SAAB 9-5 WAGON DESIGNED FOR REAL-LIFE SAFETY
NORCROSS, Ga. - The Saab 9-5 Wagon exemplifies Saab's Real-Life Safety philosophy - a car designed to protect real passengers on real roads, not just perform well in laboratory tests. Like all new Saabs destined for production, the 9-5 Wagon was subjected to over 40 different crash tests, including truck-to-car crashes and animal collision simulations. While only 11 tests are required by law, Saab sets its own internal higher standards for safety.
Solid Exterior Design Structure
The front and rear structures of the Saab 9-5 Wagon, like the 9-5 Sedan model, incorporate three robust load paths on each side of the chassis. Should a collision occur, these paths distribute crash energy over a broad area, thereby lessening the force of the impact on the occupants within the passenger compartment.
The Saab safety cage around the passenger compartment is made from an extremely rigid system of high-tensile steel members. Saab has also pioneered a unique side impact structure called the pendulum "B" pillar. The pendulum "B" pillar is integrated into the safety cage construction to dissipate side-impact crash energy downward, where the human body is stronger and less susceptible to injury.
A Complete Interior Safety System Complementing the Saab safety cage and pendulum "B" pillar is a complete interior safety system. The 9-5 Wagon features Saab's head and torso protecting dual-stage side airbags that are mounted in the outside bolsters of the front seatbacks. The bottom section of the bag inflates first to protect the torso, which is the first part of the occupant's body at risk from side-impact collision forces. Then the top section of the airbag fully inflates to protect the head. These side airbags are controlled by sensors in the front doors that measure air pressure. If a rapid increase in air pressure in the door cavity is detected, the air bags will deploy.
Additional protection is provided by Saab's force-reducing front seat-belt and pre-tensioner design. All five seating positions incorporate three-point inertia reel seat belts with semi-automatic height adjustments and anti-submarining ramps to prevent the occupant from sliding under the belt in a severe frontal collision. These force-reducing seat belts provide gentler restraint of the occupant's forward motion to reduce the risk of belt-induced injuries in collisions.
The Saab 9-5 Wagon also features the Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR) system as standard equipment. This world-first safety feature effectively limits the front seat occupants' head movement during a rear-end collision, reducing the risk of whiplash injury.
In the rear seats, head restraints have been designed to be easily moved to a comfortable position that provides optimal protection. When there are no passengers in the rear seat, the rear head restraints can be lowered to butt against the top of the seat back, further improving the rear view for the driver.
A strong rear seat back is vital to safety in cars with large load carrying capabilities. Even though the rear seat of the Saab 9-5 Wagon is fully foldable with a 40/60 percent split, it's still built to be very strong. The 9-5 Wagon's rear seat design is very robust with latching mechanisms designed to withstand extreme crash forces.
An Outstanding Load Securing System with CargoTracksTM
Saab's unique, standard CargoTracksTM form the basis for safe loading in the Saab 9-5 Wagon. CargoTracksTM utilize one-grip locks and load securing belts to make sure that cargo doesn't shift under emergency braking or during an accident. Due to the user-friendliness and flexibility provided by the CargoTracksTM system, Saab 9-5 Wagon owners will be more inclined to securely fasten cargo they carry.
OnStar Technology Provides Additional Safety
For 2001, Saab will provide the next generation OnStar and 12 months of Premium Service as standard equipment on all of its vehicles. This telematics system uses wireless technology and state-of-the-art voice recognition and text-to-speech technology to provide hands-free safety, security and concierge services. OnStar uses Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology and wireless communication to link the driver and vehicle to the 24-hour OnStar Center, where advisors provide real-time, personalized help. Current OnStar safety and security services include automatic air bag notification, stolen vehicle tracking, emergency services, and roadside assistance with location and route support. For 2001, these services expand to include voice-activated, hands-free personal calling, in addition to hands-free Internet connectivity for access to e-mail and information like stock quotes and personalized news and sports.
4-Stars in EuroNCAP collision test
The Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 were both awarded four stars in the latest European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) collision test, which evaluates European model variants. Both Saab models were also awarded the highest possible score in the EuroNCAP new side collision test. According to the EuroNCAP, the Saab 9-5 "remains the safest (car) that EuroNCAP has yet tested" (www.euroncap.com). Saab is pleased with these results, but will continue its emphasis on the real-life safety of its cars.
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