Welcome to this month's road test.

This month we are featuring a 9-5 2.0 SE.

In February 1993, Saab commenced work on a new model. Seven designers were assigned to produce scale models. The selected model was designed by Tony Catignani and from computer screen to reality, the project took less than 3 years.

Saab set out to exceed the already high safety standards of the Saab 9000 and design the safest car possible. Data from Saab itself, Folksam (the Swedish insurer) and EuroNCAP tests all show that the Saab 9-5 is indeed the safest car that you can drive to date.

The 9-5 was launched in 1997 and is a replacement for the 9000 that continued for a short time alongside the 9-5. The 9-5 only comes as a saloon or estate, Saab having no replacement for the hatch back of the very versatile load carrying CS (fridges no problem!) Although based on a GM floorpan, the 9-5 has kept a good identity of its own, and feels like a proper Saab in most respects. The interior and dash have wood and leather that is every bit as good as that offered by the Cs.

Driving the 9-5 you soon notice that it has a firm and well damped suspension that keeps it composed even when pressing on. The seats have a flatter base than previous Saab but are very comftorbale and give good support when cornering.

All 9-5's come with climate control as standard, and have a clever feature that allows mixed cabin temperatures, by dividing the front compartment with separate controls, and special vented seats with inbuilt fans, to keep you fresh on long journeys!

You can purchase the 9-5 with a variety of engines, most popular is the 2.0 litre eco power giving satisfactory performance with excellent mpg. Further up the range, the 2.3 eco provides more performance with only slightly reduced mpg. As with the whole range, it comes equipped with turbo charger as standard. We think the 2.0 bests suits a manual gearbox, but would go for an auto in the 2.3 eco, or full-blown Aero version. The diesel version has yet to be released, which seems strange as the diesel fitted to the 9-3 has been around for soom time. On the road the 9-5 is very quiet, and is rattle free, with door closing having a reassuringly quality feel. The audio system has a CD fitted and has steering wheel controls that allow you to operate volume etc whilst listening on the move.

Safety features have always persuaded people to consider Saab when looking for a new car. The 9-5 has air bags for driver and passenger, and seat arm for side protection. A third head rest can be fitted in the rear, but can limit visibility slightly. Overall the 9-5 has done a good job of replacing the 9000 that became many peoples best friend from 85-98, and was a tough act to follow. It does lack the appeal of a hatch but performs brilliantly and has the best cup holder seen yet!