Cut and Thrust of the 9-5 ; with Its Future Now Assured by Fresh Swedish Investment, Saab Is Set to Make Waves with Its New 9-5 Line-Up, Which Iain Robertson Believes Is Long Overdue

Summary

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ALONGSIDE several new models receiving their first European airings at Frankfurt Motor Show this year is the enticing Saab 9-5 range. Its design is immediately recognisable as a Saab and harks back slightly to the pre-GM era - as well as the more recent Aero X concept for some of its style inspiration. Yet, the 9-5 is modern and thrusting in profile, while retaining the conservative, high quality image for which Saab has been renowned throughout its history.

The headlamps avoid the current glassy look in favour of a more restrained but still swept-back outline that the company calls "ice- block", surrounded by chrome trim. It is an exceptionally well- resolved shape that incorporates all of Saab's usual safety features but also provides a new and necessary change of direction. Saab motor cars were always highly regarded for their accommodating boots and the new model amplifies that with a rising waistline to a stylish new rear-end shape. Saab was also known for its attendance to driver-focus in the cockpit and, if anything, this is where the company will win back so many of its loyal customers. Completely redesigned, the centre console possesses a pronounced twist towards the driver. And, while the company's incredibly complex yet effective air-vents remain, they are crafted carefully into the new instrument panel, which boasts Audi-standard high quality as part of its core attraction.

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Extract

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Cut and Thrust of the 9-5 ; with Its Future Now Assured by Fresh Swedish Investment, Saab Is Set to Make Waves with Its New 9-5 Line-Up, Which Iain Robertson Believes Is Long Overdue

There is a superb array of high-tech features on offer that includes an aircraft-inspired head-up information display ...

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