Yeah, another freakin Turbo X review.
But instead of a review written by Gimpy McButthead for the PokeHill Press, this is one of the heavyweight industry observers that you don’t hear much from in terms of car reviews – Pete DeLorenzo from AutoExtremist. It’s not a full-on review, but more of an opinion piece.
The full writeup can be read here (scroll down a little once you get there) but I think it’s worth whetting the appetite just a little:
I think it’s safe to say that the Turbo X is the most sophisticated and technically advanced Saab ever built. And driving it is, if not a revelation, at least an eye-opener – especially for you old-time Saab drivers out there – because it doesn’t act like any Saab that has come before it…..
….The Saab Turbo X is the finest Saab ever built in my estimation, and that’s a good thing. And GM seems committed to keep Saab in the fray, with a couple of new-think products slated for the brand that will actually give it a raison d’etre beyond 2010.
Click on through. This is in the On The Table section of AE.
It’s also worth reading today’s Rant if you’ve got an interest in the US Automotive manucfaturing sector.
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Thanks Paul!
“Gimpy McButthead”? Hmmm…I think I know a few Gimpys in our field of auto scribes.
the media will eventually need a new darling. if saab can build upon what they have started with the TX, they will be nicely positioned to improve the brand image and make some real money at the same time.
Yes!Yet another Turbo-X review.Here’s my question, please offer your opinions:Why does this fine but typically understated in keeping with Saabs design ethos vehicle elicit such hugely disparate opinions in its reviews.Everything from a great value to hugely overpriced.Cutting edge handling to embarrasingly numb steering.What other car currently on the market has as many contradictory viewpoints being expressed?
Lance, I think you answerded your own question right there. The Saab ethos has never been one for everyone to appreciate.
Lance, I’m really not sure why some cars are so polarizing, but another recent example is the 2009 Acura TSX. Edmunds absolutely trashed it, but Automobile and Car and Driver loved it. Some think the steering is fine, while others say it feels numb. I’ve driven it twice, and while it’s far from perfect, it’s well-balanced, with enough performance to be entertaining, yet enough practicality to be a daily driver. I thought the Edmunds review was way too harsh.
And I’m sure a review depends largely on the reviewer’s expectations going in. If you drive the Turbo X expecting it to raise the bar in the premium AWD performance sedan segment, or believe it should for the price, you’ll probably be disappointed. If, however, you expect it to be a big step forward for Saab, and hope it will be at least competitive with Audi and some others, you’ll be impressed. I think the New York Times reviewer had the latter perspective, and was accordingly positive. I had a similar perspective, and was also impressed. Of course it helps if you’re already a fan of the marque, and, as we know, some just don’t get it!
SaabLance, these seemingly ‘contradictory’ viewpoints can often be validated in context. My personal experience is that the steering can be floaty, BUT put the foot down through the corner and things really come alive.
Regarding price, on paper it can seem expensive but be truly objective across a range of criteria and you’ll find Saabs have a lot of inherent values that are not found in the comparable ‘cheaper’ cars. It all depends on which part of the world you’re in too. The US is a hard nut, but here in OZ the T-X is reaonably cheaper than the BMW 335 RWD and has a less extensive (and expensive) options list. It is a fair bit more expensive than a Subaru Liberty though, but I understand the Subaru has its shortcomings in terms of refinement.
I think the important part is that this limited Saab vehicle has gained so much press exposure to the point that we’re bored of seeing reviews, yes? And if we, Saab fans, employees, salesman and TSers (uh oh, that don’t read so good, sorry Swade) have seen so many reviews then it means most car fans may have been exposed to maybe one or two. Good or bad, they know Saab exists, they’re having a bash at things and that the Turbo X warrants attention. Most enthusiasts form an opinion independent of reviews anyway and will believe what they want to believe, or what they actually know from experience. Reviews are more often than not just an excuse to either feel smug or get angry.
Turbin brings up a very valid point, and that is that Saab has been getting alot more media attention this year. There are news and reviews and speculations almost daily – even at the mainstream automotive sites.
This can’t be a bad thing as it raises brand-awareness and would serve as a stepping stone for Saab direct and indirect marketing efforts once the actual new products arrive. This scheme has been successfully exploited by Audi.
I can’t see how they compare, it seems more like apples and oranges, but he went for the Mustang Bullitt over the Saab!
That is actually very high praise from Peter De Lorenzo. Clearly he was seduced by the power of the 2.8L V6 and all the fun it provides when driving the car. He comments on the interior were nice to read as well.
As for his choice of the Mustang, well – that is hard to explain to some and easy to understand for me. There is something seductive about driving a rear wheel drive muscle car. Sure it is the antithesis of what Saab stands for, but for a quick jaunt – they sure can be fun.
The fact that a literate, educated and even AWARE American like PDL can acknowledge that the SAAB represents the future and still go for the Mustang gives a pretty fair analogy as to why GM/Ford and the whole US car business is so screwed and will continue to be for quite a while to come.