IT'S really sad to think that a great car maker like Saab should disappear and I hope the possibility of a takeover by Indian maker Mahindra comes to something.
Saab has made the safest, long lasting cars in the world for many years and pioneered safety along with Volvo in the 1960s and 70s.
The big 9-5 saloon and estate are good for over 200,000 miles without problem as long as the ever important servicing is done.
Most of the petrol engines are turbos for extra power from smaller size. The range starts with a 150bhp 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 automatic gearboxes.
Performance is good to fantastic, comfort is great and road-holding quick and safe.
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
Saab 9-5
Price: Pay about £4,000 for an ‘05 55-reg Linear saloon, £7,880 for an ’09 09-reg Turbo Edition, both from an independent dealer
Mechanical: 147 bhp, 1,910cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 10.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 41
Insurance group: 36
CO2 emissions: 184g/km
Main rival: Volvo S60