Saab 9-5 Bio Power Estate

Alternative fuels and green technology are big news these days – barely a week passes without the introduction of yet another new eco-friendly solution that’s promising to save the world, bioethanol is just one of the latest options.
Saab’s 9-5 was among one of the first cars to use it. Reassuringly, the clever Bio-Power range allows the model’s 2.0-litre engine to also run on unleaded, which means if you can’t find a garage selling the alternative fuel, you can simply fill up with petrol and continue your journey. The nifty engine management will sort out the rest, optimising performance from the resulting mixture, sounds good so far, but there is a slight problem. Only a small number of outlets currently sell bioethanol in the UK – and the few that do are usually found in major cities or near by suburbs.

As its name suggests, the Saab 9-5 Bio-Power not only offers purer power, but more of it. Because Saab's turbocharging technology and engine management systems make it possible to take advantage of bioethanol's higher octane rating, an impressive 20 per cent gain in brake horse power (bhp) and 16 per cent growth in torque can be enjoyed when the car runs on E85 compared to when running on regular petrol. As a result, when running on E85, the Saab 9-5 2.0t Bio-Power engine delivers 180 bhp and 280 Nm of torque, compared to 150 bhp and 240 Nm when using regular petrol, which gives significant increase in power and performance.

The cabin of the Saab 9-5 is very driver-oriented. The centre console curves around the driver putting all the controls within easy reach, the layout is simple but logical. Seat comfort and support are excellent, with well shaped chairs that move to suit all shapes and sizes. There’s plenty of room in the back for three adults. Boot space is excellent and for carrying those longer loads back from the DIY store the rear seats also split and fold flat. Standard features for all variants include; dual-zone air conditioning, electrically-operated and heated door mirrors, the Saab information display in the instrument binnacle, heat absorbent glass and a rake- and reach-adjustable steering wheel. Standard safety systems are listed as ESP, ABS with EBD, TCS- traction control, four airbags for the front occupants who also benefit from Saab Active Head Restraints or SAHR and all the seats have an anti-submarining function. In buying the Saab 9-5 BioPower Estate, you get the flexibility of fuel choice and doing your bit for the environment.

Saab 9-3 SportWagon

The arrival of the Saab 9-3 SportWagon takes Saab into the premium, mid-size estate class for the first time and is set to give the brand a strong presence in this growing market segment. Sporty, five-door styling and a strong, muscular 'hewn from solid' stance give the 9-3 SportWagon a distinctive character and clear identity. This new Saab will appeal to customers who require the versatility of an estate, including smart load-carrying features and a generously proportioned cargo area, without compromising their desire for driving satisfaction.

On deserted country roads, the Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon is pure pleasure on wheels, and in town, just rounding a street corner or changing lanes will evoke that unmistakably playful response. With Saabs heritage for designing high-performance aircraft, they have a passion for power. Our test car, the well-specced 1.9TiD Vector Sport automatic powered by a 1.9ltr diesel turbo engine, produces 150 bhp at 4000 rpm enabling the Saab 9-3 Sportwagon to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 10.7 seconds and continue to a top speed of 124 mph. In the Saab 9-3, you can count on inspiring turbocharged performance. In other words, power, vitality and impressive mid-range torque for rapid acceleration and faster overtaking. It is no wonder that the high performance Saab 9-3 makes you feel like you are flying along the road. The Saab Sentronic automatic transmission is designed for those who like the power and control of a manual as well as the convenience of an automatic. The 6-speed box also allows manual shifts with the gear lever, and in the Vector and Aero models, you can change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel. Fuel economy is very good too returning 39.2 mpg on a combined cycle.

The interior is spacious with excellent head and legroom in both the front and rear with ample cabin space for 4/5 people. The doors are large and open to reveal wide access points, which make it a very easy car to get in and out of for both front and rear seat occupants. The Saab 9-3 has been 'designed around the driver', because of this philosophy everything about the cabin is driver orientated. The ignition key is positioned down on the centre console behind the gear stick between the front seats, which stops any irritating rattles against the steering column, and safety plays its part preventing the key from causing knee injuries during an accident. The seating position is excellent with the driver’s seat feeling direct and in line with the steering wheel, this results in a relaxed neck and back. The body hugging leather seats are supportive and comfortable with excellent under thigh support, which is important on, longer journeys.

The Saab 9-3 is very easy to drive and manoeuvre with a tight turning circle which is ideal for parking and visibility is good all round. Cruise control is standard, you can program a speed that you wish to maintain, and should you go over that speed an audible warning would be given. This system is ideal for those 50mph contra flows or for those with more points on their licence than they would like. There is also a Night Panel function, which is unique, designed to facilitate night driving, and reflects their aircraft heritage. Simply press a button and the entire instrument panel except for the speedometer fades out, this function is particularly useful for nighttime Motorway driving reducing eyestrain.

The Saab 9-3 SportsWagen is a desirable car that features touches of innovative engineering combined with class leading safety. Both the performance and fuel economy are excellent and the handling is superb making it a very enjoyable and natural car to drive.