Turbo X Saabs arrive -- in limited numbers

All-wheel drive comes to Swedish carmaker Saab with the arrival -- in limited numbers -- of the new Turbo X models from June.

Based on the 9-3, the new variants will be offered in both Sport Sedan and SportCombi wagon body styles and will be fitted with the Holden-built 2.8-litre V6 turbo engine already in use in the 9-3 range. Both Turbo X versions come with the choice of six-speed manual or Sentronic auto transmission.

Only 30 units of the Turbo X will be offered initially, meaning a pretty thin spread across Saab's Australian and New Zealand markets.

The 2.8-litre turbo V6 produces 206kW and 400Nm, tamed nicely by the Turbo X models' use of Saab's XWD all-wheel drive system.

Essentially an on-demand system, XWD "continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles" and has what Saab calls pre-emptive engagement -- with which the rear wheels are automatically called into action on takeoff to avoid the front tyre-scrabbling that might otherwise occur with the turbo V6's torque-rich output.

The Turbo X also gets Saab's eLSD limited-slip rear differential, which is able to direct up to 50 per cent of the available rear-wheel torque to the wheel with more grip.

Saab says the suspension has been recalibrated accordingly, while there are cosmetic and practical adornments to distinguish the Turbo X from regular 9-3s.

Both get body enhancements including new front and rear bumper assemblies as well as rear-end spoilers -- high-mounted on the SportCombi and boot-mounted on the sedan.

Wheels are Turbo X-specific 18-inch alloys, with bigger 19-inchers optional.

And it's available in any colour, so long as it's black.

Inside, the Turbo X specifics continue, with specially bolstered leather seats, a thick leather-rimed steering wheel and the predictable splashing-about of carbon fibre trim on the dash, doors and centre console. The turbo boost gauge replicates that of the original Saab 900 Turbo.

AWD Saab drivers will be delighted with the personalised greeting that flashes on with the ignition, as well as the "Ready for Takeoff" advice on the instrument panel.

For all this, there is a premium to be paid.

At $88,800 pre on-road costs for the manual transmission version of the Sport Sedan and $91,300 for the similarly equipped SportCombi, the XWD adds $18,200 to comparable 9-3 models. The auto versions lump $2500 on top of that, making these the most expensive Saabs currently available -- although the 9-3 Aero convertible comes close.

This is the first use of the XWD all-wheel drive system, that was developed by Saab over quite a few years, within the GM empire, although it will certainly appear in other brands as time goes on.

It is expected to also filter down to more affordable levels in the Saab range, although that may be a little way off.

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