The quirky Swedish firm has seen its sales in the UK fall dramatically over the last two years as its ageing model line-up struggles in the face of newer competition.
So, in an effort to revive its fortunes, bosses are looking to the past with this special-edition Turbo X version of the The newcomer celebrates 30 years since Saab launched its first turbocharged car, and claims to be its fastest-ever production model.
With its bhp 2. So, can the charms of this charismatic Swede justify this price premium? In the metal, the is certainly more striking than the VW. With its distinctive, shark-like nose, deeper bumpers, charcoal grey alloy wheels — available in 18 or inch diameters — and rectangular twin tailpipes, it clearly signals its high-performance intent.
But its advanced four-wheel drive system and twin-turbocharged V6 take the into new territory. The Turbo X comes as a four-door saloon or five-door Sportwagon but it's very much an on-roader. It's also a special edition to celebrate 30 years since the first Saab 99 Turbo, and only of the to be built will be available in Britain.
Prices for that are yet to be announced, but it's mechanically identical except for the optional rear e-LSD that's standard on the Turbo X, and it lacks the Turbo X's cosmetic enhancements dark satin chrome, rear diffusor, sexier alloys and faux-carbon cabin inlays. The twin-turbocharged 2. Naturally, it's quick if a touch thirsty: 5. It's certainly been around for a while but last year's facelift — the moody grille is its most striking aspect — helped the achieve its best-selling year yet. And if any brand ever suited four-wheel drive, it's Saab.
Expect to see this hardware rolled out on the forthcoming X SUV. Saab calls the new system 'cross-wheel drive'. The latest-generation Haldex clutch at its heart is permanently primed to feed at least 10 percent of torque to the rear wheels, and up to 80 percent can be fed back as conditions demand, which is great for the enthusiast driver the BMW driver?
The eLSD electronically controlled rear differential is a first for this class, able to divvy up torque between the rear wheels to the benefit of balance and grip. XWD is currently optional only on Aeros; it will be optional on all s for Buyers wanting all-wheel drive in the step-up model must wait until fall.
Playful oversteer is easily invoked with simple throttle modulation. But exclusivity always carries a premium, and Saab loyalists will likely snap up the whole lot. New Cars. Nathan Ponchard. Gallery 7. MORE Don't just buy the same car. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
0コメント