SAAB Australia has dropped the price of each model in the new 9-5 range by $2000. Prices start at $57,900 for the 136kW Linear Sedan.

The 9-5 range -- at this stage, three 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol-only engine variants -- includes the Linear Sedan and SportEstate, both rated at 136kW/280Nm, the mid-level Vector Sedan (162kW/310Nm), and Aero Sedan and SportEstate, rated at 191kW/350Nm.

The Aero's performance has been uprated from 184kW to 191kW. Generating 350Nm between 1800 and 5200rpm, Aero remains among the best in its class for low-end torque, says SAAB.

In manual form Aero includes a 'super boost' facility which automatically engages at full throttle openings, raising torque (another 37Nm) for up to 20 seconds for better overtaking. Manual Aero is available in Australia as a special order. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the 9-5 Linear Sedan. The Aisin AW five-speed automatic transmission, with steering wheel Sentronic gear selection buttons, is optional on Linear Sedan and standard on all other 9-5 models. The Linear Sedan and SportEstate gain new 10-spoke 16-inch alloys.

2006 SAAB 9-5 Pricing
9-5 Sedan
9-5 Linear Sedan 2.3t 136kW/280Nm $57,900 (Manual ) $60,400 (Automatic)
9-5 Arc (Vector) Sedan 2.3T 162kW/310Nm  $70,900
9-5 Aero Sedan 2.3 191kW/350Nm  $82,900

9-5 SportEstate
9-5 Linear SportEstate 2.3t 136kW/280Nm  $62,400
9-5 Aero SportEstate 2.3 191kW/350Nm  $84,900