The 2003 Saab 9-5 Range Frustrates The Tax Man
Published: 23rd October 2002
- Saab Sentronic gear selection via steering wheel buttons
- 5-speed automatic transmission for 2.2TiD models
- DVD-based satellite navigation system covering all of Europe
- Ventilated sports front seats
- New door mirrors with automatic folding and dimming functions
- Two new facia inserts
- Two new metallic colours
Following earlier price alignments for the best-selling Saab 9-5 2.0t and Aero models in February this year, the cost (and significantly, the P11D tax liability) of the 9-5 185 bhp 2.3t and unique asymmetrically turbocharged 200 bhp 3.0t V6 models have now been reduced, by up to £1,400.
In addition to a reduced P11D tax liability, the 9-5 2.3t manual models are also more tax efficient thanks to a 7.5% improvement in fuel economy, and a two band reduction in CO2 levels (down from 223 g/km previously, to 212 g/km now). The fuel economy of all 9-5 2.0t (150 bhp) models is also improved by 7.5%, although the CO2 figures remain unchanged.
More Control:
Saab Sentronic manual gear selection via steering wheel buttons is now standard fitment for all 9-5 variants equipped with the optional five-speed automatic transmission, except those using the 2.2TiD engine.
When the gear selector is placed in the ‘M’ manual position, the driver can execute swift up changes by pressing the right hand button and down changes through the left hand button. The Sentronic configuration allows close fingertip control for a sporty driving style, in addition to a fully automatic function for effortless touring.
A five-speed, 3-mode automatic transmission is available for the first time as an option for the popular 2.2 TiD engine, which was added to the Saab 9-5 range earlier this year. As a result, Saab becomes the first manufacturer in the UK to provide a choice of either automatic or manual transmission for its entry-level diesel model. The combined fuel consumption for the new 9-5 2.2 TiD Automatic is 38.2 mpg, with a competitively low, sub-200 g/km CO2 level of 197 g/km.
More Comfort And Convenience:
A state-of-the-art, DVD-based navigation system, with a large 7 inch colour screen integrated into the centre console, is now available as an option for all 9-5 variants. A DVD unit, mounted securely in the boot, allows cross-border route guidance throughout Europe without the need to stop and make a disc change. This option also includes a choice of two audio systems, both with a 6-disc, boot-mounted CD autochanger. The colour screen incorporates easy-to-use ‘touch screen’ functionality for the selection of audio and navigation settings.
Saab pioneered ventilated front seats when it first introduced the 9-5 range. Now it is first to incorporate this comfort feature in sports seats by offering it as an option for the sporting 9-5 Vector and Aero models.
Two small electric fans – one located in the seat squab and the other in the bottom of the seat-back – draw cooling air in through perforations in the leather before expelling it through the bottom of the seat. The fans, with three speed settings, help keep the driver and passenger fresh and alert in hot and humid conditions.
New, electrically-powered door mirrors are adopted from the New 9-3 Sport Saloon and can be specified with an automatic folding function, activated by the driver, which makes parking or manoeuvring in confined spaces easier. This is available together with automatic dimming, to help eliminate any distracting dazzle from the headlamps of following traffic, including the interior rear-view mirror.
Enhanced Looks:
The interior can now be personalised further with a choice of two additional new facia panels: a modern dark grey walnut veneer, and raw carbon fibre.
Two new metallic finishes broaden the range of external colours. Merlot Red has a rich tone reminiscent of the colour of a full-bodied red wine. Graphite Green is a dark, sophisticated colour associated with sporty performance.
The latest enhancements follow a major revision of the Saab
9-5 Saloon and Estate range last year, which included powertrain,
chassis, styling and safety improvements.
