Comments on: Saab 9-3 TTiD review #1

By: rayman146

rayman146 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:00:46 +0000

as far as I know – the turbo lag effect is gone when you implement the new Hirsch Performance tune!

By: Bjorn n

Bjorn n — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:07:52 +0000

I would agree with everything in the review. It’s a great car with a seamless engine. In fact I am already on my second TTiD automatic (I will not tell you the reason for that). I have one gripe though, it still has a very irritating turbo lag. Does anybody know have to best deal with that?

By: DP

DP — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:39:56 +0000

I think it would be a real service to have a side-by-side, on-road comparison of three 9-3s: A 2.0, a biopower and a diesel–all with manual transmissions, similar body weights. See what performance differences there are including rolling acceleration say from 30-70 mph, compare mileage and measure exhaust emissions. My guess is that the diesel will do quite well when all three factors, especially mpg, are factored in.

By: Lance Cole (Author)

Lance Cole (Author) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:11:53 +0000

Kaz

Really glad you confirmed my opinion on this car. That auto box really does not detract from the engine- indeed in my opinion, it makes it. The second turbo cut in is indeed seamless, and I love the machine gun rattle you get when the first turbo reaches peak revs.

Rune- other one- no the front is not too light and the rear end is not skittish- I tried that experiment. the turn in and steering load up are perfect too.

That is why i called this car the best balanced Saab – the damping is superb, the roll rate very nicely set up, and the corners are all tied down expertly. And oh that TTid engine with the autobox- just knocks the spots off VW Audi or anyone else.

The best Saab model in years.

Despite the floppy, useless, uncontrollable window switches, mine would be a fusion blue one Saab….

By: Kaz

Kaz — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:42:43 +0000

Rune, the grip levels appear the same, but the car changes direction quicker than the V6. If I pushed the V6 hard enough, it would understeer quicker than the TTiD appears to.

Took the car for a little spin after work, it really is effortless to drive. This engine is very impressive, the torque spread is seamless, you can’t feel the change from the smaller to the larger scroll of the turbo, it’s just instant response.

It feels much like the 323d from BMW, although that engine has more power, the TTiD feels a bit more flexible.

The TTiD is so nice in the mid-range, anyone who chooses the 2.0T over the 1.9TTiD really needs to think long and hard as to why they make that decision. The TTiD is possibly one of the best Saab engines……..ever.

By: Rune (the other one)

Rune (the other one) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:59:21 +0000

The nose is lighter? Does that make an impact on the grip you get in corners on loose gravel or snow/ice? (my guess is that a heavier nose will push the wheels down into the snow more, making sure the grip is restored sooner — and the back will pop out easier without being aided by the hand brake)

By: rpg

rpg — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:16:06 +0000

Boy, do I wish they sold the TTiD here in the States. Is XWD in the pipeline for the TTiD? A XWD TTiD SportCombi with Aero trim would be irresistible.

By: john

john — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:22:43 +0000

a new swab every 6 months?
Dang that’s a great job!

By: Kaz

Kaz — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:58:21 +0000

Thanks Swade.

Loving the car immensely. The auto gearbox suits this engine really well. I also agree with Lances’s words regarding balance. This is probably the most balanced model of the entire 9-3 range.

Oh, the colour is Jet Black before anyone asks I’ve also gone for the same 18″ wheels as previously, the V spoke split alloys.

Can’t wait for work to finish now!!