Another on-line review of the new 9-3

[markcanderson]

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?...6&sid=180&n=157

Another on-line review of the new 9-3 - this time from an american perspective.

... lights blue touch-paper and runs away...

[john]

A fairly balanced review, I thought.

We’re happy to report that during two days of driving, we and our driving partner experienced effectively no torque steer whatsoever with the automatic-equipped powertrains and only the vaguest hint of pull with the smaller engine in a manual transmission configuration. Surprisingly, several fellow journalists driving other test vehicles had decidedly different experiences. Normally, we’d brush that off, but considering Saab’s reputation, it needs note. Variation in prototypes? Perhaps. Or maybe it was just a case of seeing what you had come bound and determined to find. All we can say is that our own experience was quite positive.

...which says a lot for many of the reviews one reads about Saab. This torque steer thing? Every car magazine mentions it without fail in the same article as the word Saab.

I have 200bhp going through the front wheels of my 9-3. Now I drive in a spirited and enthusiastic way (ie: fast) and I have never experienced torque steer on my car. I'm not saying that it is not there, I am sure I could find it if I really tried, but I haven't found it so far. So what on earth are these motoring journalists doing?

[Fawlty]

Interesting.

1. first straight-on shot of the dash I've seen. Confirms my feeling that it's nothing like as attractive as current. I'm concerned (as is this reviewer) about the number of pushbuttons.

2. Amazed that they say interior ergonomics have never been a Saab strong point - erm, sorry? Maybe Porsche just about equal Saab, but the general consensus is surely that no-one else has ever come close?

3. Interesting that they mention other journos not agreeing re. the elimination of torque steer - IIRC Andrew English was very critical in the Telegraph (still not online).

For my part, John, I get torque steer every time I put my foot down. But then we've established long since I can't drive

[Eric van Spelde]

If you want to experience torque steer, drive a standard, non-Abbotized Viggen. That will be a better explanation than a thousand words I could write here.

[captain aero]

Torque steer?

It's there /John, it's there, lurking like some dark, evil monster waiting to snap at your wrists.
Remember: SAAB 93 + damp road = right foot pressure x moist trousers

And as far as reviews go there is a pretty strong ant-SAAB/front wheel drive contingent in the press world wide. I have always found UK's 'CAR' magazine gives the most balanced SAAB reviews - so I'll be very interested in their 93 Sport Saloon test.

[john]

For my part, John, I get torque steer every time I put my foot down. But then we've established long since I can't drive *[/b]

You have 5bhp more than I do!

It's there /John, it's there, lurking like some dark, evil monster waiting to snap at your wrists. *
Remember: SAAB 93 + damp road = right foot pressure x moist trousers *[/b]

TORQUE STEER

Definition: The annoying tendency of some front-wheel drive vehicles to pull to one side when engine torque is applied. In other words, you step on the gas and the car wants to steer right or left. By redesigning the power train to use equal length half shafts between the transaxle and wheels, the tendency towards torque steer can be greatly reduced. The other cure is to keep off the gas.

Like I say, I am no sunday driving grandad when it comes to driving - but I have yet to experience this phenomenon in my normal driving unless I actually go looking for it.

Perhaps it is the case that I am aware of the limits of the vehicle and do not needlessly push it beyond them? Maybe I just do not want to wear out the rubber? Maybe you lot stand on the loud pedal? I dunno

[Jez]

several test vehicles did exhibit a wind whistle where door seals weren’t working right. We’re promised these will be fixed by the time full production begins in the coming weeks.

Aaaaaargh!!! The chink in the armour. The dreaded, and much-talked-about-on-Saabscene feature of the outgoing 9-3 which certainly made it through to production. Why do they have such problems with door seals? I figure the testers must have the CD player on when they go for a spin and miss this feature which still plagues my car dreadfully at speed.

Please do not ignore it this time Saab! Else I may well change my mind about my next car.

[kprm77]

The annoying tendency *[/b]

I quite enjoy the torque steer - shows you have a car with power. Adds to the fun! (I'm talking about an 11 year old car, and wouldn't expect it to be so noticeable in the new 9-3).

[ylee coyote]

yeah kevin I love that swinging from lane to lane on full power take offs..
and that is with tcs and lsd...

[James]

FWIW I open up my Aero pretty much whenever the road conditions permit, and I've never found torque steer to be a problem. I think the seeing what you had come bound and determined to find is spot on.

So it looks like the 9-3 might do reasonably well on the other side of the pond, then, and lure a few folk away from their BMs and Infinitis. Which will, in turn, help sales figures no end. Jolly good.

Interesting that the review also mentions future cooperation between Saab and Cadillac, even if the proposed SUV is dead. Well I guess this will probably help Saab in the US, but I can't help thinking it's a bad thing in Europe.

Cheers

James

[Redleicester]

Here's anothr eview, this tim from 4car.co.uk - reads very well indeed, especially the Aero.

4car 9-3 Review

Hopefully early next week I shall catch up with my Journo friend who drove them all in Sweden last week - he says it was great, but hasn't had a chance to expand on it yet - will post more when I know!

[Demos]

Hi guys. First post here from across the pond. I confess, I don't know a lot about Saabs, but this 9-3 is looking sweet! I'm a car enthusiast and I enjoy seeing companies upping the ante with new designs and spec's.

My wife is due up for a car, and she was all set on getting a 5spd IS300 until we saw pictures of the 9-3. Looks like we're going to wait until next year (gotta check out the Aero package).

BTW, what kind of tuning potential does Saab have (especially on this side of the pond)? Just to give you a background, I've got an A4 so I know I've got tons of options. Of course, if this turbo V6 with AWD comes out, I might not need it!

[Eric van Spelde]

In Sweden, one of four newly delivered Saabs gets to see an aftermarket tuner within the first three months. How's that for an answer?

Seriously, more info here:
www.turboteameurope.com

Happy Saabing,
Eric

[kprm77]

Welcome to the board Demos!

The new 9-3 does look very, very nice - I picked up a brochure yesterday, and the Aero looks awesome.

As Eric said, there are a lot of cars that get tuned up, and there are no shortage of places to get the tuning done.

With the outgoing 9-3 (especially the Viggen), a lot of money was spent by customers on upgrading the suspension - I believe this has been addressed in the new 9-3, hopefully leaving some cash spare for other improvements!

It does sound like an excellent car, and a serious contender to the BM 3's and A4's.

Roll on Sept 1st.....

[Redleicester]

Welcome Demos.

Hirsch are Saab's approved tuning company, though there are plenty of other rogue oufits such as Abbott.

Apparently the Aero model (standard 210bhp) will have a Hirsch upgrade option to lift it up to 260bhp, without affecting the cars 3-year warranty.... should be worth a look!