Saab 9 in 3 Parts
Does Saab's new all-wheel-drive system measure up? We drive the 9-3 in XWD and Turbo X flavors on road, track, and ice to find out.
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Comments
Ducati Minor
I've had a fondness for the Saab 9-3 as the alternative (not in a gender-preference way) man's choice for an entry-level European sedan. The "cross-wheel-drive" system is welcome, even though Matt Davis complained of feeling no difference to the ride of the car. I look forward to seeing the impressive Turbo X available on the Aero cabrio, too.
Saab's sales problem comes from a lack of name recognition in America (compared to BMW or Lexus) and high cost. A 9-3 Aero ragtop could hit $50,000 with options and added charges. Saabs also used to be known for their dependability; that's not the case anymore.
I look forward to seeing the 9-1 in '09 next 9-3 in 2010. GM has proven it can mount a comeback. After seeing the Saturn Aura, Chevy Malibu, and Cadillac CTS, I feel assured the next 9-3 will be the car the twenty-seven Saab fans in America have been waiting for.
Kroum
Ducati Minor, I agree. And it's a shame XWD is not currently available on the 9-3 convertible. One of the regulars over at Trollhattan Saab had e-mailed Bob Lutz about the lack of, and actually got a response:
Considering the Epsilon platform was not designed with AWD in mind, I would imagine there are certain limitations. The all-new 9-3 should be designed with XWD from the ground up, just like the new 9-5 which will go on sale next year. I hear XWD will be standard on the new 9-5.
Ducati Minor
That would be welcome.
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