Saab 9 5 Vector SE 2.0 TTiD XWD 4dr Car Review - March 2012

The Saab 9 5 Vector SE 2.0 TTiD XWD feels like a big car to drive, and although the handling is generally very good, there is a fair bit of body roll through the corners which is disappointing. The ride is fine on the open road, but around town it is very firm and bumps and potholes are felt in the cabin. The driving position is fine and everything is adjustable to suit the driver, and the 9 5 also offers good forward and rear visibility.

There is no lack of power from the engine, and the 2.0 litre diesel engine is able to propel the car from 0-62mph in an impressive 9.2 seconds. The top speed of 137mph is also impressive when the Saab's sheer weight is taken into consideration. The cabin is very quiet with minimal noise intrusion, even at speed.

The Saab 9 5 Vector SE 2.0 TTiD XWD is a good looking car, with the wide headlight clusters and the grille working together to create an attractive front end. The Saab has a classy - if slightly austere - interior, but it doesn’t quite live up to the standard set by the German opposition.

The level of equipment in the Saab is very good, with the alloy wheels completing the attractive exterior, and leather seats offering a premium feel in the interior. The car comes with satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity included as standard, along with cruise control, climate control, MP3 connectivity, rear parking sensors, stability control and a full suite of airbags.

There is no doubt that the 9 5 is a very practical car, with plenty of space in the front and the rear, with no issues in terms of legroom or headroom. The boot is also large, offering 515-litres of cargo space. Saab do have a good reputation for reliability, and the 9 5 has been around for so long that Saab should have ironed out any technical problems that may have presented themselves.

Saab's reputation for safety is legendary and the 9 5 Vector SE 2.0 TTiD XWD comes with a range of airbags to look after occupants in the back as well as in the front, and some useful driver aids to help the driver keep the car stable and under control. The 9 5 was awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test.

With a purchase price of £30,785, the Saab 9 5 Vector SE 2.0 TTiD XWD is very competitively priced when compared with some of its German made rivals.

However, the running costs are quite high, with the 2.0 litre diesel engine only able to achieve an average 42.2mpg which, in this day and age, isn't really good enough. Insurance costs shouldn't be too bad in group 29, but Saabs do suffer from weak residual values. The car is supplied with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty, which is fairly typical of what other manufacturers offer.