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Saab 9-5 Sport Combi 2.3 T (230 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 Overview:
Saab 9-5 (Sport Combi). With 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1565 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.2 s). The top speed reaches 240 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.
2.3 T (230 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most potent engine, offering exhilarating acceleration (7.2 sec 0-100 km/h) and strong torque across the rev range, especially when paired with a manual gearbox.
Fuel Economy
High performance comes with a significant fuel consumption penalty, particularly under spirited driving conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent comfort and ergonomic interior design, especially the seats.
- • Strong, torquey turbocharged engines (especially 2.3T variants).
- • Spacious and practical wagon body style with good cargo capacity.
- • Distinctive styling and unique brand appeal.
- • High safety standards for its era, achieving 4 Euro NCAP stars.
Cons:
- • Automatic transmissions can be slow and impact performance/economy.
- • Potential for engine oil sludge issues if maintenance is neglected (especially B2x5 engines).
- • Some interior plastics can feel dated compared to German rivals.
- • Fuel economy can be poor on higher-powered variants, particularly in urban settings.
- • Parts availability and specialist maintenance can be a challenge for some components.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(9-5: 1998 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Saab |
| Model: | 9-5 |
| Generation: | Sport Combi |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 T (230 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 230 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 100.4 Hp/l [3mm more] |
| Torque: | 350 Nm @ 1900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B235R More details about the engine B235R |
| Engine displacement: | 2290 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 7.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 240 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.8 kg/Hp, 147 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.5 kg/Nm, 223.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1565 |
| Max. weight: | 2180 |
| Max load: | 615 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1490 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 415 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4808 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Width: | 1792 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1497 mm mm [48mm more] |
| 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 | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Saab 9-5 rank in your book?