Edmunds: 2006 Saab 9-3 Sportcombi

[Jason C]

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2006/saab.sportcombi/06.saab.sc.f34.500.jpg

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=106352?tid=edmunds.h..insideline.promo.2 g.*#1

A nice look, but some glaring errors in the article (Saab will offer OEM R-compound tires on a fuckin' wagon. Right. :rolleyes: ).

It looks like an interesting alternative for the Subaru Outback that we're probably going to get in less than 2 months, but probably won't make the cut. The Saab will be first year and FWD, the Outback will be AWD and will be in the second year of production and have a Navi option. Plus it's probably larger inside. Pretty cut-and-dried case IMO, but a test drive will be in the works.

[rumatt]

It looks like an interesting alternative for the Subaru Outback that we're probably going to get in less than 2 months, but probably won't make the cut. The Saab will be first year and FWD, the Outback will be AWD and will be in the second year of production and have a Navi option. Plus it's probably larger inside. Pretty cut-and-dried case IMO, but a test drive will be in the works.

I thought these were the editors words at first.

[Jason C]

It looks like an interesting alternative for the Subaru Outback that we're probably going to get in less than 2 months, but probably won't make the cut. The Saab will be first year and FWD, the Outback will be AWD and will be in the second year of production and have a Navi option. Plus it's probably larger inside. Pretty cut-and-dried case IMO, but a test drive will be in the works.

I thought these were the editors words at first.

:? :lol:

My father is biased towards Saab though (his bro works for them) so who knows. Knowing what info we have on both at this point, my vote goes for the Subie.

[Nick M3]

Anyone else have issues with this?

The SportCombi is not just a 9-3 sedan with extra sheet metal. The car is all-new from the B-pillar back.

[Sharp11]

It looks like an interesting alternative for the Subaru Outback that we're probably going to get in less than 2 months, but probably won't make the cut. The Saab will be first year and FWD, the Outback will be AWD and will be in the second year of production and have a Navi option. Plus it's probably larger inside. Pretty cut-and-dried case IMO, but a test drive will be in the works.

I think you're thinking of the Legacy GT wagon, a completely different animal from the Outback (we have an Outback).

As for the Saab, it's still FWD only and that part about the extra 400lbs and less stiff (even if it's by only 6%) body structure puts me off.

It does look nice, though.

Ed

[bren]

Anyone else have issues with this?

The SportCombi is not just a 9-3 sedan with extra sheet metal. The car is all-new from the B-pillar back.
Well 1/2 of it is all new anyway :lol: :rolleyes:

[JST]

It looks like an interesting alternative for the Subaru Outback that we're probably going to get in less than 2 months, but probably won't make the cut. The Saab will be first year and FWD, the Outback will be AWD and will be in the second year of production and have a Navi option. Plus it's probably larger inside. Pretty cut-and-dried case IMO, but a test drive will be in the works.

I think you're thinking of the Legacy GT wagon, a completely different animal from the Outback (we have an Outback).

As for the Saab, it's still FWD only and that part about the extra 400lbs and less stiff (even if it's by only 6%) body structure puts me off.

It does look nice, though.

Ed

The Saab's biggest problem is the Legacy GT, which on paper does every thing the Saab does and more (AWD), while costing substantially less (28 v. 32). Of course, Saab's never sell for sticker, so maybe the price difference won't be that big.

[Plaz]

The Saab's biggest problem is the Legacy GT, which on paper does every thing the Saab does and more (AWD), while costing substantially less (28 v. 32). Of course, Saab's never sell for sticker, so maybe the price difference won't be that big.

It'll end up being cheaper than the Scooby, like the 9-2x.

I'm still amazed that they've taken the whole "unlike anything else" / "show your individuality" / "Swedish engineering" marketing approach with the Saab TrailBlazer. Seems so underhanded and scummy.

[Jason C]

The Saab's biggest problem is the Legacy GT, which on paper does every thing the Saab does and more (AWD), while costing substantially less (28 v. 32). Of course, Saab's never sell for sticker, so maybe the price difference won't be that big.

It'll end up being cheaper than the Scooby, like the 9-2x.

I'm still amazed that they've taken the whole "unlike anything else" / "show your individuality" / "Swedish engineering" marketing approach with the Saab TrailBlazer. Seems so underhanded and scummy.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I hear that ad come on the radio. State of independence, Swedish individuality, my ass!

[bren]

The Saab's biggest problem is the Legacy GT....
I think the Saab is better looking and that new Subaru front end isn't going to help the Legacy either.

[Arockalypse]

State of independence, Swedish individuality, my ass!

When I bought my 9-2x they sent me a nice accessory catalog filled with smiling, independent, individual white people in sweaters.

And then of course there is this:

http://www.maintainyouridentity.net/

[Roadstergal]

smiling, independent, individual white people

of Unknown gender? :P

[Arockalypse]

of Unknown gender? :P

Heh, heh. Yes. Representing their highly desirable metro-centric androgynous sweater wearing demographic.