Saab makes a series of changes to a key 9-5 model following criticism about its ride

Saab has announced a series of chassis changes for one of its key new 9-5 variants following criticism from the automotive press.

The Saab 9-5 158bhp 2.0-litre TiD with a six-speed manual 'box, which was awarded just two stars in its Autocar road test with particular criticisms being directed towards its ride quality, will now have a comfort-orientated chassis configuration as standard, instead of the original sport set-up.

Read Autocar's full road test of the new 9-5

Together with new 18-inch alloy wheels, Saab says the changes "improve the overall dynamic behaviour of the vehicle" and do much to improve the ride quality.

The changes, which don't alter the car's 139g/km CO2 emissions, show "how the small independent Saab engineering team can respond very quickly to market requirements", accoridng to Saab's UK boss Jonathan Nash.

Saab has also announced new upgrades for its 9-5 Vector SE models. All 2011 Vectors now feature leather seats as standard and the car's original 17-inch alloys are replaced by 18-inch ‘Carve’ alloy wheels for a more aggressive look.

Prices for Saab's 9-5 Vector remain unchanged, starting at £26,495.

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TegTypeR 16 December 2010

Re: Saab improves 9-5's chassis

Considering the close relationship between this and the Insignia chassis it wouldn't surprise me if SAAB asked Vauxhall if they could "borrow" their settings.

Citytiger 15 December 2010

Re: Saab improves 9-5's chassis

catnip wrote:

Why is it so hard for manufacturers to realise that their cars ride so badly on UK roads? Even cars which have allegedly been tuned for our roads (Kia Soul?) end up with poor ride quality. Maybe the message is slowly getting through, with Audi and BMW, for example, offering the choice of 'normal' or 'sport' settings on recently announced models, and recent revisions from Honda, and now Saab.

Or even Volvo before all of them

marktobin 15 December 2010

Re: Saab improves 9-5's chassis

have to admit i saw my first new 9-5 a few days ago & i'm wondering where SAAB style has gone? to be kind to it i'd say its nothing special!