Saab is safe and long-lasting

Dec 14 2009 Peter Hayward

FOR many years Saab made the safest and among the longest lasting cars in the world.

The big 9-5 saloon and estate are good for 200,000 miles without problem as long as the ever important servicing is carried out.

Most of the petrol engines are turbocharged for extra power and again, few manufacturers know more about them.

The range starts with a 150bhp turbo 2.0-litre and then comes a 185bhp turbo 2.3, followed by 220 and 260bhp versions of the same unit.

There is also one diesel - a 1.9 with 150bhp which is decidedly drivable and extremely economical.

All engines are available in both saloon and estate and drive the front wheels through five or six speed manual or five speed automatic gearboxes.

Performance in the petrol turbos is brilliant, and wonderful seats give excellent comfort over long journeys.

All ride and handle well, with excellent body control when pressed.

Interior

I've already mentioned the excellent in-built, second to none safety and most also come well or very well equipped.

There is plenty of legroom front and rear and, surprisingly, the estate is bigger than the benchmark Volvo V70.

FAST FACTS

Saan 9-5

Price: Pay about £6,900 for an '05 55-red Linear saloon, £10,300 for an '06 56-reg Vector Sport auto, or £11,800 for an '07 57-reg Vector manual estate.

Mechanical: 150bhp, 1985cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 134mph

0-62mph: 9 seconds

Combined mpg: 32

Insurance group: 14

CO2 emissions: 204g/km

Marks: 9/10

Main rival: BMW 5-series, Audi A6.