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In this month's road test we are reviewing the 9-5 Aero Estate.
For as long as I remember, an estate was a car that had Volvo on the bonnet and had the style and driver appeal of Leyland coach. To Volvos credit, they redefined the concept of an estate with the T-5 in the 90's.
This at last, made an estate available that had OK looks and had the power and pace to match your average sports salon. Many European manufacturers have followed suit, with much thought going in to creating a far more interesting estate.
It has been over 20 years since Saab produced an estate, and boy has it been worth the wait. The Aero is arguable the best looking estate money can buy, with the performance and road holding that makes this the car for all tasks.
Going shopping and fold the rear seats flat and that fridge freezer will go in! Taking the dogs walking, and Saabs clever dog guard can be located behind the rear seats or taken up to the front seats should you have a family of afghans. This car does it all.
The Aero estate is also a car that when you are on your own, or have to drive to work, you will still look forward to getting the same rush of performance that is truly remarkable. The torque and flexibility of the 2.3 turbo charged 4-cylinder engine, matched to the 5-speed gearbox is jaw dropping.
Saabs have always had plenty of power, albeit the early cars suffering from lag, however the 9-5 produces a seamless delivery of 230 bhp from tickover to its max rpm.
Sold as a sports estate it has none of the walnut
dash found in the more humble SE, but does come
with leather as standard. Saab has offered less
in the way of the standard features, (heated seats
etc.), found on earlier models, but nearly everything
is available as an extra.
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