Saab Makes a Re-Appearance
Auto Eurokars Sdn Bhd, the new importer for Saab and Porsche cars, today formally launched its Swedish brand with the unveiling of the latest Saab 9-5 model at its showroom/head office in Glenmarie, near Shah Alam, Selangor.
Speaking at the launch event, Auto Eurokars CEO Radziwill Mohamed said that Auto Eurokars plans to offer Saab customers full support and services and will be introducing a variety of models, including the 9-3 Convertible, during 2002.
“We are starting off with the Saab 9-5 which is a popular model in many markets. In the course of next year, we hope to sell at least 40 units,” he told AUTOWORLD.COM.MY.
The latest 9-5 has over 1,200 design and engineering changes from the original model launched in 1997. Back then, when it made its debut, the 9-5 broke new ground for Saab as it was the first large Saab launched since the 9000 hatchback 13 years earlier. Significantly, it had a sedan bodystyle rather than the hatchback which was more common for Saabs.
For the Malaysian market, Auto Eurokars is initially offering the 9-5 2.0 LPT EcoPower, the ‘LPT’ signifying it has a low-pressure turbocharger. The use of turbochargers is something which Saab has much experience in, having adopted this power-boosting device since the mid-1980s.
In the 9-5 2.0 LPT, the 4-cylinder 16-valve engine develops 136 kW/185 bhp at 5500 rpm with 280 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm. With peak power flowing through the 5-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels, the 9-5 is claimed to be able to get to 100 km/h from standstill in 9.5 seconds and attain a top speed of 225 km/h.
Inside the distinctive 0.29 Cd bodyshell, a very high level of standard equipment is provided. There’s automatic climate control, leather upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and electrical control for front seat adjustments.
From the safety point of view, the 9-5 is among the best cars to crash in – if you cannot avoid an accident. It has scored top marks for its category in the independent Euro-NCAP crash tests and has a host of active and passive safety features. ABS with EBD and traction control with an Electronic Stability Programme are also fitted while bi-xenon headlamps give pure white light.
The 9-5 2.0 LPT is priced at RM229,888.80, without insurance, for private registration in Peninsula Malaysia. For units already in stock, a RM10,000 non-refundable deposit is required while for advance orders, a minimum non-refundable deposit of RM30,000 is required.
