The 2.0-litre turbo with more punch than bigger V6's

A new 9-5 variant with Saab's latest light-pressure and low-friction turbocharged 2.0-litre engine is now part of the popular luxury car range in Australia.

The introduction of the 9-5 2.0-litre model in Sedan and Estate takes to seven the number of variants in the luxury 9-5 range.

Saab's latest 9-5 sits below the 9-5 S and represents excellent value for a premium car, with prices starting at $57,900 for Sedan and $59,900 for Estate.

The new light-pressure, low-friction turbocharged 2.0-litre engine produces a healthy 110 kW of power and, more significantly, a substantial 240 Nm of torque all the way from a low 1800 rpm to 3500 rpm.

This sporty and smooth engine has more torque than some bigger V6 engines found in more expensive European rivals, such as the $78,700 Mercedes-Benz C240 Classic and the $79,800 Audi A6 2.4.

The ample torque from very low revs gives the Saab 9-5 2.0-litre the easy-driving performance expected of a premium car, with equipment and safety levels to match.

Twin front airbags, side airbags, dual-zone Automatic Climate Control (ACC) air-conditioning, cruise control, Saab car computer, power windows, remote central locking incorporating immobiliser and anti-theft alarm, heated front seats, seven-speaker 150W stereo with in-dash CD player, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls, double dividable sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors, and tinted heat-absorbing windows are standard on the latest 9-5 variant.

"This new 9-5 is a prestige Saab with the performance, refinement and equipment expected in a premium car," says Saab Automobile Australia managing director, Mr Bob Maron.

"Performance and genuine comfort have not been compromised in the interest of affordability."

Saab's latest low-friction turbo 2.0-litre powerplant in the 9-5 is an evolution of the light-pressure turbocharged 2.0-litre engine in today's 9-3; offering superior torque, driveability and better fuel economy.

The 9-5's impressive 2.0-litre engine has 10 Nm more torque than Audi's 2.4 V6 engine in the A4 and A6, and 15 Nm more torque than Mercedes' 2.4 V6 engine in the C and E-class models.

It also boasts a substantial 60 Nm more torque than the 1.9 four-cylinder engine in BMW's 318i and 20 Nm more torque than Volvo's S70 2.5 20V.

"Performance from this improved light-pressure, low-friction turbocharged 2.0-litre engine is genuinely impressive," says Mr Maron.

The introduction of this latest 9-5 variant lowers the 9-5 entry price by $4000 to broaden the appeal of Saab's premium family car.

The improved Saab 205E engine

The light-pressure, low-friction turbocharged 2.0-litre engine in the Saab 9-5 develops 240 Nm of torque from 1800 rpm through to 3500 rpm, and 110 kW of power at 5500 rpm.

This revised turbo 2.0-litre engine, known as the 205E, is an evolution of the 204E light-pressure turbocharged 2.0-litre engine found in the 9-3 S and TS models.

The 205E engine has 21 Nm more torque than the 204E, achieving its maximum 240 Nm of torque at a low 1800 rpm and holding the peak 240 Nm through to 3500 rpm.

The low-friction 205E engine in the 9-5 has been extensively modified to deliver better fuel economy, lower emissions, and smoother, more responsive performance.

This has been achieved through small but significant changes over the 204E that include: the use of longer connecting rods, modified camshaft timing, increasing compression ratio from 9.2:1 to 9.3:1, the use of lighter valves and softer valve springing, lighter block plus lighter balancer shafts, and lighter timing cover while moving to a heavier flywheel.

Also, the head gasket is now made from high strength sheetmetal and the oil pump's overcapacity has been reduced slightly.

Light-pressure turbocharger boost pressure remains unchanged at 0.40 bar.

"What you really notice with this improved light-pressure turbocharged 2.0-litre engine is its smoothness and eagerness to perform," says Mr Maron.