I’ve always been fond of the underdogs of the automotive industry. I have sympathy for those manufacturers that persist with their competent alternative, even though most buyers will probably opt for something driven by Hoi Polloi instead-say, something German, with a blue and white propeller on the nose and the number 3 on the rear.
I was rather saddened by the recent news of the demise of the quirky Scandinavian automaker, Saab.
It was indeed disappointing, especially since the possibility of a takeover by hyper car maker Christian Von Konniggsegg created some hope for the future of the brand.
I must admit: Saabs aren’t exactly bedroom poster material. But as a car nut, you have to admire their unconventionality and the quirks that make them interesting and unlike anything else on the road.
Take for example, the placement of the ignition slot: not on the right-hand side of the steering column as one would expect, but in the centre console alongside the handbrake. It’s mad! But so was A Clockwork Orange. And I love it.
Any man who’s dream was to be a fighter-pilot would love being in the cockpit of a Saab. The fascia is curved toward the driver and creates a cocooning effect-just like that of a jet-plane’s. It’s a feature that hints towards Saabs aviation lineage.
Apart from peculiar instrumentation layout and cockpit-inspired fascias, Saab is renowned for many other technological innovations.
The brand bears many credentials, as I’ve learned from a Saab themed episode of the programme, Great Cars on DStv’s Ignition. Here are a few:
*The Swedes learned that sitting on a cold seat was negative to one’s health, so in
1971, one boffin at Saab developed seats that warmed the driver and passengers posteriors.
*Nowadays, every car boasts Side Impact Beams. But the Saab incorporated such technology into their vehicles from the mid 70’s.
*Saab was a pioneer in engine turbo charging. And while the company didn’t concept the idea, it certainly tamed it, by taking measures to eliminate issues of unreliability
found with turbo-vehicles of other manufacturers.
Saabs innovation will certainly be missed.
However, there is one positive arising from the company’s death: one can fetch a new Saab for a criminal sum.
It’s a safe buy too, since, according to website Fin24, GM have agreed to honour all warranties and service plans for the next ten years.
The best buy, I believe, is the limited-edition Saab TurboX. It should cost a fortune, but at 299k, it’s the price of the most basic 3-series.
But it boasts a whole lot more, especially in terms of power: the turbo-charged AWD Saab kicks out a colossal 198kw!
I’d be happy owning one, in the knowledge that my Saab costs as much as the 3 series alongside me at the robots, but packs the punch to blow it from here to Helsinki.
I was rather saddened by the recent news of the demise of the quirky Scandinavian automaker, Saab.
It was indeed disappointing, especially since the possibility of a takeover by hyper car maker Christian Von Konniggsegg created some hope for the future of the brand.
I must admit: Saabs aren’t exactly bedroom poster material. But as a car nut, you have to admire their unconventionality and the quirks that make them interesting and unlike anything else on the road.
Take for example, the placement of the ignition slot: not on the right-hand side of the steering column as one would expect, but in the centre console alongside the handbrake. It’s mad! But so was A Clockwork Orange. And I love it.
Any man who’s dream was to be a fighter-pilot would love being in the cockpit of a Saab. The fascia is curved toward the driver and creates a cocooning effect-just like that of a jet-plane’s. It’s a feature that hints towards Saabs aviation lineage.
Apart from peculiar instrumentation layout and cockpit-inspired fascias, Saab is renowned for many other technological innovations.
The brand bears many credentials, as I’ve learned from a Saab themed episode of the programme, Great Cars on DStv’s Ignition. Here are a few:
*The Swedes learned that sitting on a cold seat was negative to one’s health, so in
1971, one boffin at Saab developed seats that warmed the driver and passengers posteriors.
*Nowadays, every car boasts Side Impact Beams. But the Saab incorporated such technology into their vehicles from the mid 70’s.
*Saab was a pioneer in engine turbo charging. And while the company didn’t concept the idea, it certainly tamed it, by taking measures to eliminate issues of unreliability
found with turbo-vehicles of other manufacturers.
Saabs innovation will certainly be missed.
However, there is one positive arising from the company’s death: one can fetch a new Saab for a criminal sum.
It’s a safe buy too, since, according to website Fin24, GM have agreed to honour all warranties and service plans for the next ten years.
The best buy, I believe, is the limited-edition Saab TurboX. It should cost a fortune, but at 299k, it’s the price of the most basic 3-series.
But it boasts a whole lot more, especially in terms of power: the turbo-charged AWD Saab kicks out a colossal 198kw!
I’d be happy owning one, in the knowledge that my Saab costs as much as the 3 series alongside me at the robots, but packs the punch to blow it from here to Helsinki.
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