2002 SAAB 9-5 Aero review from UK and Ireland

Nothing as yet!

The car looks far better than a non-Aero 9-5 - the bodykit and 17-inch alloys make a huge difference.

As an overtaking car, nothing else I have driven comes close. The mid-range acceleration (in 3rd and 4th gear) is nothing short of phenomenal!

The suspension set up is pretty stiff, and so while driving in town the ride can be slightly uncomfortable at times. Out on the open road, however, it's a different story. Body control round both high- and low-speed corners is excellent.

The steering is rather light, but does provide just enough feedback to let you know what the front wheels are up to. Unfortunately, the car does suffer from rather a lot of torque steer - but sure this is unavoidable with 250bhp going through the front wheels?

On a more practical note, the interior is also of a high standard. Poor build quality of Saabs of old has given way to quality that almost rivals that of German manufacturers like BMW. As is usual in a Saab, the controls are all orientated towards the driver, but the passenger can still operate the climate control etc without any trouble.

The Aero comes with a high standard spec - you get far more kit on this car than on an equivalently priced 5-Series, for example. As standard, you get xenon headlights, leather, front and rear heated seats, dual zone climate control, parking radar... the list goes on! The boot is surprisingly large, and there is plenty of head and legroom in both the front and the back of the car - even for someone 6'5" like me.

On the subject of seats, I can honestly say that I have never sat in a car more comfortable!! The front seats of the current 9-5 are absolutely fantastic.