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2010 SAAB 95 Review

Saab’s latest sedan has been described as the best offer for a relaxed driving experience. The new-look Saab 95 is sleeker, smarter and has more of the characteristics that users have come to associate with Saab. The current Saab 95 has been designed to offer more ample space giving a refreshingly clean, simple take on interior design.
The sedan features a heavily revised version of GM’s front-wheel-drive Epsilon II platform which is shared by Opel’s new Insignia range. For differentiation purposes, Saab’s engineers have put in a stiffer suspension set-up, a new steering rack and a different range of electronics.

Typical Saab features include joystick-controlled air vents that have multilayer grids, some new dials that have been visually-improved and displays with green needles. One setting even has an on-screen rendering of a rotating drum speedometer. The engine range starts with a 180bhp, 1.6-liter petrol turbo and is topped by a 2.8 liter, twin turbo V6 with a massive 300bhp.
One version, fitted with 4WD was used in a Swedish test track to demonstrate the ease with which the Saab 95 can negotiate crests, dips, turns and twists. Using the DriveSense controls, which alter engine response, steering weight, dumping and torque distribution between front and rear axles, the Saab 95 can be turned from a boulevard to a proper sports saloon.

The performance is impressive for a large car, achieving 0-62 miles per hour in an estimated 6.7 seconds with a top speed of up to 155 mph. It also fares well at low speeds, owing to a twin-scroll turbo and direct fuel injection which work together to reduce lagging that is a feature on older turbo engines.
A vibrant anti-freeze green is the dominant interior color. There are also touchscreen satellite-navigation buttons in addition to the ambient lighting. The trademark ignition barrel by the gear lever has been replaced by a button on the dashboard.

Saab Turbo X is a limited edition special version of the 9-3 revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. It is made to celebrate SAAB’s 30 years of turbocharging. All Turbo X are offered in metallic jet black with matte grey trim. The Turbo X is SAAB’s first production car with the XWD all-wheel drive system from Haldex Traction and eLSD. It is powered by a 2.8 litre V6 producing 280 PS (210 kW) mated to a six speed manual or automatic gearbox. It also has larger brakes as well as stiffer springs and shocks. The dash, shift lever and door panels have carbon fibre look and the turbo boost gauge draws its inspiration from the Saab 900.