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Saab 9-5 Sport Combi (facelift 2001) 2.2 TDi (120 Hp)
Overall Rating
Saab 9-5:
The Saab 9-5 is an executive car, manufactured and marketed by Saab from 1997 to 2012, across two generations.
The first generation 9-5 was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year, as the replacement of the Saab 9000. At the time, the car represented a significant development for the manufacturer. In the United States, the 9-5 was introduced in the spring of 1998, for the 1999 model year.
The second generation was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15, 2009 and production began in March 2010. It was the first Saab automobile launched under Spyker Cars' ownership, though developed almost entirely under GM's ownership. Production ceased in 2012 amid Saab's liquidation....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Sport Combi (facelift 2001) Overview:
Saab 9-5 (Sport Combi (facelift 2001)). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.3 l/100km). With a weight of 1510 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.5 s). The top speed reaches 195 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.2 TDi (120 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate performance for daily driving and highway cruising, but lacks the characteristic Saab turbo punch found in petrol variants.
Fuel Economy
Provides the best fuel economy in the lineup, making it a cost-effective choice for high-mileage drivers and long journeys.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive, timeless Swedish design
- • Spacious and exceptionally comfortable interior
- • Strong performance from turbocharged petrol engines
- • Excellent highway cruiser with good stability
- • Practical Sport Combi body style with ample cargo space
- • High level of standard safety features for its era
Cons:
- • Aging platform, less refined than newer rivals
- • Some engines (e.g., 3.0 TiD) have known reliability issues
- • Parts availability and specialist maintenance can be challenging
- • Fuel economy can be high on performance petrol models
- • Interior plastics and infotainment can feel dated
- • Torque steer noticeable on higher-powered front-wheel-drive models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sport Combi (facelift 2001): 2001 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Saab |
| Model: | 9-5 |
| Generation: | Sport Combi (facelift 2001) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.2 TDi (120 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 120 Hp @ 4300 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 55.2 Hp/l [20mm less] |
| Torque: | 280 Nm @ 1500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | D223L More details about the engine D223L |
| Engine displacement: | 2172 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.2 l |
| Coolant: | 7.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 98 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 19.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.6 kg/Hp, 79.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.4 kg/Nm, 185.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1510 |
| Max. weight: | 2130 |
| Max load: | 620 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1490 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 415 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4808 mm mm [20mm less] |
| Width: | 1792 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1492 mm mm [9mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2703 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1522 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1522 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Does the Saab 9-5 live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!