Saab 9-3 Turbo X 2008 Review

Owners of the new Saab Turbo X will get a personalised greeting when they switch on the ignition.

A “Ready For Take-off” message flashes in the main instrument display with the owner's name and car edition number.

The mean-looking Turbo X will be launched next month in all-wheel-drive, rekindling the spirit of the 1980s Saab 900 Black Turbo.

Only 30 Turbo X vehicles will be released in Australia and New Zealand, with 25 Sport Sedans at $88,800 (manual) and $91,300 (auto) and five SportCombi models at $91,300 (manual) and $92,800 (auto) arriving before September.

GM Premium Brands communications manager Emily Perry said they had three confirmed orders for the Turbo X.

Perry said the Turbo X AWD technology would become available in an all-wheel-drive version of the Aero late in the year.

“That is, by Christmas you'll be able to choose the current 188kW FWD Aero or the 206kW XWD Aero,” she said.

However, Turbo X will include unique features that won't be available on the standard XWD Aero such as the electronic limited slip differential but it will be an option.

The Turbo X is powered by the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine and features Saab's Cross-Wheel-Drive technology, which allows torque to be split to either side of the rear axle by way of an electronically limited-slip differential, based on information from the stability-control and traction-control systems.

To optimise traction at take-off, Saab XWD incorporates a pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels, eliminating the need to detect front-wheel slip before rear drive is activated.

It also features an active rear limited-slip differential; which can transfer up to 50 per cent of maximum rear torque between the rear wheels to which ever has more grip.

Turbo X also has retuned suspension, an electronic chassis, special throttle and powertrain settings and special styling.

All cars will be black, with the front grille and all exterior detailing accented in a matte-grey titanium-like finish.

Up front is a deeper lip spoiler and integrated air intake and, at the rear, the reprofiled bumper and insert panel lowers the point of air-flow separation to reduce drag and assist the vehicle's high-speed stability.

The Sport Sedan features a rear spoiler that extends the line of the trunk deck, reducing high-speed lift forces at the rear axle, and the SportCombi has a similar spoiler that extends the rear roofline.

They sit on 18-inch, three-spoke titanium-like alloys (19-inch available as a factory option at $2250) and feature twin, rhomboid-shaped tailpipes.

The black theme is continued in the cabin with black leather upholstery (premium upholstery costs an extra $4000), and carbon-fibre fascia, door inserts, glove box and gear shift console.

The Turbo X boost gauge is a replica of the original 900 Turbo display.

Snapshot

Audi A5 3.2 FSI

Price: $91,900

Engine: aluminium, 3197cc, 24-valve, direct injection, DOHC V6

Power: 195kW @ 6500rpm

Torque: 330Nm @ 3000-5000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed continuously variable multitronic transmission with DRP sport program, front-wheel drive with electronic stabilisation

Suspension: 5-link (front), independent-wheel, trapezoidal-link (rear)

Brakes: dual-circuit brake system, ABS, EBD, ESP, brake assist, tandem brake booster

Wheels: 7.5J x 17 cast alloys

Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 6.6 secs

Fuel: 95 RON, 65L tank

Economy: 8.7L/100km

Carbon emissions: 207g/km

Options: metallic paint $1600, 18-inch wheels $1350, sports seats $800, memory seats $1300 and B&O sound system $1550