It’s just a Turbo X kind of day, I guess…..

After the ads and the first one rolling off the line, here’s a new review of the Saab Turbo X, from the Irish Times. And a fantastic and balanced bit of reading it is, too. Let’s start at the finish:

Saab has demonstrated it has the ability to engineer good cars and come up with exciting ideas through its concepts. Now it needs to start delivering on its promises. The new four-wheel-drive system is impressive, but we need more for the forecourt from the Swedes.

I don’t think there’s anyone here who would argue with that.

As mentioned, this is one good read. It treats the car pretty fairly in saying that it’s not going to shake the foundations of the sport saloon standard bearers, but it’s bloody good.

There’s notes about the understated and tasteful body styling, but there’s notes about the lack of extras in the interior as well. At one point there’s mention of the ride being a bit “rough and tumble” in certain conditions, but there’s also “fistfuls of grip”. This car isn’t the end-game for Saab, but it’s a significant step along the road.

Over all, this is an impressive car, and it makes an impression on our writer. I can’t help but agree with the sentiments in his closing paragraph (my opening). But I feel quite a bit better today because the first of these cars has now been built and is presumably on its way to a customer. The promise that the Turbo X represents for Saab is now manifest, even if it’s only in a limited edition to start with.

It’s a good day. May there be many more to come.

This review from The Irish Times is recommended reading. My thanks to Colin for sending it on.