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Old 05-14-2008, 09:14 AM   #1
Exige_240R
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Default new Saab Turbo X drive - a review by me!

I put this on my other forum, and it seems this is the place to do a review on these forums, although there are no others here!!??!!?? I am sorry if I am breaking picture posting rules, they are only 800 res, but I am wiriting this from work so have not time to search to see the way you do it here, if I am wrong please say it nicely and I will change it tonight at home.

Occasionally, from time-to-time I write about, and post photo's I have taken of some new cars I have driven, so here is something a little different from Lotuses and Ferrari's, our new limited edition 2.8 V6 engined Saab 9-3 Turbo X - XWD.



First impression of the car appears very seductive and executive at the very time, it has a very 'smart' appearance. At idle the engine has a very positive sound which, in its own way says "I am powerful". Which it is, 280bhp with XWD (a flashy version of 4WD Saab have introduced). The V6 is a very smooth engine, and the car we have is a manual which makes it even nicer .
At low speeds the V6 provides plenty of torque and grunt to move around, all the time producing a deep engine noise.



As speed increases, especially in 3rd gear is where the pulling power of this car is at its most prominent, the car accelerates faultlessly with a very smooth turbo until you really put your foot down where you feel the turbo working to procduce the extra power! Its only when you come to the country lanes that the car begins to feel its weight, the handling is superb and the steering wheel is very comfortable to hold (although a little big for my liking - but then, a Lotus's wheel is small to most people!) and is very responsive. the XWD certainly seems to be working as it dirves very well, eliminating the twitchy FWD chassis traits replacing them with sure footed well engineered responses, while at the same time maintaining all the enjoyable and good qualities of the 9-3 Sports chassis cars.



The noise produced as you drive around is lovely, it is deep and powerful, but never intrusive, put the window down to enjoy it, or up to not hear it so much. The ride is just right, the suspension set-up is perfect for motorways (highway) and B-roads, the gearbox is not clunky like on some larger AWD/4WD cars. Meaning this car can be enjoyed while driving sedately or fast n' fun!



The interior quality is, to put it simply, very good. Where on traditional 9-3's you would have a strip of 'matte aluminium plastic' or wood trim, the car features carbon fibre trimmings, but its all very subtle, nothing 'in your face'. The seats are usual Saab quality, top-of-range electric seats with all the options, soft (and yet, hard-wearing) leather makes for a very comfortable experience. To drive this car is comfortable enough to be luxury, and sporty enough to feel like you can take the car by its neck and drive it to within an inch of its life - possibly the most comfortable car I apporve of!!



I think my only real critism is the way the car feels a bit heavy, but in its defence it counteracts that with well planted handling and powerful engine. Although this car is capable of being driven quick, I actually preferred to reduce the speed, listen to the engine and just let it take me, it felt very executive at the same time as being sporty. A clever match to put together and make successful!
So there you have it, a 2-minute review of Saab's new flagship car, and a few photo's taken quickly at the side of the road! I hope it was worth reading :p

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Old 05-14-2008, 12:35 PM   #2
HeilSvenska
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Originally Posted by Exige_240R View Post
I put this on my other forum, and it seems this is the place to do a review on these forums, although there are no others here!!??!!??
Actually, they're all hidden. There's a quite a lot if you know how to look.
http://www.motorworld.net/forum/foru...c&daysprune=-1

Nice review! The Turbo X is probably the first SAAB I'd like to own. That new "jet inspired" design really works on the 9-3, so much that it even makes that wheel work. (six spoke or split three spoke?) Too bad it's a limited edition. Oh well, as long as the technology trickles down to lesser models, it'll be good.
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Old 05-14-2008, 12:44 PM   #3
Exige_240R
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thanks for the link! Now I see them all

I can do more reviews on the cars here / cars we trade in if there is interest to do so, I just felt like posting this because after saying I had returned here, I then had internet problems and a holiday and I felt bad for not posting anything, so thought I should post something worthwhile to contribute a little!!
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