This is another one of those purchase stories that we followed for a long time.

There were all sorts of mishaps along the way. In fact, you could say that at several points along the way, Saab Canada were doing everything they could to not sell him a Turbo X. There’s a salesman at Saab on the Queensway who should thank his lucky stars that Kroum’s been so patient and so keen on giving the Turbo X every opportunity.

The good news is that Kroum held his interest and finally picked up his Turbo X last weekend. His initial thoughts follow. I’ve got to say, it’s very satisfying to hear him so keen on the car. I’ve been backing this car since day 1, and that’s in spite of the “only 280hp” concerns. I loved the very idea of this car and felt justified at the great things we saw at the release.

Now, with someone who actively shopped quality competition from the Germans choosing the X, I feel really pleased, mostly because he feels so very happy with the car.

Congratulations, Kroum!!!

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Hey Swade,

It’s been a long road with a few bumps along the way, but it has finally come to writing to you about the Turbo X from an owner’s perspective! Actually, make than one very happy owner’s perspective.

You know that thing they say about Saabs having souls? Ever since I had a firm delivery date for my X, I started to feel kind of sorry for my old 9-3 Sedan. I felt like I’m betraying my first Saab, feels almost as if I left my loving wife for that younger, hotter girl.

I guess no one would be surprised when I say the Turbo X is one heck of a great car. It just begs to be driven, and the mean exhaust note is absolutely addictive. You almost want to keep it a gear lower all the time just to get more of it – that, however, is an expensive addiction as the X is everything but a Prius. For the first 100 km. I was averaging 18 l./100 km. mixed driving. That has improved to around 15 l./100 km. for today, and I sure hope it has something to do with the car being brand new. My old 2.0t was averaging around 9.5 l./100 km. and it was automatic – I know that’s like comparing apples to oranges, but I’m pretty sure it will go down to 12-13 within a week or so. I’ve always filled up with premium (Sunoco 94), it adds performance and helps with mileage, too.

The Turbo X is a fast one, let me tell you that. Acceleration is effortless, and that considering I am trying to not rev beyond 4,000 rpm for the first little while, just to be sure. Highway cruising is a blast and even shooting out in 6th gear is ridiculously easy – all you need is throttle. Drop it down a gear and it catapults so quick it becomes borderline-stupid with heavy Toronto highway traffic. And no matter what you do to that car, the engine seems completely unimpressed – the “wake me up when you’re up to something no good” attitude. But I’d rather let her nap for now as I do value my driver’s license. Don’t we all wish we lived in Germany sometimes? As my girlfriend said, you itch for a fast car and when you finally get it you find yourself aggravated there’s nowhere to drive it.

But you do get the added benefit of just massaging the throttle while hanging out in neutral at a traffic light. The sound it makes, at even low rmps, is so damn good. And it’s not just the exhaust – the engine sounds mean and ready all the time. It has this deep, no-bullshit growl, a sleeping giant of sorts, that will probably make my day for years to come whenever I start the car. We decided to go for a short show off drive in one of Toronto’s posh districts, but the plan fell apart the moment a red Ferarri pulled right in-front of me and basically ruined my show of Swedish sound engineering. As mean as the Turbo X is, it’s no match in terms of sounds when you have a friggin’ Ferarri going off right there before you.

The X is a beautiful car – pictures really don’t do it justice. The exterior looks somewhat subtle at first, it is not the kind of car that’s going to turn many heads parked curbside. But a second later, and the sleeper cover reveals a downright sinister look. No, it doesn’t have the S5 lean muscular stance, nor does it look as angry as an M3. It just looks mean. Evil. Sinister. And I like that. Darth Vader was not the WWF type, nor did he looks particularly pissed off at anyone. He just epitomized evil, and the Turbo X has the exact same effect. “Don’t be coming to me all pissed and angry, I’m gonna make you eat kittens for breakfast.” Oh, the lighting, those light pipes look particularly good and add a great deal to the Sith look. At night, it’s a light symphony of destruction (pardon the Megadeth reference). Seeing – and hearing! – a fast-approaching Turbo X in your rearview mirror must be a very intimidating experience.

The interior is a great place to be, too. Saab have obviously done their homework on sound insulation and rattle elimination and the X is very quiet, even on some of Toronto’s roughest roads (not that we have any good ones – but that’s a separate story). Wind noise is practically absent at even 160 km/h, and at high speeds the only thing you can clearly hear is the mean murmur of the engine – it is constantly there and does add a lot to the overall experience. I mean, who doesn’t want to drive a car with a mean-sounding engine that constantly reminds of itself (Buick LaCrosse owners excluded)? The touch-screen nav is a great unit, too – extremely intuitive and easy to operate. And the Centerpoint sound system is brilliant, the sound is perfect, although admittedly I keep it down as at this point the engine/exhaust orchestra is much more endearing to my ears.

Seats are fantastic, as one would expect from Saab. Highly comfortable and the leather feels a lot more upscale than the standard 9-3 fare. The perforated inserts and large stitches create great texture, so the saloon does not look too boring or ordinary. The quality of the plastics has also visibly improved – softer, and obviously more upscale materials have been used throughput the cabin. The perforated leather steering wheel is simply awesome. Thick and easy to grip, and makes you smile the moment you grab it – you know what you’re in for, even if all she asked for was skim milk and a dozen eggs. (On a side note, I sure hope they keep the Griffin on the steering wheel, it looks so much better than just SAAB written on it.)

A very noticeable car – I am getting used to people looking at me and the X. You get the “what the hell is that mean sound coming from?” look all the time. And I won’t lie, I love it! Call me a young punk, but I am also noticing passing in the left lane has actually become easier with the Turbo X – for people move out. Quick.

I’ve already put 300 km. on the car, just looking for any excuse to get out and drive really. It’s such an addictive machine. The long wait was worth it! I feel like I must also thank Rob Werstroh and Roy Hori from Saab on the Queensway for helping me become what is possibly the first Turbo X owner in Canada, and also being very active during all the hassles with the wrong equipment trims, VIN unrecognized by the insurance companies, etc. Marten Wahlstedt of Saab Canada was also personally involved, which I find commendable. It’s just too bad that it had to come to a public outing for them to become so proactive – I hope everyone has learned their lesson, and things such as customer service and communication will improve for Saab in general. They sure have great cars to sell, now all they need is the customers.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention I also got that nice Turbo X box with the keyfob and a sticky metal badge “Turbo X – One of Two Thousand”. It’s a very nice treat, I am just contemplating is I should put the badge somewhere inside the car, or just leave the all-black interior as is.

Cheers,
Kroum