Saab Aero 95

First Test
Saab is working hard at fleshing out its 95 model lineup. An attractive sport wagon has recently joined the roster; now comes the Aero-which, in fact, will be offered in both sedan and wagon forms. The Aero designation means an edgier, higher-performing Saab. Philosophically, the packaging is not unlike that of the 93 Viggen, though a bit more subtle.

Here's what you get: a hot rod version of Saab's turbocharged, intercooled, 2.3-liter four, good for 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission; that torque number drops to 243 for automatic-equipped Aeros. Chassis tweaks include larger anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, and firmer shock damping, front and rear. Front control arms are fitted with new hydraulic vibration-damping bushings, said to crispen steering response. Rounding out the handling upgrades are three-spoke alloy wheels wrapped by performance-oriented 17-inch rubber.

Exterior moods are subtle but effective. The rocker panels and rear valance are flared a bit, and the nose gets a small spoiler. Unlike the Viggen, which enjoys a substantially sportier interior, the Aero's only cabin enhancement is a sport steering wheel.

The 95 Aero's powerplant is its most notable feature. Positive: This thing really honks. Both turbo and engine-management systems conspire to spread the fairly fat torque curve over a wide rpm band-its peak torque is delivered constantly from 1900 to 4600 rpm, says Saab. There's good punch coming off the line and plenty of pull all across the mid-range. Negative: It's still a four-banger and brings some boom and buzz with it-not what most expect from a car that starts within pennies of 40 grand (though comprehensively equipped, at that). We tested both stick and auto Aeros and, for a change, heartily recommend the automatic. The five-speed shift linkage is clunky, and you can feel the engine rocking on its mounts through the shifter. The auto is much smoother, and the ratios work perfectly with the turbo's power characteristics.

The 95's dash wraps neatly around the driver. The radio and ventilation controls are a bit button-laden, but work well once you get the hang of things. There's plenty of room in all directions, though we'd ask for sportier front-seat bolstering. Kudos to Saab for high levels of fit, finish, and materials. The Aero's uprated suspension delivers a dialed-in, communicative, legitimate sport-sedan driving experience, though even more roll resistance would be welcome. You'll have to look long and hard to beat a 60-0-mph braking performance of 115 feet, and the 6.5-second 0-60-mph time matches BMW's 328i step for step.

The only question we raise is that of value. Cars like the Acura TL, Infiniti I30t, and Lincoln LS accomplish nearly all of what the Saab does-for $5-10,000 less. And such sport sedan stalwarts as the BMW 528i and Mercedes-Benz E320 cost little more. We like the 95 Aero. But you should know there are many alternatives in this market segment.