Both the front and rear seats are ultra-comfortable and provide excellent support. The driving position should have been more in line with the car's sporty nature, but is pleasant nonetheless. Riding comfort is also very good and is ensured by flawless soundproofing, thanks to which the car is extremely quiet. The cabin filters exterior noise well, and engine noise and the sound of tires rolling on pavement are barely audible.
Disappointing engineering
Although my test model was equipped with the most powerful engine, a 2.8-litre 225 horsepower high-output turbo V6, I wasn't blown away by its performance. The car was sluggish at times upon acceleration, especially when the vehicle carried even the slightest load. Even if the advertised power is respectable for this class, you don't really have the impression that the entire cavalry is at work. The gearbox does nothing to rectify the situation; as precise and efficient as it is, some speed ratios are poorly spaced.
There is major understeering owing to poor front-heavy weight distribution. The suspension sometimes gives you the impression of being too soft, resulting in a lot of rolling and making it difficult to make sharp turns without the risk of losing control or significantly reducing your speed. However, in the car's defence, the SportCombi can be equipped with an all-wheel drive system (called "X"), which improves road handling.
I love Saabs!
I love Saab's!
I can't help it--I love Saabs! They're beautiful cars with an enviable history and a certain prestige. Their style is virtually timeless, with their lines transcending time gracefully. Regardless of its age, a Saab never fails to turn heads and has made a dreamer out of more than one person. The SportCombi does its part to revive this cherished tradition.
It's just unfortunate that the SportCombi's performance is not up to par with the make's reputation. Its performance can be improved, which will disappoint more than one Saab lover who'd hoped for a Blue Griffin revival. The reliability of recent models has also been relatively questionable. Let's hope GM restores the make's reputation at every level that has made Saabs, Saabs.
photo:Saab
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| A 2.8-litre V6 turbocharged 255 horsepower, fitted to the model test. |
Disappointing engineering
Although my test model was equipped with the most powerful engine, a 2.8-litre 225 horsepower high-output turbo V6, I wasn't blown away by its performance. The car was sluggish at times upon acceleration, especially when the vehicle carried even the slightest load. Even if the advertised power is respectable for this class, you don't really have the impression that the entire cavalry is at work. The gearbox does nothing to rectify the situation; as precise and efficient as it is, some speed ratios are poorly spaced.
There is major understeering owing to poor front-heavy weight distribution. The suspension sometimes gives you the impression of being too soft, resulting in a lot of rolling and making it difficult to make sharp turns without the risk of losing control or significantly reducing your speed. However, in the car's defence, the SportCombi can be equipped with an all-wheel drive system (called "X"), which improves road handling.
I love Saabs!
I love Saab's!
I can't help it--I love Saabs! They're beautiful cars with an enviable history and a certain prestige. Their style is virtually timeless, with their lines transcending time gracefully. Regardless of its age, a Saab never fails to turn heads and has made a dreamer out of more than one person. The SportCombi does its part to revive this cherished tradition.
It's just unfortunate that the SportCombi's performance is not up to par with the make's reputation. Its performance can be improved, which will disappoint more than one Saab lover who'd hoped for a Blue Griffin revival. The reliability of recent models has also been relatively questionable. Let's hope GM restores the make's reputation at every level that has made Saabs, Saabs.
 |
| Regardless of its age, a Saab never fails to turn heads and has made a dreamer out of more than one person. |
photo:Saab
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