On the previous installment, you, dear readers, discovered the beginning of my special relation with Saab. When I turned 18, I quickly passed my driving license, and started my driving life like most European young drivers: with a small French car. I chose to end my Engineering studies with an apprenticeship. I had a regular wage, and it was time to switch toward more serious cars. German models are the epitome of car in Europe, so I was naturally attracted to BMWs and Audis.
After owning one of each, I saw an ad on our local equivalent of Craiglist for a 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X. Sedan. 19 inches alloys. Sunroof. 280hp turbocharged V6 with all-wheel-drive. 23900€ (around USD 27000). After a few calls to my bank for a loan, the car was mine within two weeks. It was an awakened dream. Of course, as a Saab fan, I loved this particular model, but it was way beyond my money when new. Two years later, it fits perfectly in my budget for the half of its sticker price. So my first Saab was also one of the most exclusive ever built: One of 2000.
The Turbo X was only available in Jet Black, inspired by the original and iconic 900 Turbo back in 1987. The overall design was sharp, menacing and had a kind of Batmobile look. In one word: gorgeous.
Saab premiered a few new things on this car. The engine, first. Based on the GM HF V6, it was previously available on the 9-3 with less power. The 280hp tune was new, and shared with the front-wheel-drive Opel Vectra OPC (for us, Europeans). Also new was the advanced all-wheel-drive system, designed with the Swedes from Haldex. The power was electronically distributed between front and rear, but also between the wheel of the rear axle. This feature was called Electronic Limited Slip Differential or eLSD. On the road, it worked well. The traction was always perfect, even in the corners. One could notice a bit of understeer when hammering on a corner, but this is the case for most of the AWD-cars. On the snow with proper tires, the only limit was the depth of snow.
The engine was not particularly sporty, with a pretty boring linear behavior and low noise. The amount of power was more than enough at every rpm, but there was no fun at high revving. The Saab was available either with a 6-speed stick or an Aisin Warner 6-speed automatic gearbox with buttons on the wheels for a manual mode. As with the engine, the gearbox was not great for sporty driving, with a lot of hesitation and delays during upshifting or downshifting. Actually, the manual mode was worse than the auto-sport mode.
The performance was great but not exceptional, with a few seconds (yes, full seconds) lost when you chose the automatic (0-60 in 5.7s with the stick, 7.2s with the auto). The fuel consumption was awful. I think by today’s standards of emission, you would have been put in jail. Beside the not-so-sporty but pleasant engine, this was the major issue with the car. With the 58 liters fuel tank, you were able to drive 350-400km, not more. My Fidelity card had never been so busy…and my purse never so empty!
Inside the cabin, you were welcomed by a lot of equipment, including navigation, BOSE sound system, power-everything and many more. The turbo gauge had the same design as the original 900 Turbo. The fit and finish was good, with a special mention to the high grade leather. Soft, perforated and resistant to wear, it was a great combo. All in black, to fit the body color. A few Saab quirks remained: the key, while electronic, was still located between the front seats. The cupholder mechanism was incredibly complicated. And you, the lucky driver, were welcomed by a message on the OBD you could personalize at your Saab dealer. But the last part of the message was not changeable: when you fired the engine, the screen displayed a funny « Ready for take-off ».
But there was another feature that was an absolute blast on this car: the exhaust tune. Saab engineers designed a special exhaust system for the Turbo X, not shared with other Aero V6 models. And the least you can say is that the guys at Saab hadn’t done half the job. The sound of a cold start is pure excitement (see Youtube for a minute of delight). The note was also joyful during the drive, at full throttle. And even some deflagrations when downshifting. My skin is still freezing while tapping those words…
Like other high-performance exotic vehicles, maintenance and parts were really expensive, as was the insurance. After a year or so, I traded it for my second Saab. Another epic story. For later…
Great post, SEB225! These were one of my favorite SAABs ever. Several years ago, at another job, a person in the neighboring building had one of these. I was able to gaze at it through my office window frequently and really came to admire it. Sadly, that company dissolved and I lost my office (and view).
I’m glad to see another fan of these exotic SAABs and hear from an actual owner.
I’m curious what you pay in France for an annual automotive premium? I have a customer who has the turbo X wagon and loves it and it is at least 10 years old. I also have a neighbor who has a 93 Saab Viggen, which is extremely rare in the US. It’s great to hear from our European brothers and sisters about their cars! Keep it coming!
Well, it depends a lot of your situation! Male or female, previous accidents, age, power and price of the car, cost of the repairs, total or partial coverage… In 2010, for the Turbo X, I paid 1800€ a year (USD 2100) for a total coverage (I was 23 at the time)
I have to agree with you on that exhaust note – a great side-benefit.
Now that is a reason to leave an hour early for work. And arrive a little late.
Did that thing have the cupholder that emerges from beside the stereo and unfolds itself into use? Holden got theirs from somewhere and Opel is no1 suspect, German cars are lacking in certain areas Opels might improve now PSA owns it but its a big task.
That’s a very nice car, Seb. Great rims too, I don’t think I ever saw these before.
I think they were Turbo X exclusive before the Griffin facelift, 19″ I think
Some of the best looking rims ever, imho
Those duo-tone rims were exclusive to the Turbo X. 19 inches were standard in Europe, while 18 inches with the same design were mounted in all the Turbo X I see in the US.
Thanks guys. So the Turbo X came with those perfect rims from the factory, splendid!
Stiley
Haha ^^
Amazed that inches are still used for wheel sizes globally*. The Ford metric size wheels of early 80’s flopped. Can still use ‘old’ measures with metric if they make sense IMHO.
*Correct me if not…
I”m not a fan of three spoke wheels. Ever. But, with this car I definitely make an exception. Those are some very beautiful wheels. Spectacular. The sizing and coloring of them are perfect for that black beauty!!