Search Car Reviews



See all makes

Saab 9-5 TTiD

Is punchy new diesel the best version of exec?

Saab 9-5 TTiD ft

Text: Graeme Lambert / Photos: Otis Clay

January 2011

  • Rating:
So far, we haven’t found the sweet spot of the new Saab 9-5 range – but is this twin-turbo 
diesel the pick of the bunch? 

Its 2.0-litre engine delivers 187bhp, and propels the car 
from 0-62mph in less than nine seconds and on to 143mph. And while it rattles, the unit has lots of low-down urge, despite 47.1mpg economy and 159g/km emissions. 

In Aero form, the TTiD borrows the HiPer strut front and H-Arm multilink rear suspension found on the flagship 2.8-litre V6 turbo models. It also comes with a Sports chassis as standard, but we’d recommend the optional DriveSense package (£975), which allows owners to switch between Comfort, Intelligent 
or Sports modes for the 
steering and suspension.

The 9-5 rides well on its 
19-inch alloys, only struggling with broken surfaces, although the numb steering means it’s 
not very rewarding to drive. 

Aero spec brings extras such as turbine-style alloys, special bumpers, a lowered ride height and bi-xenon lights – plus alloy pedals, electric leather sports seats and a colour multifunction display.

The rear seats provide lots of space, while the boot is vast, with clever cargo options. 

At £32,000, this 9-5 is far from cheap, but it does offer the best mix of ability in the new range.

For an alternative review of the latest Saab 9-5 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

3 Comments

Before you buy one of these just make sure that you're happy to pay the Saab rip off prices for spares because you'll almost certainly need them.

For example £80 for a mirror glass (just the glass - nothing else) and £2,000 for a fuel pump (plus fitting). These are for the 9-3 diesel - will this Saab be cheaper?

By IronChicken on 25 January, 2011, 9:07am

IronChicken, you may find that both 1.9 and 2.0 Saab diesel engines are fiat units and most parts can be sourced from fiat at a fraction of what Saab UK is charging. You may also try sourcing parts from Vauxhall and Suzuki, they use the Fiat JTD engine too.

By ganthopoulos on 25 January, 2011, 9:53am

i tried sourcing parts for my wifes corsa from fiat.
They said that if i didn't have the exact Fiat part number (not the VX one) they couldn't find the exact part.

By toycollector on 25 January, 2011, 10:59am

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

Saab 9-5 TTiD ft
Saab 9-5 TTiD engine
Saab 9-5 TTiD interior

Sponsored Results

Find Used Cars

Find your Saab 9-5 with our used car search.

Find Used Cars

FIRST OPINION

    It’s certainly not perfect, but this is the best 9-5 you can buy. While the engine is relaxed and economical, it provides punchy performance. The car also has dramatic looks, a spacious and 
    comfortable cabin and lots of kit as standard. That said, it doesn’t trouble the BMW 5-Series or Mercedes E-Class. And when you consider a flagship Skoda Superb is a better buy in every way for £6,000 less, the 9-5 will remain a niche choice.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £32,165
    Engine: 2.0-litre, 4cyl twin-turbo
    Power/torque: 187bhp/400Nm
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-62mph/top speed: 8.8s/143mph
    Economy/CO2: 47.1mpg/159g/km
    Equipment: Electric leather seats, 19-inch alloys, xenons, climate control, keyless go, USB, Bluetooth, cruise control, parking sensors
    On sale: Now
     
    - Advertisement -