REAR VIEW Mirror: XRATED FUN

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Apr 6, 2008 | by Brian Twomey

WHILE Saab has a softer, more approachable image than many other executive car companies the Swedes are not complete strangers to the world of performance motoring.

Indeed, the 900 Turbo models of the eighties are still celebrated for their blend of performance and rugged practicality, sort of like a cheaper Porsche 911, and are rapidly becoming collectable classics.

They have touched on this heritage with their latest model, the 9- 3 Turbo X. A 2.8-litre V6 with a turbo and 276bhp should certainly make an impression in a car that is normally pulled along quite adequately by a 1.8-litre four cylinder engine.

However, what is more relevant is that this car now uses a new, Swedish-developed four-wheel-drive system making it a far more suitable car for the snowy, rugged roads of Scandinavia which is a typical Saab stomping ground.

So what's it all like then? Well, the V6 engine delivers quite a bit of power but in a more linear fashion than the claimed 5.7 seconds to 100km/h time would have you believe.

It's a strong car, no question, but in a straight line it is not an out and out sports saloon although to be fair, Saab never intended it to be.

While it might not be hardcore, the sophisticated four-wheel- drive system makes light work of my ham-fisted attempts to catch it out. Dodging road cones on the Paul Richard racing circuit in France the system is impressive in both its composure and the feel it offers the driver.

The suspension stays flat and level even in extreme conditions and the steering offers great feel which is remarkable when you bear in mind that steering feel was somewhat lacking in pre-facelift 9-3 models.

The system is predictive, meaning you don't have a heart stopping moment before the car starts to react.

Also, the Haldex clutch that is mounted ahead of the rear differential and a second Haldex clutch is mounted on the rear differential.

This means that the car can distribute power between both the front and rear wheels individually rather than splitting power just between the front and back axles.

In English, it is brilliant and impressive enough to turn the Saab into a proper driver's car, not hardcore but involving and forgiving enough to make it both safe and fun.

The version you see here will wear a price of around EUR69,000 so it is not cheap but Saab are apparently sufficiently pleased with the system, as are the people at Saab's parent company at General Motors, that the system is due to filter into other, more humble Saab's over time such as the Aero models.

I do hope so because not only does it make for a fun car to drive but a hugely safe and secure one as well.