Saab 99 Reviews

Saab is a difficult make to judge. It’s the second Swede, a quirky make that has always been stuck in Volvo’s shadow and suffered as a result. For some it has more character than Volvo, and it has always tended to tread a different path, but it remains largely invisible. We all know it’s there, but few seriously consider it a rival for makes like Audi, BMW and the like, even though it builds reliable, comfortable and sporty cars.MODEL WATCHExternally the 9-3 seems little different to the 900 that preceded it. The styling was basically carried over from the previous model with little change and the reality is that little did change other than the model designation, which fell into line with the new system Saab was using, and some simplification of the model range.Saab offered the choice of three-door coupe, five-door sedan, and convertible in the 9-3 range.The styling of the 9-3 was simple, clean and efficient. There was nothing that jarred, the lines flowed nicely, the curves were soft and the shapes clean, but that also meant it was easy to miss. It simply melted into the background rather than stand out.Saab simplified its engine offerings in the 9-3, dropping the V6 and sticking to the well respected four-cylinder engines.The 110 kW 2.3-litre double overhead camshaft four had a solid reputation for reliability and was a Saab favourite, and there was also the choice of the 96 kW 2.0-litre and 136 kW 2.0-litre turbo engines.From 1990 the choices were limited to the 2.0-litre, which came in 113 kW low-pressure turbo and 136 kW regular turbo versions.The transmission choices were a five-speed manual with a rather clunky shift and a four-speed auto, with drive through the front wheels. Early Saabs suffered terribly from torque-steer, which became chronic on the more powerful turbo models.All Saab models came with an extensive list of standard features.IN THE SHOPSaab stuck to its reliable four-cylinder engines in the 9-3, the 2.3-litre four a well known and trusted power plant that gives little trouble.Mechanically the 9-3 is pretty well bullet proof, particularly the 2.3-litre engine, which is good for many hundreds of thousands of kilometres providing it’s well serviced. The good thing is that the camshafts are chain driven, which means there isn’t a belt that regularly requires changing.Brakes tend to be a high cost maintenance item with pads and rotors needing replacement at intervals of 50,000 km or less. Heavy front brake wear can be seen from the build-up of brake dust on the front wheels, it’s a consequence of the brake set-up used on most modern cars which use the front brakes quite heavily.The Saab sedans and coupes are generally tight in the body, and retain the tightness over time, but the convertible is full of shakes and rattles. So much so that it can be a turnoff when you first drive one.For a time the Saab soft top was one of the few affordable convertibles on the market, and buyers tended to accept its scuttle shake because there was little choice, but today there are lots of soft top choices and few have the shake problems of the Saab.Check convertibles carefully. Make sure the hood operates, up and down, smoothly as it can be expensive to fix a problem roof.While you’re at it check the roof for tears, or areas of high wear which can occur because of the movement in the hood as it goes up and down. Tears can mean water leaks and high wear areas can mean a replacement hood will be needed.Convertible interiors are usually subjected to high sun exposure, which can lead to cracking of trim components. They can fade and become brittle with time if left in the sun too much. It’s also a fact of life that convertible interiors can get wet if you’re caught in a sudden downpour, it’s not a huge problem if the trim and carpets are allowed to dry properly before being left in a garage. If it smells mouldy, walk away!IN A CRASHDual front airbags were standard in the 9-3 as the main secondary safety protection. ABS and safe handling provide the first line of protection in a crash situation.OWNERS SAYChris Bor bought his 2001 9-3 turbo a year ago after falling for a friend’s 9-3 cabriolet in Sydney, but chose the five-door sedan because he felt it was better suited to Melbourne’s climate. It’s done less than 40,000 km and hasn’t given him any problems to date. Chris likes the Saab’s style, the performance, and particularly appreciates its roomy boot, which is handy for his work as a salesman. While Chris acknowledges Saab’s poor resale he says it worked in his favour when he bought it.LOOK FOR• good value for money• low resale values• modest performance from low pressure turbo• plain and simple looks• reliable 2.3-litre four cylinder engine the pick of the bunchTHE BOTTOM LINEWell built Swede is often overlooked, but soft resale values can make a good used buy.RATING80/100

General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are arguing for their share of the rescue money provided by the American government as they continue to suffer the biggest losses in motoring history.The Bush administration opposes their call for cash but a bill has been presented by the Democratic party to the country's Congress, which is also in transition following the landslide win by president-elect Barak Obama, to give them some short-term relief.If any deal is approved - which seems a longshot - it will include a provision that none of the money can be used to pay executive bonuses.These have been a multi-million dollar windfall for most senior executives at the Big Three for decades, but look to pass into history - at least until the river of red ink in Detroit is damed.The proposal for the $25 billion assistance package has created a political furore in the USA, where one side of politics says the Big Three only have themselves to blame and the other is trying to protect jobs and even the pension and health insurance entitlements of retired workers.A USA Today-Gallup poll shows the split, as a 47 per cent of adults said they believe loans and other help for carmakers is "not that important".Meanwhile, everything from paperclips to concept cars has been culled as General Motors fights for survival.The one-time world leader, which is now certain to be overtaken by Toyota on the 2008 sales charts, has slashed all non-essential spending and has even withdrawn from the Los Angeles Motor Show later this week.GM was planning to unveil a new Buick concept car and something exciting for Saab, but has pulled both cars and also decided to keep its senior executives away from the California car show.Ford and Chrysler are also expected to go low-key in LA, leaving import brands including Nissan and Mazda - which will reveal their all- new 370Z and Mazda3 - to make the running.But it is the GM cutbacks which are making news in the USA, as the company - which is losing billions each month - reduces spending on everything from stationary to company cars. It has cut all executive bonuses and raised prices for executive lease cars.GM has admitted it will run out of cash reserves by the end of the year.Chrysler has also eliminated bonuses and is pushing e-mail to save on paper costs, while Ford is not having any Christmas parties in 2008 and has slashed all non-essential staff travel. 

Ageing designs and even older platforms have seen many prestige car buyers cross Saab off the shopping list before leaving home. The 9-3 sits on eight-year-old underpinnings, while the 9-5 is even older with its Epsilon platform approaching 12, a true geriatric in prestige automotive terms.“There is no doubt we have suffered because we spent a lot of time telling people what the price of the car was rather than what the brand was about,” says Saab Australia boss Parveen Batish.“That approach has a negative impact as far as your residual values are concerned and it takes a while to dig yourself out of that hole ... and we're not out of that hole yet.”Batish was on hand at the launch of the limited edition Turbo X and Aero fettle for the TTiD diesels. Saab hopes these will turn things around. Despite sales evidence to the contrary, Batish says the brand is heading in the right direction.To the end of May, Saab sales have dropped almost 27per cent over the same period last year, with just 592 cars registered.“We have been talking about the brand a lot more over the past 18 months. We've got to tell people what Saab's about if we're going to be sustainable in the future. We can't just go on price ... people are willing to pay as long as they know they are getting the performance and value they expect from the brand that they are buying.”The poster car for Batish's vision of a brave new future is one that will do little to improve the bottom line in raw figures but will provide a point of reference for what Saab is going to become.The Turbo X (just 30 examples will make their way to Australia) is a showcase of technology for future models. The all-wheel-drive (cross-wheel-drive in Saab speak) 2.8-litre V6 with active limited-slip rear differential is a clear signpost on the road to the all-new 9-5 due by early next year.“To have a hero car we can point to is hugely important for a couple of reasons,” Batish says. “Firstly it gives everyone a boost, a lift, and that will show in the marketing. More importantly it allows us to talk to the people we want. We can finally say to those people who have been scared to drive a front-wheel-drive car because , `You can't put that much power through the front wheels', try this.“It is true that 30 cars is not a lot of conquests, but from here AWD will flow to other models, at least as an option, in the very, very near future. That is what I mean about giving those people confidence. We can do one job at the moment in terms of lifting the brand with the Turbo-X and then with cross-wheel drive in the future we can bring those conquests to us.”Even before the flow down of the AWD and LSD technology, Saab is working to get its cars back on the consideration list.“The conversion rate when we get people into the cars is fantastic, something like 50 per cent,” Batish says. “That tells me we have a product people like but we have to get them into contact with it.”To that end Saab will be pushing what Batish believes is the brand's unique selling point.“As a brand what we're going to focus on is responsible performance. The fact we have excellent diesel engines with an Aero diesel, the fact we have enviro-power-flexible vehicles with E85, the fact we have four-cylinder engines with great performance and fuel economy. All of this leads to responsible performance.“Everyone wants performance. When people buy a premium car that's what they want.“We think we have great cars with great packages, especially the TTiD.”However, for all the “responsible” banter it is going to be, initially at least, the performance of the Turbo X that will grab buyers by the throttle.Saab has opened its AWD strategy with a car of which it has built only 2000 - all of which are black and which Saab Australia holds only four firm orders for the 30 examples it has been allocated. There is little argument that it deserves a better reception than that, and may well get one once those looking in from the sidelines at the $88,800 starting price get over the sticker shock.With 206kW and 400Nm the Turbo X, in six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, is open to some suspicion. The 9-3 Viggen (the car, not Saab's jet interceptor) is remembered for its audacious torque and atrocious manners.The Turbo X shares none of that. AWD and electronic LSD means the 400Nm of urge is delivered in a controlled manner. So much so that the Turbo X was at its best on a loose gravel road with the torque delivery switching from front to rear and side to side with effortless efficiency. 

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.  SnapshotAudi A5 3.2 FSIPrice: $91,900Engine: aluminium, 3197cc, 24-valve, direct injection, DOHC V6Power: 195kW @ 6500rpmTorque: 330Nm @ 3000-5000rpmTransmission: 8-speed continuously variable multitronic transmission with DRP sport program, front-wheel drive with electronic stabilisationSuspension: 5-link (front), independent-wheel, trapezoidal-link (rear)Brakes: dual-circuit brake system, ABS, EBD, ESP, brake assist, tandem brake boosterWheels: 7.5J x 17 cast alloysAcceleration: 0-100km/h in 6.6 secsFuel: 95 RON, 65L tankEconomy: 8.7L/100kmCarbon emissions: 207g/kmOptions: metallic paint $1600, 18-inch wheels $1350, sports seats $800, memory seats $1300 and B&O sound system $1550 

The high-performance model, which has already attracted deposit-paid orders in Australia, will introduce the AWD system which will appear on the Aero model later this year.The Swedish carmaker says just 30 Turbo X vehicles (25 Sport Sedan and five SportCombi) will be released to customers in Australia and New Zealand from June, starting from $88,800 and rising to $93,800.The Turbo X is the first model to offer the XWD AWD system, which can put 206kW of power and 400Nm of torque (between 2150rpm and 4500rpm) from the 24-valve 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine to the bitumen.The Saab XWD system is an active AWD system that continuously distributes torque between the front and rear axles, and between the rear wheels.To optimise traction at take off, Saab XWD incorporates an innovative pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels, instead of waiting for slip.Saab believes the system sets a new benchmark. It also allows the Turbo X to hit 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds.There's also an active rear limited-slip differential as standard on the Turbo X, set to appear on the Aero's options list. This can transfer up to 50 per cent of torque between the rear wheels, depending on grip. The ultimate Saab performance machine, the Turbo X will start at $88,800 for the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 manual Sport Sedan or $91,300 for the auto.Stepping up to the SportCombi pumps the price to $91,300 for the manual and $93,800 for the auto.Offered only in metallic black with some details in a grey titanium-like finish, the Turbo X gets the full aero body kit, making it the meanest-looking Saab in living memory. It sits on standard 18-inch alloy wheels, while optional 19-inch rims will add $2250 to the bottom line.The cabin has black leather-trimmed sports seats (or there's an optional premium, natural leather interior for an extra $4000), as well as a carbon-fibre finish to the fascia, door trims, glovebox and gear shift console.The driver gets a thick-rimmed, soft-grip leather steering wheel and an eyeful of a boost gauge that's a replica from the original 900 Turbo.Owners can also have a personalised greeting when they get behind the wheel and switch on the ignition. As well as a “Ready for take-off” message flashed on the main instrument display, the owner's name and personalised greeting also can be programmed by the dealer. 

Looking for the “real you” usually involves selling the family wagon and buying a red convertible.However, after your toupee has been torn from your head, you have been stared and pointed at by giggling schoolgirls, and you have been drenched in the rain when the roof has refused to return to its raised position, you will be ready to sell your convertible and try something else.At this stage you realise you have wasted a lot of money and tested the patience of your family and friends.Yet some of us take time to learn and this process can go on for a while as you flit from one midlife crisis purchase to another. There's still a coupe, V8, ute and SUV to try.I went through the process with a succession of vehicles that I am too ashamed to admit to in public.My wife would argue that my midlife crisis is still going with my six-monthly turnover of motorcycles, but that's another story. Besides, they're a bit cheaper than cars.If only I knew then what I know now, I would have saved some money. The lesson is; if you must have a midlife crisis, buy a Saab 9-3 Convertible and get it out of your system.The Saab is one of the few four-seater convertibles around, which means you can actually justify it as a sort of family car (we won't mention the lack of luggage space).Saab 9-3 convertibles also have good private resale value, which is absolutely vital, unless you enjoy throwing money down the drain.And remember, you will pay almost $20,000 more for the convertible over the sedan.Now Saab has a diesel version, which means it is not only cheap to run but should have an even better residual value when you go to sell it — and you will sell it a seemingly short time after you've had it.There are stacks of reasons for this.First, it's a rag top, so you can never be sure about its security. It takes only one brazen thief with a box cutter to get in.As a rag top, it is also loud, even with the top up, although Saab has a triple-lined rag top, so it's quieter than most.There is also the problem of handling. Convertibles don't have a roof to take the stresses of the chassis twisting in a corner, so they tend to handle like a leaky boat in a 50-knot wind on Moreton Bay.The fact it's a four-seater means there's an even bigger non-stressed area of chassis to bend and wave in the breeze.Saab has greatly improved the handling, but it still is no track-day special.The main reason for selling the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel model will be that engine.Yes, it is their most advanced diesel engine yet, with a two-stage turbo, common-rail direct and multiple fuel injection, greater maximum boost pressure, lower compression ratio and alloy cylinder head.And true, you get about 6.3 litres per 100km fuel economy (which is actually worse than the sedan's 5.8L/100km because the convertible is heavier).However, that two-stage turbo just doesn't work. In theory it should have no turbo lag. But the lag here is best measured by a calendar.Don't be tempted to cut into a stream of traffic or you will be left stranded before the boost cuts in just over 2000rpm.At that point you get peak torque of 320Nm available instantly, which yanks the steering wheel out of your hand and spears the front-wheel driver first one way then another.If that's not bad enough, the typical clattery noise of the diesel engine is even more evident, either with the top down or up.Outside, the new model looks much smarter with a few aluminium bits of trim which add to, rather than detract from, the ageing style. Inside is a different story.Saab's adherence to their traditional aircraft cockpit look is well past its use-by date and the switch gear all feels very light and flimsy.Admittedly the list of standard features is quite impressive; leather upholstery, heated seats, automatic climate and cruise control and MP3 compatibility.Our test car included a fully integrated, but retrofitted, Kenwood sat nav and entertainment command centre that Saab is testing for the Australian market.GM Premium Brands (Saab, Hummer, Cadillac) communications manager Emily Perry said it was a pre-production evaluation unit. “It's not currently available, but we are close to bringing it to market for the 9-3,” she said.“We hope to have this Kenwood unit available to customers as an accessory by the end of the year. At this stage it's only being tested in the 9-3, not 9-5, but there is a possibility that it may also become available in 9-5. I can't give pricing details or launch timing yet,” she said, although she estimated it would be under $4000.I have advised Perry that they shouldn't bother, for several reasons.The navigation function was so difficult to operate, I gave up and used a UBD instead. As for changing radio stations, forget about it.The screen was almost unreadable in any daytime conditions because of glare. And, although I find touch screens preferable for ease of use, my fingerprints, together with the glare, made it even more difficult to see.It also reflected the glare off the rear window, which allows little vision because the light blue paintwork on the test model's rear deck directed sunlight straight into it.There also didn't seem to be any clock in the sat nav unit that I could find, which left the driver with no means of telling the time in the cabin. What is this, a Harley?I'd stick with the factory-fitted sound system and get a portable sat nav unit.  SnapshotSaab 9-3 1.9TiD Convertible Price: $68,000 (Linear), $72,100 (Vector)Engine: On paper this should be a good unit, but the turbo lag negates the fuel savings. It is also too loud for a soft top.Handling: The laws of physics are against it from the start.Economy: The diesel is frugal, but hindered by the heavy convertible body.Value: Expensive, but you should get good resale value if you look after it.Body: 2-door, 4-seater convertibleEngine: DOHC, 1910cc, 4-cylinder, common-rail turbo-dieselPower: 110kW @ 5500rpmTorque: 320Nm @ 2000-2750rpmTransmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed sequential Sentronic auto ($2500), front-wheel driveFuel: 6.3L/10km (claimed), 58-litre tankCO2 emissions: 166g/km (187 auto)Kerb wieght: 1687-1718kg depending on specificationTyres: 16 x 6.5 alloys — 215/55 R16 93V; 17 X 7.0 alloys — 225/45 R17 94W; 17 X 7.5 alloys — 235/45 R17 94W; 18 X 7.5 alloys — 225/45 R18 95W, space-saver spareFor: It's a midlife crisis must-have.Against: Too many to list.Verdict: The diesel experiment in a convertible just doesn't work. 

Actually, it's something I've never done in our wide, brown land.Neither is sitting beside a 60- something crazy man; as he flings a Saab 9-3 Turbo X along a snow-covered forest track at close to 200km/h with nothing but a wall of snow between us and a disastrous trip into the trees.Yet this is all everyday stuff for one-time rally champion Per Eklund and the team from Saab Ice Experience.Every year, they take small groups of journalists for a deep-frozen dip into the history of Saab, the engineering of its cars, and what makes Sweden different from the rest of the world.It's all done deep inside the Arctic Circle, in a white wonderland that's as far from Australia as you can possibly imagine.It's beautiful in a desolate way that contrasts with the hot, dusty plains of the outback, but a huge shock when you land at minus 20 after taking off from Australia at plus 30.There's a special hook for the Saab Ice Experience this year, as the company is about to bring its first all-wheel-drive cars into showrooms.If that sounds a little unusual, given the ultra-slippery winter conditions in Sweden — and most of Europe — it has taken Saab a while to gather the money and enthusiasm to upgrade from its traditional front-wheel drive.But it's about to feed more than 200kW to the road with the limited-edition 9-3 Aero X and Turbo X models, which are close to local showrooms.These are family vehicles, not Lancer Evo-style road rockets, so Saab felt it was essential to upgrade to all-paw grip.“If it works here, it works anywhere,” Saab engineering chief Anders Tysk says.“We do it the Saab way, with the latest Haldex drive system. It's always on, always all-wheel drive."“We want to eventually have it on all our models, because of the safety.”Saab calls its system cross-wheel drive, written XWD, and there's no doubt it has put a lot of work into the task, from the gearbox hook-up to the electronic brain that controls the active rear differential fitted to the Aero X.The technical talk is nice, and the Saab people — who now operate as part of the GM Premium Brands team in Australia, where the family includes Hummer and Cadillac — are warm and welcoming. But we want to drive.Soon enough, we're standing on a frozen Swedish lake alongside a line-up of pristine silver Turbo X automatic wagons.Per Eklund, a one-time World Rally Championship firebrand who still wins in rallycross with a very special Saab 9-3, introduces us to the event.The idea is that we will run through some safety demonstrations and exercises before a bit of fun against the clock on a twisting course; that has been carved through the 60cm-deep snow covering the ice.“We start a little bit slowly, to get a good feeling; later, we maybe have some fun,” Eklund says. “Here, you have a chance to try all the things in these new Saabs, like the cross-wheel drive and the turbo engine.”Eklund points to the 100 steel studs in each tyre, their to give some grip, but also points to the waiting bulldozer — with a tow rope that gets plenty of action each day — as he gets to the warning about driving technique.“A lot of people close their eyes when something goes wrong. This is not a good solution,” he says, with typically deadpan Swedish humour.“You have to drive the cars. Eventually, computers will do it for you, but not today."“Always do something. Do not stop driving. Otherwise, there will be some problems — and you have the chance to take some nice pictures while the tractor comes to tow you out.”So we get down to action and quickly learn that a simple braking exercise is much, much tougher on sheet ice than it is on dry bitumen.Try turning the wheel as well, to steer away from a make-believe moose (a man in a snow suit with antlers on his head), and it's easy to trigger a potential disaster.When we head to the twisty forest track for some fun, and to see what cross-wheel drive can really do, things hot up. A lot.It seems impossible that any car can go so quickly with so much control, although it's easy to slide over the limit and into the powdery snow banks. The tractor gets some work, including one tow for us.We learn about the need to be gentle, smooth and elegant to drive well in these conditions — lessons that should flow back to everyday driving without the white, icy edge.Then Eklund and another rally champion, Kenneth Backlund, show us how it's really done when they jump into a pair of black Aero X weapons equipped with narrow snow tyres and giant rally studs for extra grip.Whereas we struggled to get through the icy corners at 60km/h, Eklund and Backlund are sliding sideways at well over 100km/h on the ice lake, before uncorking the Saabs on a mock-up rally stage through deep snow in the forest.They are silly fast, with the speedo needle twisting around past 190km/h, yet the cars feel safe, secure, comfortable and toasty warm.So, what is different? Apart from the drivers and the studs, absolutely nothing. These are showroom-stock Saabs, exactly the same as the cars that are coming to Australia. And that is massively impressive.So, what did we learn? Probably not a huge amount, beyond the quality of the new cross-wheel-drive Saabs and the potential for a significant Saab sales boost in Australia once the Aero X and Turbo X hit our shores.But the ice-driving experience was a reminder of the need to learn to drive well — really well — to get the best from your car and to avoid the sort of nasty incidents that are so common on Australian roads.Make a mistake on the ice track, and you get an embarrassing tow out of the white stuff for another go, but there's no second chance on the road in the real world. 

The first all-paw performance car will be on the road in Australia by June and the 9-3 Turbo X will be followed by a full family of all-wheel-drive turbos. The upgrade to what Saab calls “cross-wheel-drive” promises an end to steering tug and torque steer, a negative for Saab since the 1970s, as well as opening a Subaru-style opportunity to re-position the brand as a performance and safety leader.The Turbo X is fitted with a 206kW turbocharged V6 performance engine, as well as a predictable range of body and cabin upgrades, and will be priced somewhere beyond $75,000. Only 30 cars will come to Australia, from a worldwide production run of 2000, with 25 sedans and five SportCombi wagons for local deliveries.The XWD system will be a key to Saab's future model development, once the outdated 9-3 and 9-5 are renewed and the all-new 9-1 compact and 9-4 crossover wagon join the line-up.“It's about performance. Bringing the Turbo X to life is about capturing the true spirit of Saab, which has a proud history of innovation and performance,” says Saab's spokeswoman in Australia, Emily Perry. “The original Saab turbo was the 99, which was first shown at the Frankfurt motor show in 1977. We want to get that spirit back into the brand.“Cross-wheel drive takes it to the next level. All-wheel-drive is used by different manufacturers for different reasons and for us it's all about performance.”The 9-3 Turbo X with XWD has just been previewed in Europe and Saab's rally drivers gave a wicked insight into its ability during an Australian passenger program beyond the Arctic Circle in the far north of Sweden. The Turbo X was impressive and even ordinary drivers coped handily with a first exposure to ice driving — with the help of studded tyres — during a variety of driving tests in a regular XWD Aero turbo wagon.The biggest difference between the Turbo X and the regular XWD cars is the high-tech E-differential in the back of the limited-edition car, although this is likely to be optional in Australia once the X cars are all sold.It gives the Turbo X a sportier balance and more driver feedback. Saab Australia is already planning for the arrival of the Turbo X — which will only be available with black bodywork — as part of the strategy for GM Premium Brands which includes Hummer and the introduction of Cadillac later this year.“We want to rejuvenate the Aero name, which happens when cross-wheel-drive is availableon the top-line Aero models. By the end of the year it will be available on the Aero, becausewe are expecting the Turbo X to sell-out pretty quickly,” Perry says.“So we will have the front-drive Aero with 188kW, or the cross-wheel-drive car at 206kW.”And Saab is thinking further down the track.“It will be available in the 9-4X, absolutely, and it has application for other new models as they come to life. But we cannot confirm any details around the new 9-5 or the 9-1X yet,” Perry says.“It is truly about the next generation of Saab. It's the first step. It's what you can't see that is driving the change within Saab.” 

The Swedish car maker has been idling in neutral for almost five years, backsliding on sales because of the age of its 9-3 and 9-5 models, but is about to get the newcomers it needs to surge forward.Its 9-4X crossover wagon has already been previewed at the Detroit Motor Show in January but the real breakthrough will come when its compact 9-1X is revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in a fortnight.The all-new double act will add to the renewal of the 9-5 to give Saab a massively refreshed line-up, probably from the second half of next year.“2009 is going to be a very big year for us,” Saab Australia boss Paveen Batish says.The change comes as General Motors, which owns Saab, finally provides the cash and focus the company needs to move forward.The 9-1X will become a crucial building block as, just like the Volvo C30 compact which has put the zip back into its Swedish rival, it will be set to draw newcomers to the brand. The first official picture of the 9-1X, front-on and with detail, says very little away about the car. It shows a bold frontal treatment similar to the Aero X concept car from 2006 on a car which will be sized to compete with the C30, Mini, BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, but not much else. But, based on Saab's existing product plan, it is certain to have an efficient turbo engine, will run on ethanol fuel and will have the company's all-wheel-drive system as an option.Saab is not confirming the 9-1X name yet as the car has been called the PCC (Premium Compact Car) through its planning. But it does admit it has a newcomer and that it will join the 9-4X wagon in the line-up. “Janake Jonsson, our global managing director, has publicly confirmed that Saab has been working on a premium compact car as well as a premium mid-sized SUV,” Mr Batish says.“The 9-4X that we saw in Detroit is very close to what we will see as a production car. Similarly, the Premium Compact Car, which will initially appear as a concept will also be very close to what the Saab fan base can expect to see in the next two years or so.”On the styling front, the 9-1X concept picks up the rounded windscreen design used for the Aero X show car, which gives a jet-fighter effect with a semi-pillarless look to the roof supports. Inside, it will pick up the same design cues, especially around the dash seen in the 9-4X.But Saab is saying nothing about the fine detail of the car, waiting until Geneva to reveal the new look, its powerplant and production plans. 

After more false starts than any season of trackwork, the Swedish prestige division of General Motors has finally been cleared for something new. However, it's not the much-needed replacement for the 9-5 flagship, or even a revamp of the underdone 9-3, but an all-new family wagon.The 9-4X BioPowerConcept was unveiled at the Detroit motor show with the promise of a very early go-ahead in a joint development program that will also spawn a new compact Cadillac wagon called the BLX.The full production version of the 9-4 will be ready to roll before the end of 2009, although it will probably not make Australia before 2010.When it does, it has the potential to do for the brand what the Porsche Cayenne — which has driven record sales and profits — has done for the German sports carmaker.“New products drive sales. They rejuvenate the brand, they help with the direction you are going,” says Parveen Batish, director of GM Premium Brands in Australia.“It will be great to have a car that's all new and in a new segment. It opens up a group of customers who were not available to us before.”Batish will not confirm any production plan for the 9-4X, even though other GM sources at the Detroit show say it is a definite goer, but the details are obvious and promising for Saab.The concept car has a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that like a growing number of GM vehicles can run on E85 ethanol fuel with a power output of 221KW and 400Nm of torque. That means a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.0 seconds and fuel economy of 10.5 litres per 100km.The 9-4X is a five-seater wagon with all-wheel-drive, built up over a similar mechanical package to the one already used for the 9-3. It is expected to be built in Mexico as its key target is the US.In Australia, Saab rebounded slightly last year after bottoming this decade at less than one-third of its late '90s peak. Last year's showroom total was 1911 cars and the company has a target in the 2500 range for 2008.“We were up by 16 per cent last year. We have grown faster than the industry, and that's a good result,” Batish says. But he denies Saab is underdone on the product front, even though the 9-3 and 9-5 are old by industry standards and the two models used to keep sales ticking in the US — the awful Subaru-cloned 9-2 and the 9-7 badged from the 9-7X — never came here. Saab has shown concepts in the past but before the 9-4X none made it close to showrooms.“We've got the new 9-3, which is externally 90per cent new,” he says. He is much happier talking about the 9-4X and a planned compact.“We showed a concept car,” Batish says. “We want to gauge public reaction to the 9-4X. And it has been good.“We'll be really pleased if it comes to fruition. We know there is new product coming and it will happen when it happens. We have announced we're looking at another new segment, with a smaller car called 9-1.”