Saab dealers in areas that get snow in the winter should bookmark this owner’s review and send it out to prospective customers. Better still, make a printable version of it and pass it around when people come in to the dealership.
Nothing speaks to an prospective owner quite like the testimony of a current owner. Someone who, like they’re thinking of doing, has sunk their own hard-earned money into a vehicle. Sure, they may have a vested interest in liking the vehicle, but they’ve also lived with it and know its good and bad sides.
One of our own SU regulars, Arild, has written an owner’s review of his 2010 Saab 9-5. The review focuses on the winter driving characteristics of the car and it’s a very good read.
In conclusion, I can highly endorse the new Saab 9-5. The performance during winter is second to none. The good old Saab slogan “Vinterbilen” (The Winter Car) can also be used on Saab’s latest car!
Here’s the bookmark. Head on over there and read it for yourself.
There are some nice pics elsewhere on the site, too. Well done, Arild.
—
Arilds conclusion now also confirmed by Swedish motoring journal Vi Bilägare.
“The verdict was unusually unanimous. Saab 9-5 is by far the most competent winter car of our five new models. Too bad so few will notice it.”
I can agree with everything Arild writes and it is a very good read and a beautiful site.
My only issues with my new 9/5 in the winter time are described here:
http://saabsunited.saabklubben.se/2011/03/saab-phoenix-in-full-color.html#comment-120561
BengtP,
at least I can’t access the picture of the Cruze.
Me neither?
Strange, it works for me.
a similar picture of the Cruze can be found here:
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/los_angeles/2009/2011_chevrolet_cruze/photo_11.html
or, use Google and search on
2011 Chevrolet Cruze Center Stack – Picture / Pic / Image
Note that I don,t want to compare my lovely SAAB whith this car in any other way, I just noticed that I could operate the heating very nice with my gloves on, something that is impossible in my 9/5. Small details, but could be an issue when it is -22 degrees C
Have read a few tests of the Cruze, while a good budget choice, many are annoyed by its’ temp selector – it is all to easy by accident to unknowingly change the position with the right knee. It is awkwardly positioned, to far out on the panel.
@theSandySaab
Ok, I just drove the car for a couple of miles and did not see this. So, somethng between my SAAB solution with a 1×1 cm button and a better placed knob in the center stack then. Or maybe go back to automatic heating so I dont have to press this button everytime I start the engine.
Argh, sorry, that was of course supposed to be about the test in Vi Bilägare mentioned by OddJob above.
I recently had the opportunity to drive the 9-5 with the 2.0l Diesel and XWD on snow and icy conditions. Just can confirm your findings, the car is excellent, absolutely magnificient in very difficult conditions, the engine as well. The only negative for me: In full acceleration, the engine gets louder than I like, but it is really powerful. Maybe for the Diesel even better isolation should be considered. Also the interior was fine to me, absolutely competitive to BMW or Mercedes. I could imagine even better notes, if the dashboard would not be just black.
Arild, can anyone tell us more about the QuickHeat (Saab option?). Does it work automatically with the ACC to reach desired cabin temperature as quickly as possible?
Yes, QuickHeat is totally integrated and there are no extra buttons or switches. In other words, you don’t notice it except for the warm air that flows through the air vents. 🙂
It’s a great site by Arild 🙂
@signs
Do you have a link for those tests? Thanks
Here
Just seen the link above….
@Red J
Man, you’re fast 😀