Been out for awhile, but a friend of mine alerted me to this somewhat disturbing peice of news. Apparently, the '02 9-5 bumper test results at 5mph or significantly worse than the '99-01 models. The redesign now has a Poor rating versus a Marginal rating from the previous model. The average cost of all the crashes tested amounted to a total of $1023, versus $591 for the '99-01 models.

One would think that part reason for the redesign (other than for a fresh face look) was to reduce low speed crash insurance costs by eliminating the chrome grille and glass headlights and costly headlight wipers/motors(the plastic lenses also to accomodate xenon lights). My guess is that SAAB downgraded from the previous 5mph bumpers to the current US standard of 2.5mph for the more flush, aerodynamic look that is all the rage but helps lower the Cd, thus improving gas mileage at highway speeds. Technically, they're still within federal compliance of the current bumper standards-but I fail to see why SAAB would choose to use poorer performing bumpers on the '02 9-5. Doesn't bode too well for the next 9-3 as far as this is concerned either.

Of the other four luxo cars tested, the Lexus ES300 bumpers fared the best, the Volvo S60 and Lexus IS300 did marginally better than the '02 9-5 whereas the Jag X-type did significantly worse.

posted by 155.58.51...

5 MPH CRASH TESTS: NONE OF 9 MIDSIZE CARS EARNS GOOD

• '02 9-5 bumper low speed crash test results, Ron H, Mon, 27 May 2002 17:27:29 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Insurance premiums? Think about the entire amount., JimW, Wed, 29 May 2002 13:39:00
  • Who cares what it costs to fix the bumpers?, AdamB , Tue, 28 May 2002 21:03:54
    • Re: Who cares what it costs to fix the bumpers?, Douglas, Tue, 28 May 2002 22:27:55
  • SAAB's reply, Ron, Tue, 28 May 2002 12:55:07
    • SAAB had best manufacturer response, but, Aero'ed, Tue, 28 May 2002 13:24:37
    • So I was wrong-they're still 5mph bumpers, Ron H, Tue, 28 May 2002 12:57:57
  • Re: '02 9-5 bumper low speed crash test results, David G. Mills, Mon, 27 May 2002 21:25:34
  • Re: '02 9-5 bumper low speed crash test results, K.W., Mon, 27 May 2002 19:14:16
  • Re: '02 9-5 bumper low speed crash test results, Göran Larsson, Mon, 27 May 2002 18:27:08
    • Re: '02 9-5 bumper low speed crash test results, Ron H, Tue, 28 May 2002 12:35:36
      • Re: '02 9-5 bumper low speed crash test results, Göran Larsson, Tue, 28 May 2002 12:45:37
    • Re: '02 9-5 bumper low speed crash test results, jm, Tue, 28 May 2002 01:11:35

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