Wednesday 31st August 2005

Saab facelifts the 9-5

New face and engine tweaks too

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New face and engines for 9-5

Saab is to launch a face-lifted 9-5 in both estate and saloon versions at next month's motor show. The 2006 model looks different and, said Saab, the handling is better, plus there are a couple of engine tweaks.

The styling front and rear is new as are the dashboard and interior trim -- it's clearly lost some of its Saab-ness at the front though. Saab reckoned that the tweaks to the chassis' dynamics don't compromise ride quality.

There's a new 150bhp 1.9 TiD diesel engine too, a Saab BioPower engine that can run on a mixture of bioethanol fuel and petrol (E85), and increased power for the top-end Aero 2.3 HOT model -- up from 250bhp to 260bhp.

Full details of the new 9-5 range will be available after the show, from 12 September, and UK deliveries start in November.

[stumpage]

Oh well looks like I won't be looking to replace my current 9-5 with a new one. They do a great job on the 9-3 and make a mess of this. Nice one GM

Oh hold up a whole 10bhp extra on the Aero. Blimey put some effort into it.

>> Edited by stumpage on Wednesday 31st August 13:14

[FestivAli]

I'll agree it's not the prettiest looking car in the yard, but it may look better in the metal. I'd like to see the new interior though; despite minimal engine upgrades re-doing the dashboard and such means this looks like a significant 'facelift' - albeit on a very old car. I've always been a fan of the Saab 9-5, especially the wagon, and I've heard that its a decent bit of kit. However, I did manage to stuff up the power-assisted drivers seat at the Melbourne motorshow a couple of years back, though I'd quietly headed over to Alfa Romeo before I think anyone noticed...

The other thing is that I think it looks ever so slightly like the front of the new Forester. That was my immediate impression, though it is a slight one. And to add to the loss of 'Saabness' thing; if they've re-done the dashboard, will that mean an end to the so called 'cliffface' characteristic?

[Tim Steel]

I think this new up-dated 95 looks great. Looking forward to seeing the whole thing, may even consider one after 9 years of A4 driving.

[wedgepilot]

Yet another car sprouts a goatee... what is it with car designers these days? Everything's starting to look the same.

I'll reserve judgement until seeing one in the metal, but I've got a feeling it will be bland, bland, bland.

[blackangel]

The only good thing about this is that it will make a nearly-new/ex-dem 9-5 Aero HOT even cheaper. Looking to change the Passat next year, so good news. 250bhp is plenty for the family estate.

[Neil G60]

260bhp!!! Is it still FWD or is it 4WD now?

[900T-R]

FWD. If it had 4WD with the added weight and drag, 260 bhp wouldn't be enough for a biggish car IMO.

[dr jonboyg]

It's a shame they don't bring the 92x over. I bought one here in the states and it's a fun little car. Needs the key moved next to the handbrake though.

[lightningghost]

I think it looks good.

But I agree that it doesn't look very Saaby.

[chim666]

wedgepilot said:

Everything's starting to look the same.

What do you mean starting?

[Jonna_Rex]

Where has the individuality gone??

[aeropilot]

The front end revision isn't too bad (although I think the outgoing MY04-05 Aero look was the best of the 9-5's.

However, the back end is a disaster IMHO.

But even that's mild compared to what they've done to the inside which they have comprehensively ruined.....

[JezF]

I wonder if it's actually faster than the current model as it;s bound to weigh more.

[cymtriks]

I can't see this improving their market position by much.

Weren't they in serious danger of GM pulling the plug a while back?

Are SAABs days numbered?

[Jonna_Rex]

Saabs are just not selling at the moment. Well somehow I dont see this new facelift doing any good either.

[aeropilot]

Jonna_Rex said:

Saabs are just not selling at the moment.

They are in the UK, 2005 has been a record year so far for UK sales IIRC.
Might have something to do with discounted fleet sales though although the 9-3SS convertible has done well.