IMPORTANT NEWS: National Electric Vehicle Sweden has agreed to buy the assets of Saab Automobile and the sale is expected to be finalized during the summer.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Another bulk of Saab 9-4X test drives

The Saab 9-4X test drives keep on coming in from around the world. Today we got tests from the UK and the USA. And we got both positive and less positive reviews


First off is HonestJohn from the UK:
...if anything the 9-4X shows that when it's not saddled with leftover GM technology there is still plenty of engineering and design skill at Saab and it has the ability to produce competent and innovative products. Whether it will be in a position to do so come the end of the year remains in the hands of the negotiators.
Now over the Atlantic to Left Lane. They have many nice pictures that are worth a visit. Furthermore, they seem to like everything about the car, but they don't seem convinced that it's better than the German rivals:
A competent, above average all around performer, the 9-4X won't scare the Germans – but it is worth a spot on your shopping list.

Finally MotorAuthority. They like the 9-4X better than the Cadillac SRX sibling:
...we can say that Saab gets the most appealing, tastefully appointed version of the so-called Theta Premium platform.
But compared to the other competitors MotorAuthority isn't that excited about the 9-4X:  
In all, the problem with the Saab 9-4X is that it just isn't very compelling; there's no 'killer app' to make the Saab much more desirable (or dramatically different) than any other brand.

The most interesting part about the MotorAuthority is how they in many respects have a totally different opinion about the Saab 9-4X'x engine, handling etc than most of the other test drives we have read. And this only shows how subjective a car test is. As always, if you are shopping for a premium SUV/crossover, then take the 9-4X for a test drive and check it out for yourself! Those who test drive a Saab, usually buys a Saab!