Against a background of nervous suppliers, production stoppages and Chinese investment, Saab has announced a series of improvements to its 9-5 Saloon for 2012. As expected, it has also confirmed the introduction of the 9-5 SportWagon.
A series of changes are being introduced to make the 9-5 more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. All engines have been tweaked, and devices such as automatic stop-start and a gearshift indicator are now fitted. The headline result is that the Saloon equipped with the 157 bhp (118 kW / 160 PS) 2.0 litre TiD diesel engine and manual transmission now emits 125 g/km of CO2. Before, the figure was 139 g/km.
Significantly, that means the Saab just betters the 129 g/km of the fleet managers’ favourite, the BMW 520d. However, it should be remembered that the 9-5 still has 23 bhp (17 kW / 24 PS) less than its German rival.
Another important area which has received attention is the chassis, something that was criticised when the 9-5 was first launched. This time around, extensive testing was done on the rough tracks that pass for UK roads to help smooth out the ride characteristics. The result is revised spring rates, dampers and suspension bushings, plus the promise from Saab of a much more enjoyable drive.
Standard equipment levels have been enhanced by the addition of a hard disk satellite navigation system with 8” touch screen, DAB radio and revised interior trims for all variants. Making it onto the options list for the first time are a rear reversing camera and adaptive cruise control.
The SportWagon models will carry a £1,200 premium over their Saloon equivalents, meaning on the road prices will be between £26,995 and £39,195.
Unfortunately the new arrival lacks the visual elegance of the Saloon, especially when viewed side-on. That’s mainly because the upper profile of the doors features a strong rearward down slope, which then results in an odd clash of shapes and a lack of flow towards the back.
Nevertheless, those strange lines conceal a generous enough load bay. Cargo capacity is 527 litres with the rear seats up, rising to 1,600 litres with them folded down.
That’s similar to competitors such as the Audi A6 Avant (565 / 1,680 litres), Volvo V70 (575 / 1,600 litres) and BMW 5 Series Touring (560 / 1,670 litres). But if luggage space is the absolute priority, buyers would be better looking at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (695 / 1,950 litres) or the Škoda Superb Estate (633 / 1,865 litres).
Dealers are accepting orders for the 2012 Saab 9-5 range now, and the first customer deliveries are expected during autumn 2011.
Related post:
Saab 9-5 range expands
This lazy corporate mentality was not only limited to GM’s American products but it spread throughout the entire company. Saab and even Subaru were subjected to this crude process, which was mostly limited to swapping badges and grilles. 
