When I saw that this Saab review was from the Times Online, I was nervously hoping that it’d be Jeremy Clarkson spending some much-needed time behind the Turbo X. Alas, it wasn’t to be.
But that shouldn’t prove to be a disappointment, because despite a lack of Clarkson’s descriptive prose, what we have here is yet another great review of a great vehicle from Saab. What I’d give to have one of these in the garage…..
The Times Online and the Saab Turbo X: It’s an estate of mind
Here are a few snippets from the review. After much discussion of the significance of the term “SportWagon”, there’s this:
The new model’s unique proposition is a highly refined all-wheel drive system, the full technical understanding of which will test your knowledge of “electronic rear limited-slip differential” and “wet multi-plate clutch units”.
Suffice to say that, as a result of this, the 9-3 X Turbo a) goes blisteringly fast and b) remains, unlike most cars of this shape, incredibly stable in and out of corners. That’s got to be good news for car-bound dogs everywhere. No more sliding helplessly across the boot in a scuttle of paws, and slamming your nose into the sidewindow.
And this:
…..twist the rubber stub in the Saab’s ignition and [owners will] hear something that you don’t associate with estate cars – the rousing top-note and burble of a conscientiously tuned engine. They’ll be able to peel away from standing as if they were in a sports car. And then they will be able to take their rubbish to the dump.
The Saab 9-3 Turbo X may inject a new and unforeseen level of covetousness into the battered and downtrodden estate-car experience. It may even be that almost unimaginable thing – an estate car that your neighbours are quietly jealous of.
It’s a great read and whilst I don’t wish to offend you sedan owners out there, the SportCombi Turbo X is my personal choice for most desireable current model Saab.
Oh, and if you feel like you do need a dose of Clarksonesque Saab coverage, his initial review of the Saab 9-3 SportCombi V6 Aero – the cockometer story – is here. And it’s also well worth a read.
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I can’t wait for Clarkson or top gear to review the Turbo X, I’d love to see their take on it (not to mention seeing if it’s stig time beats the S60R). He really liked the 9-5 Aero so it might be the much-needed positive review from an A-list automotive publication that Saab needs.
Will it ever make it to Top Gear? Perhaps Saab is afraid to supply one…
I read that older Clarkson test especially the bit about “Vectra under the floor”. GM brings that on itself. It needs to pioneer new platforms in the Premium brand and then let them filter down (in cheaper and simpler form) to less expensive brands. But I’m sure Opel and Vauxhall will never let that happen.
I can just imagine when Clarkson tests the next 9-5. He will say “of course it’s just an Insignia under the floor”. How accurate will he be?
Pity about the ’2.6l’ comment. Things like that taint a review. Still my car is a 2.0 and the badge says 1.8 so if it’s good for Saab…
“The Saab has no cockometer because it doesn’t need one. You’ve deliberately gone your own way, deliberately bought something that isn’t a BMW or a Merc or an Audi. And in the process you’ve ended up with something that’s not only a little bit different, but also rather good. ”
The way I feel about saab…
Interesting info:
One careful owner: Damon Hill
Bound for: Silverstone
Top Gear rated the Saab 9-3SS as the best car in its class a few years ago beating the BMW3, Audi A4, Ovlov S60 and Merc C so I dont know why GM would find it tugh going to supply a Turbo X nicely equipped with a Labrador Retriever of course!
Marac, I dont think Saab needs to pioneer platforms they just need to build the best car on existing ones. The original Audi TT was built on a Golf platform so you get my point?