Saab Turbo Back in Black

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Introduction
Saab's 9-3 might be getting a bit old, but the limited edition Turbo X edition underlines that there's a driver's car trying to get out. Built to commemorate three decades of Saab's commitment to turbocharging, the Turbo X delivers its 276bhp turbocharged punch through a new XWD four-wheel drive system and revised sport chassis. A discreet styling makeover gives the 9-3 Turbo X some subtle aggression - just enough to show it means business without the overblown looks of some sports saloons and estates.
What are its rivals?
As ever Saab bridges the mainstream and premium categories. In Turbo X guise key rivals include cars like Audi's A4 3.2-litre quattro S line, BMW's 330i, the Mercedes C350 and even a curve-ball choice like the Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6 Q4. The Saab out-guns all on the power stakes, its 276bhp giving it serious pace. Sixty two arrives in just 5.4 seconds, which is comfortably quicker than any of the rivals listed; as a demonstration in turbocharging there's no denying the Turbo X is very effective.

How does it drive?

It's all well and good having all that power, but Saabs have traditionally trailed the competition when it comes to dynamic prowess. The Turbo X is different. That's thanks to the new XWD system, which intelligently distributes power to where it's most needed. Crucially it has been set up with drivers in mind, meaning it gives rear bias through corners and endows the 9-3 with the sort of ability it should have always had. Saab has even fitted the Turbo X with an electronic limited-slip differential. The steering is meaty in its weighting too, though there's precious little feel. Push hard and the Turbo X will eventually understeer, but grip levels are high and its balance largely neutral unless you're carrying lots of speed. It all feels very surefooted and competent, Saab achieving this without ruining the ride quality.

The engine is quite a unit. Quiet most of the time, there's a slightly menacing roar when it's pushed, and the turbocharged power delivery is very linear. There's not much in the way of lag either, the rich torque on offer making the Turbo X an easy, yet pretty devastatingly rapid, machine. A more mechanical feeling gearchange would be good, but otherwise the Turbo X is a surprisingly enjoyable car to drive.

What's impressive?

The discreet looks and searing pace appeal hugely. The Turbo X feels very surefooted, and the interior is a great place to be. It's slightly old fashioned, but Saab's continuity of features such as the neat 'Nightpanel' that blacks out all but the speedometer lighting at night is brilliant. You'll never tire of fiddling with the direction controls for the air vents, either. Space is good for passengers and luggage, the Turbo X managing to be a useful and very fast family car. A huge part of its appeal is also simply the fact that it's not a BMW, Audi or Mercedes; it's more individual. However, in Turbo X guise you don't pay for that individuality with lacklustre performance or poor dynamic ability. Quite the contrary - the Turbo X is a hugely entertaining choice.
What's not?
Some of the neat interior touches like the old-school turbo gauge that's reminiscent of Saabs of old are very cool, but Saab should have stopped there. The welcome note flashing up saying 'Prepare for take off' that can be further personalised with your name by your Saab dealer is just plain tacky - not the cool, sophistication we'd expect in a Saab. The interior is feeling a little old as well and the chrome strip along the top of the instrument binnacle reflects badly in the windscreen. Fuel consumption can be a bit nasty, especially as you'll find yourself pushing that turbocharged V6 hard - forget getting anywhere near the quoted 26.4mpg.
Should I buy one?
There's a lot to like about the Saab 9-3 Turbo X. Some old school Saab details like the turbo gauge are cool, and the performance is pretty special too. Discreet but assertive looks also appeal, as does the fact that the Saab isn't one of its more obvious rivals. An individual, interesting choice that's also hugely entertaining, the Saab Turbo X is the sort of car the Swedish firm should always have built. It's not cheap though; add all the extras of our test car - kit like satnav, leather, electric seats and 19-inch alloy wheels - and the list price of £32,600 rises to £38,205. Try one and you might just buy one though, as the Saab 9-3 Turbo X is an appealing choice.
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