First View: Saab 9-5

The prestige car market is well covered by Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, writes Brian Byrne. But not everyone who can afford those brands wants to actually buy their badges.

An alternative for such individualists was always Saab, the 9-3 for the C-Class/3 Series people, the 9-5 for those who actually didn't want an E-Class/5 Series.

But the 9-5, first introduced 13 years ago, has long been past its best buy date. The troubles of the then parent GM pushed back any realistic plans for replacement. And even when they finally got a new one off the drawing board, shown at Frankfurt last year, production was halted during GM's negotiations to sell the brand.

Saab got new owners in February, and the new 9-5 production got back on track. Irish distributors Scanveco now have a modern hand to play in the large premium game.

The car shares platform and powertrains with Opel's Insignia, but it is substantially longer and the 160hp base 2.0 diesel engine is two stops up from the starter version in the Opel. A 190hp variant will be available later, along with petrol and biopower engines which are likely to be minority sellers in the Irish CO2 taxation regime.

The entry car is B rated with the standard 6-speed manual, while the 6-speed automatic option pushes it up to E.

The style is strong, reflecting a number of cues previewed in the Aero X concept which has been rolled around a few motor shows. The deep grille, and the sharp shape of the front lights for instance. At the rear there's a full-width lights treatment which will be a feature of upcoming Saab models, including the new 9-3 due in 2012. The rear of the 'glasshouse' eschews current fascination with coupe curves on large saloons, offering instead a squared look which is quite attractive.

The inside is roomier than the previous car, which wasn't particularly cramped. Front seat occupants have 11mm more legroom, rear passengers can have up to 58mm extra. The kind of lounging-about room needed to target the 5 Series or E-Class.

The driver area is vintage Saab. Which means it hasn't changed substantially in 30 years in deference to the true Saab aficionado. Is this a good thing for a brand which wants also to attract new buyers? Maybe, maybe not. At least the good ergonomics which this 'cockpit' style provides haven't diminished. And I have to say that the massiveness of the older panels seems to have been softened here.

The 9-5 offers a few new wrinkles. In addition to the standard main dials, inset into the centre of the speedometer is an 'altimeter' style electronic one which is actually very readable. I'd happily have it on its own.

I should mention the depth of the windscreen. In the centre, because of the front roof shape, it is narrower than at the sides. Another reflection of Saab's fighter aircraft antecedents. Maybe initially somewhat claustrophobic, but quickly got used to.

I'm writing this from a relatively short driving experience, and I'll come back to the car's driving capabilities in more detail when I get time to take a week with it. But first impressions are positive. Especially the rattle-free build quality displayed on some less than poor country roads.

The 2.0 TiD engine is an iteration of the series developed jointly by GM and Fiat some years ago. Never the quietest of diesels, they have nevertheless offered plenty of urge. The new version still doesn't have the muted refinement of the powerplants in the 9-5's main competition, but the low-throated growl when it's stepped on is not unpleasant.

The suspension is towards the comfortable more than sporty, but for those who want to push the car's potential there's an active dynamic option similar to that available on the related Opel car.

The new 9-5 is up to top current safety standards, including a 5-star ENCAP. Active head restraints and flashing rear LEDs under sharp braking are parts of the overall package which helped achieve it.

Getting back in the large car premium game requires the new Saab to be price competitive. The launch entry 2.0 TiD Linear with manual trans rolls in at €36,500. Saab in Ireland is comparing that to the Audi A6 2.0 TDI at €39,735 and the BMW 520d at €41,750.

On the stocks under the new Spyker Cars ownership are an estate version of this 9-5, and a 9-4X described as a luxury crossover.

For Ireland next year, the distributors are forecasting sales of 500 Saab cars, of which 200 will be the new 9-5.

The individualist option is back.