Search Car Reviews



See all makes



All-new 9-5 vs Superb

Fresh from its recent troubles, revitalised Saab has introduced its all-new 9-5. Can it tempt buyers away from Skoda’s brilliant Superb?

SAAB 9-5 and Skoda Superb

July 2010

What a difference a few weeks can make! Fewer than four months ago, Saab was in the midst of a forced liquidation process after parent company GM failed to sell it. Now, thanks to the efforts of Spyker boss Victor Muller, the firm is enjoying a new lease of life, and has just launched the most advanced vehicle in its history.

The new 9-5 has looks inspired by the Aero-X concept car, as well as models from the maker’s past, so it is certainly distinctive. It’s big, too, with a bodyshell that measures over five metres long, and comes with plenty of kit.

Here we test the 158bhp 2.0-litre diesel in Vector SE trim, which looks set to become the best seller of the range.

Lining up alongside it is another intriguing saloon in the shape of the Skoda Superb. The cut-price limo is an Auto Express favourite, and it offers impressive build quality and astonishingly generous levels of standard equipment. Buyers also get a healthy dose of driver appeal and plenty of space for both passengers and luggage. It
lacks the premium badge of the big Swede, but with a 168bhp 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine and the VW Group’s brilliant DSG transmission, there’s more performance for less money.

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

5 Comments

Moose (Elk) -Test!

So!? Skoda Superb "won" the mini-test, 20-17 against the Saab 9-5... But I wouldn't buy the Superb, because it loses tyres doing the simple (Swedish) Moose (Elk) -Test! See link:
http://www.teknikensvarld.se/nyheter/100607-skoda-superb-dack/

By BeautifulTunes on 6 August, 2010, 3:18am

You've got to be joking? That Elk Test is the only fault of the Superb compared many more faults of the 9-5. Speaks for itself really...

By Jake02 on 8 August, 2010, 9:14am

WayneGHantsUK

This 'new' 9.5 isn't. It's been in development for a number of years and evidently still has all the looks and nuances of the 'old' SAAB. Best new SAAB for years? More like the ONLY new SAAB for years. Not good enough, especially when pitted against the Skoda Superb.

By WayneGHantsUK on 9 August, 2010, 8:33am

kizzy cat

skodas are seiously good cars, I know i've got one. in the past had some very expensive cars. My octavia vrs, DSG, is top quality and the perfomance has to be felt to understand, the only possible drawback is the badge snobs who occasionly embarass themselves with their lack of knowledge. Go on pay £30000 for your flash badges to impress your neighbours for 5 mins, I know I wont be doing again.

By kizzy23 on 18 August, 2010, 8:46am

Saab is better than this test suggests

Just thought I'd give you my two pennys worth.
I have had a good test drive of the new Saab and I loved it. Admittedly it isn't perfect but neither is the Superb, The car I drove for an afternoon was the 160ps 9-5 Vector SE. The seats are amazingly comfortable - even after 3 hours driving I felt refreshed. The roadholding is simply amazing for the size if car and the engine has so much torque it can overtake VERY quickly and safely.. My salesman told me that at the mioment all models have the SAT NAV and 80GB hard drive for music storage free! This would normally add £1200 on but is being offered free til at least Christmas. A lovely sporty saloon and well worthy of getting 4 stars in my opinion

By logburner on 21 September, 2010, 1:14pm

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



Sponsored Results

Social Bookmarks

Full Car Reviews

Skoda Superb front

Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI CR Elegance DSG

Clever saloon is an established success. Can it fight off new rival?
Saab 9-5 front

Saab 9-5 TiD SE

Hi-tech newcomer is charged with breathing fresh life into much loved premium brand.
- Advertisement -

Sponsored Results

Facts and Figures

Verdict

The 9-5 is an important car for Saab, but the firm will need to keep its celebratory champagne on ice for now. We think the diesel is the weak link in the range, and that’s unforgivable given oil-burners’ popularity in this sector. Hampered by the slow-witted automatic gearbox, occasionally rough engine and uninspiring handling, it loses out here.

The 9-5 looks more attractive than the Skoda and offers nearly as much interior space, while it also returned slightly better economy on our test. But that isn’t enough.

For the money, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a saloon that is as well equipped, good to drive and spacious as the Superb. It’s also well built, with material quality that could shame models costing thousands more. Factor in its impressive 2.0 TDI engine and the slick six-speed DSG gearbox, and it is an unbeatable package.

Results

1st - Skoda Superb 2.0 TDi Elegance DSG
The Skoda presents a formidable challenge for the Saab. It isn’t the most stylish choice, admittedly, but in virtually every other respect it betters its Swedish opponent. Impressive build quality, vast interior space, a smooth but gutsy drivetrain and attractive prices make it a thoroughly exceptional package.

2nd - Saab 9-5 2.0 TiD Auto Vector SE
Fans of the brand will welcome the arrival of the best new Saab for years. With distinctive styling, a practical and well finished interior and decent equipment levels, it has undoubted appeal. But it doesn’t do enough to win over buyers who don’t have a strong affinity to the company.

 
- Advertisement -