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An Acceptable Review Of A Saab 9-3 Aero XWD SportCombi
February 4th, 2009, 2:40am by Ryan - 0 Comments
I have recently read an acceptable review of a 2009 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD SportCombi. The journalist that did the review, peaked my initial interest with the following opener where I was throwing my hands up saying, yes finally someone with their head on straight.
“The end of the sport-utility era is upon us. It is now time to explore outside of the box and delve into the world of wagons.”
Already grinning, I continued reading and realized that this individual had some background when it came to the Saab product range over the years, but I was surprised about his shock and awe about the ignition being between the seats. I guess this person had more experience with Saab 9000s where the ignition was in the conventional location instead?
The journalist went on to say that the navigation system and the bluetooth systems were lacking, and I should add, this makes sense given they were clear after thoughts, even though the nav system was integrated whereas the bluetooth system was obviously not.
What I did like was, for a brief moment anyways, an actual mention of the XWD system onboard where it handled predictably in slush and snow. Of course, I really wanted more, because couldn’t that have been said in any auto review anytime, anywhere? Furthermore, where was the eLSD? That wasn’t even mentioned at all.
One aspect that was questionable about the Saab is its cross-wheel drive system, known as XWD. Historically, Audi and Subaru are known as the winter powerhouses building bulletproof systems. Saab brought its “A” game, though, because, during a recent ice storm that coated the tri-state region, the car held up remarkably well.
The SportCombi managed to maintain traction. When I forced it out of stability, its movements were predictable and composed. Pushing through slush and snow, the 9-3 does not panic and squirm. Instead, it surges onward, plowing onward.
The last mention that got a smile from yours truly, but no surprises given the V6 powertrain, was the obvious performance of the Aero model.
As the revs climbed and the speedometer counted hastily upwards like an altimeter, I did not end up airborne, much to my chagrin. I firmly believe take off was imminent, though.Passing in any gear is effortless due to the car’s staggering turbo, which, when it kicks in, pulls your head back no matter how much you try to brace against it.
All in all, the writer did cover some of the basis, did an acceptable job, lacked photos while having some prior Saab knowledge, but I must admit, I am getting kind of tired of every journalist getting stuck with a Saab 9-3 Aero Automatic, but at least this time the car was probably delivered with actual snow tires, one would hope, were they true directionals, I’d doubt it. At least this journalist was in New Jersey, USA instead of Canada, so we got a different test this time in a different market.
For the record, I have just placed an official request for a test drive of a 2009 Saab 9-3 XWD w/ eLSD SportCombi in a 5-speed manual. I will keep you up to speed on this process, because I believe it is about time that we get a thorough real-life test drive of a right-sized cross-wheel drive Sportcombi with a stick, not a gas guzzling Aero with an automatic, maximizing fuel efficiency and on-road safety and performance in the best possible package.
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