Ask The Best And Brightest: Who Is The New Saab?
To be clear, we aren’t talking about the next brand to linger on long past its kill-by date, pitting the brand loyalty of its fans against common sense for an agonizing eternity. No, now that Saab is dead and its warranty coverage has been suspended [per Automotive News [sub]], Saabophiles need an alternative. TTAC commenter Pig_Iron writes:
Now that SAAB is gone, who is the new SAAB? By that I mean, who makes the best winter handling front driver in coupe, sedan and wagon avail with man trans?
Your pal,
Pig_Iron
My answer: Buick’s Regal. It’s a rebadged Opel, available in several states of turbo tune, it’s got a distinctively European feel inside (firm seats, dark cockpit), and a fine-handling front-drive chassis. What more could you want from a Saab? On the other hand, what Saabista is going to buy from GM now that The General has cruelly slain mercifully euthanized their beloved brand [ PDF on the definitive causes of death here]? So, if GM is out… possibly some kind of Volvo? An Audi? What say you, Best And Brightest?
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Some Saab-like vehicles? I took a Kia Optima SX (Turbo) for a spin the other day, to review on my website. (Link here: http://www.carthrottle.com/2012-kia-optima-sx-2-0t-test-drive-the-korean-audi/) This sorta seems like what the new 9-3 shoudl've felt like. VERY high tech, reasonably price (31k loaded? Really?), and small engine all ate up with boost in a sea of bigger ones. This to me is the 900T to the 325i/4000Q/Volvos of the 80's, except to mainstream cars today. It fits into the basic size parameters of a family sedan, but really they don't make other family sedans this fun/satisfying to drive. There's no manual, but the auto is quite good (paddle shifters are fun!), and no hatchback. But, comfortable seats, interesting interior, turbo power, practical, priced below stuff it competes against (I see it as going up to the A4, TSX, 328i, etc) - quite Saab like. Others: Audi A3/ VW GTI: 2.0L Turbo, FWD, hatchback, manual, heated seats. Sounds like a Saab to me. MazdaSpeed3: too boyracer to really FEEL like a Saab, but most of the mechanical formula is there. Interior isn't really nice/interesting, though. Suzuki Kizashi: if they go through with the rumored turbocharged engine, anyway. This is a surprisingly satisfying car, and a great value, with a nice interior. But no hatch. Next-generation Subaru WRX: (see note below on Subaru to Saab). The new Impreza is a lot lighter and trimmer than the old one, and apparently the interior is nicer. If they put a DI-Turbo 2.0L in it, we'll be closer to a Saab. Previous WRX's weren't anywhere near GM era Saabs for refinement. Mini Clubman/Countryman S Manual: the regular Mini, I think is too small to woo Saab buyers. Part of the appeal is practicality, and the Mini has none. But the longer Clubman perhaps could, with the funky interior, small but torquey turbo motor, manuals, etc. Regal Turbo/ Regal GS: I agree with Ed here. Of course it feels like a Saab. The reason it's so good is how much Saab there is in it. As per Saab and Subaru: I don't see a lot of commonality. Subaru seems to market this "rough and tumble active lifestyle" personality, and it shows through in how not refined at all their cars are. They feel agricultural, in a good way - like a Japanese Lada Niva, like they'll run forever. Stuff just warbles and vibrates and such. But unless we're talking about Saabs from the 70's, no Subaru interior is up to par. I think some people who don't know/drive Saabs think the appeal is the FWD/manual/turbo, but largely it's the interior. A driver-centric center stack, concise not overly-ornate gauges, the most comfortable seats out there, etc - none of these are attributes Subaru does. About the only commonality I see between the two are turbochargers, cargo space, and poor weather ability. And again, that's not a rare combo. Volvos? Nah. Don't see Saab guys driving Volvos. Imagine if Chevy went under; would bowtie boys start driving Fords? or would they buy used Chevys? Exactly.
Thank you Ed, and the B&B for all the great suggestions and insights. Thanks to Paul for the nice eulogy. Farewell SAAB, I will miss you.
Subie to be sure, but I think some Zoom Zoom needs to be in the mix too...
RDX. A weird looking automatic turbo 5 door avail with FWD and sells in small numbers. Turbo lag but plenty of power, nice seats, a value play in its category despite manufacturer desire to compare it to a BMW, which consumers do not. Sound a little familiar? Sorry Honda...