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The biggest news regarding Saab’s 9-5 Aero model is more power. The performance model of Saab’s largest car gets a bump of 20 horsepower to 250. That’s a lot of oats from a turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. The only downside to the extra horsepower is that it kicks in at high rpm.

Other refinements for 2002 include mildly revised styling that features clear-lens headlights with bi-xenon projector beams, a sleeker grille and bumpers that are more closely integrated into the bodywork.

Pumping more power out of Saab’s 2.3-liter engine has been accomplished by revising the Trionic electronic engine management system to allow for increased boost from the turbocharger. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a new five-speed automatic transmission. The new automatic is capable of handling the engine’s full torque output, whereas the previous four-speed automatic could not. That means that drivers who opt for the automatic transmission will get away from stops with more vigor than before.

Putting 250 horsepower through the front wheels can result in excessive wheelspin in less than optimum conditions, but Saab has revised its traction control system to keep this in check. The new automatic transmission feels much livelier when the Sport mode is selected with the button atop the shift lever. The drive-by-wire electronic throttle gets more sensitive to the driver’s foot when Sport is selected, and the effect is much the same as another set of ratios in the transmission. Winter mode engages third gear for less wheelspin on icy surfaces. The adaptive transmission monitors performance and makes adjustments for high altitude or trailer towing.

The 9-5 Aero wagon is a good example of combining sport and function into a handsome package. The understated performance look is very European, and enticing to those who like their performance cars to be discrete. It hunkers lower on a stiffer suspension and has attractive 17-inch wheels, yet it still has a cargo space big enough for hauling all manor of large items. To me, sport wagons are much more appealing for urban life than a sport-utility vehicle because they retain much of an SUV’s cargo capacity without sacrificing that all-important, fun-to-drive factor found in a lithe and lively sedan. Saab’s Aero wagon is just as much at home diving through a sharp corner as it is rolling down the highway.

Folding the back seat flat requires tipping the seat bottoms forward and removing the back-seat headrests. A shallow, hidden storage compartment is located under the floor. Saab offers a number of cargo accessories, including restraint systems for pets and cargo tracks for securing items that might slide around. When the back seat is in place, a cover keeps prying eyes out of the luggage space.

The 9-5’s seats provide excellent support without feeling confining. The instrument panel wraps around the driver to create a cockpit feel. Controls for the radio and heater ar e canted slightly toward the driver so they are easy to reach. For extended night driving, a button turns off the lights on all instruments except for the speedometer. A small cupholder folds out of the dash alongside the radio, but it is not big enough for a large cup or mug, plus I am not fond of cupholders where spills could land on the instrument panel.

Price
The base price of the test car was $39,350. Options included the automatic transmission, metallic paint and visibility package. The sticker price was $42,300.

Point: Sport wagons are tons of fun as well as being practical. The 9-5 Aero gets a horsepower boost from 230 to 250 for 2002, and a new five-speed automatic transmission. It handles like a sports sedan, has good cargo space and a European look. There is no charge for scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

Counterpoint: Off-the-line acceleration is a tad soft unless the Sport button is pushed, and the dash-mount d cupholder won’t hold large cups or mugs.

Warranty
Four years or 50,000 miles.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 2.3-liter, 250-hp 4-cyl.
Transmission: automatic Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 106.4 inches
Curb weight: 3,620 lbs.
Base price: $39,350
As driven: $42,300
Mpg rating: 19 city, 28 hwy.
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