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It’s probably a bit portentous to call this car a very important moment for Saab – wait for next month’s Geneva show to see the stuff that will really shape the brand’s future – but the Turbo X matters because it’s the first outing for GM’s new Saab developed four-wheel drive transmission, and it adds a dash of sports saloon interest to the 9-3 range.

So it gets a slightly tweaked 2.8-litre V6 with 276bhp and upgraded brakes, the 4x4 drivetrain which can split t...Read the full article

Nice Reivew - too bad it is so short, but its the first I've seen so far of the real car. It is much appreciated.

I'm curious about your comparison to the BMW. I compared the X to several BMWs here in the States and there was, well, no comparison. A comparable BMW would be the 335xi and would cost 10-15K more than the Turbo-X. I also think the BMWs are too "pimped out" these days and seem to look more like Mitsu's than the classic conservative cars of the past. Perhaps things are different in the EU.

I also looked at Audi (A3 and A4) and had similar feelings (lack of power and "pimping").

I do agree about your comments on shifting, however some of this is just getting used to the Saab feel.Once you get the handle on the shifting then even the 9-3 Aero is really a ton of fun - more fun than a 328i rear wheel for sure - to drive. The Turbo-X can only improve on that.

I'm a German car guy having owned VWs, Audis, and BMWs - I've never owned a non-German car, but this time around the Turbo-X was a clear winner for me.

beren

When are Saab going to give us something new? How does Saab compete with the Germans for prestige honours with cars like this?

In reply to Jon Hardcastle, Saab are in the steps of not anly a complete range re-design but also they are expanding the range. I am high up in one of the major Saab Dealerships in the Uk so this is from the top, Autocar take note;

2009, Saab 94x into production with new 250bhp V6 Diesel and V6 Petrol turbo

2010, Saab 95 Estate complete new car from chassis up, Aero models to recieve a V6 Biturbo and 450bhp and XWD, with the introduction of the 250bhp V6 diesel.

2011, Saab 95 Hatchback replaces old saloon design to go back to the days of the 9000. Same engine and spec line up as estate.

2012, Saab 91x to be launched into production with a range of small 4 cylinder turbo engines starting from a 1.6L to a 2.0L. Diesel engines are not yet confirmed.

The futures bright, the future is Saab. This is not the full list of things to come, there are more...........................

Hirsch Performance:

In reply to Jon Hardcastle, Saab are in the steps of not anly a complete range re-design but also they are expanding the range. I am high up in one of the major Saab Dealerships in the Uk so this is from the top, Autocar take note;

2009, Saab 94x into production with new 250bhp V6 Diesel and V6 Petrol turbo

2010, Saab 95 Estate complete new car from chassis up, Aero models to recieve a V6 Biturbo and 450bhp and XWD, with the introduction of the 250bhp V6 diesel.

2011, Saab 95 Hatchback replaces old saloon design to go back to the days of the 9000. Same engine and spec line up as estate.

2012, Saab 91x to be launched into production with a range of small 4 cylinder turbo engines starting from a 1.6L to a 2.0L. Diesel engines are not yet confirmed.

The futures bright, the future is Saab. This is not the full list of things to come, there are more...........................

At last, someone of note that can sensibly answer a genuine question.

Thank you Hirsch Performance.

This is excellent news for Saab.  They have been stuck in a rut the last 5-10 years and need new metal to get back to making interesting but solid cars.