New face for 9-5
Saab's latest model, the revised 9-5, made its Down Under debut in Melbourne.The updated Saab 9-5 made its first appearance in Australia at last week's Melbourne Motor Show opening.
Company spokespeople were putting on a brave face about the revamped car's new face. Though the car boasts substantial front end styling revisions and a new look to the interior, the ageing model (first sold in Australia in 1998) will struggle to attract sales in an increasingly competitive local marketplace.
Drawing on the marque's 9-X concept car for inspiration, Saab says every element forward of the 9-5's A-pillar is a new design. The frontal design, including the lower bumper, "accentuates Saab's characteristic triple-section design" says the GM-owned Swedish brand.
New colours (Arbor Green, Fusion Blue and Jet Black) and body styling tweaks are aimed at freshening the 9-5's look.
Up front there's halogen projector headlamps (bi-xenon on the high-spec 9-5 Aero models) and inside the new 9-5 features new instrumentation and controls.
Under the bonnet, the 9-5 range retains a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, with Aero receiving a power upgrade to 191kW. Handling has been improved, the maker claims, thanks in part to a new 40 per cent more rigid front suspension assembly.
Offered in sedan and SportEstate models, the new Saab 9-5 range will launch in Australia in the second quarter of 2006.
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