. The more powerful brakes encourage later braking when entering a bend, while the increased tyre footprint promotes better straight-line stability.
Saab hasn't neglected the entry-level 2.0t, though, and the car has duly received chassis upgrades to make it sportier. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine also gets a 35bhp power upgrade for a total of 185bhp.
Since the 2.0t uses a smaller turbocharger than the Aero, it accelerates more instantaneously than the latter due to virtually non-existent turbo-lag. However, it's not as gutsy as the Aero in the mid to top-end range. Top speed is 225km/h, 25km/h shy of the Aero.
The 2.0t rolls a bit more than the Aero around the corners also, but turn-in response is rather crisp and it always manages to remain composed even if road conditions are less than perfect. The 2.0t slashes speed with great authority, although we would prefer that the brake pedal was less mushy.
The less aggressive suspension set-up makes the 2.0t a more comfortable car than the Aero when you are traveling on badly rutted tarmac. It soaks up road blemishes effectively, providing occupants with a supple ride.
Inside the 2.0t, you don't get the Aero's metallic-effect plastic trim. Instead, the car comes with a choice of either walnut fascia or carbon-fibre finish. The rest of the standard equipment includes leather upholstery, electric front seats with driver's side memory function, steering wheel mounted audio controls, climate control, a self dimming rear mirror, electrically foldable side mirrors, rain sensing wipers, parking sensors, 16-inch alloys, Xenon headlights and front fog lamps.
As for safety features, the 2.0t has four airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), anti-whiplash headrests and front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Compared to the old 2.0t, the current car is not only more powerful, but is also a better handler. And when placed next to the Aero, which is about $50,000 more expensive, the disparity in pace and features between the two isn't as far off as the price difference may suggest.
So if you are not too obsessed with badge snobbery and exclusivity, the 2.0t is actually the smarter and more sensible choice than the Aero.
-Great value when compared to the Aero and its performance is a big step forward from its predecessor
-Feels and looks dated. Needs an all-new replacement badly
Verdict
Aging Saab warhorse gets a comprehensive enough makeover to keep things fresh
Model Saab 9-5 2.0t (A)
Engine Type 1,985cc 16V in-line 4
Max Power 185bhp at 5,500rpm
Max Torque 280Nm at 2,500rpm
Gearbox 5-speed automatic
Top speed 225km/h
0-100km/h 9.5 seconds
Price $141,388 with COE
Warranty 3 years / 60,000km
Contact Trans Eurokars Pte Ltd at 6363-3003, 6251-6888
Volvo S80 2.0T, $144,000 with COE
The S80 feels more luxurious and modern than the 9-5, but it's not as entertaining to drive as the Saab. In terms of practicality, the Volvo has the upper hand. Its cabin and boot is more spacious than the 9-5.
To tame the newfound power, Saab revised the suspension with a stiffer set of shock absorbers, firmer and lower springs, bigger anti-roll bars and wider 17-inch wheels. The end result is a car with enough significant differences compared to its predecessor that it feels almost like an all-new model.
Mainly, the new 9-5 Aero is punchier across the rev range and it corners more confidently than before. The more powerful brakes encourage later braking when entering a bend, while the increased tyre footprint promotes better straight-line stability.
Saab hasn't neglected the entry-level 2.0t, though, and the car has duly received chassis upgrades to make it sportier. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine also gets a 35bhp power upgrade for a total of 185bhp.
Since the 2.0t uses a smaller turbocharger than the Aero, it accelerates more instantaneously than the latter due to virtually non-existent turbo-lag. However, it's not as gutsy as the Aero in the mid to top-end range. Top speed is 225km/h, 25km/h shy of the Aero.
The 2.0t rolls a bit more than the Aero around the corners also, but turn-in response is rather crisp and it always manages to remain composed even if road conditions are less than perfect. The 2.0t slashes speed with great authority, although we would prefer that the brake pedal was less mushy.
The less aggressive suspension set-up makes the 2.0t a more comfortable car than the Aero when you are traveling on badly rutted tarmac. It soaks up road blemishes effectively, providing occupants with a supple ride.
Inside the 2.0t, you don't get the Aero's metallic-effect plastic trim. Instead, the car comes with a choice of either walnut fascia or carbon-fibre finish. The rest of the standard equipment includes leather upholstery, electric front seats with driver's side memory function, steering wheel mounted audio controls, climate control, a self dimming rear mirror, electrically foldable side mirrors, rain sensing wipers, parking sensors, 16-inch alloys, Xenon headlights and front fog lamps.
As for safety features, the 2.0t has four airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), anti-whiplash headrests and front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Compared to the old 2.0t, the current car is not only more powerful, but is also a better handler. And when placed next to the Aero, which is about $50,000 more expensive, the disparity in pace and features between the two isn't as far off as the price difference may suggest.
So if you are not too obsessed with badge snobbery and exclusivity, the 2.0t is actually the smarter and more sensible choice than the Aero.
-Great value when compared to the Aero and its performance is a big step forward from its predecessor
-Feels and looks dated. Needs an all-new replacement badly
Verdict
Aging Saab warhorse gets a comprehensive enough makeover to keep things fresh
NEED TO KNOW
Model Saab 9-5 2.0t (A) Engine Type 1,985cc 16V in-line 4
Max Power 185bhp at 5,500rpm
Max Torque 280Nm at 2,500rpm
Gearbox 5-speed automatic
Top speed 225km/h
0-100km/h 9.5 seconds
Price $141,388 with COE
Warranty 3 years / 60,000km
Contact Trans Eurokars Pte Ltd at 6363-3003, 6251-6888
SIMILAR CARS WE HAVE DRIVEN
Volvo S80 2.0T, $144,000 with COEThe S80 feels more luxurious and modern than the 9-5, but it's not as entertaining to drive as the Saab. In terms of practicality, the Volvo has the upper hand. Its cabin and boot is more spacious than the 9-5.
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