Road TestCar reviews - Saab - 9-5 - Griffin sedanSaab modelsThe Car29 Mar 2001 An asymmetric turbocharger is driven by exhaust gases from only three cylinders but delivers boost to all six The throttle is controlled by an electronic "drive-by-wire" system Traction control system uses the anti-lock brake sensors to detect excessive front-wheel spin, and then responds with either a brake or torque adjustment The front seats each have two flat electric fans to ventilate the area between body and cushion through small perforations in the leather upholstery A tilt-sensor device triggers the Griffin's alarm should there be an attempt to load it onto a trailer The automatic climate control system was tested in Australia An electrostatic gas and odour filter keeps the cabin air clean The speedometer scale is compressed above 140km/h so that lower speeds are easier to read accurately The Griffin has a drag coefficient of 0.29 Two 20-litre head-thorax side airbags protect the occupant's rib cage and head The electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission features three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Winter. All seats are electrically heated. The "smart" automatic audio volume control compensates for background (or lack of) noise as well as the vehicle speed The Griffin features active front head restraints. In a crash, the headrest moves forward and upwards to help reduce whiplash injuries The front suspension is by MacPherson struts while the rear features a multi-link design Four-wheel disc brakes are fitted with a Bosch anti-lock system 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on Griffin Saab's night panel display closes down all dash lights and instrumentation except the speedometer to reduce distractions when driving at night Did you know?The Griffin is a mythical creature with a lion's body, an eagle's head, long ears and an eagle's claws. It is meant to symbolise a combination of strength and intelligence.All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen |
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