Washington, D.C. - Like trying to fix your hair while standing in the middle of a tornado, Saab finds itself in the midst of a corporate life-and-death whirlwind around which it is trying to get back to the business of making and selling vehicles.
As I write this, that business is well and truly up in the air, as a key investment of 150 million Euros by little-known Chinese firm Hawtai Motors has just been scrapped, a week after the lifeline was announced. The search for an injection of funds continues.
And while its main assembly line in Sweden has idled for five weeks now due to parts shortages caused by unpaid suppliers, negotiations are still underway between potential investors as well as the European Investment Bank and the Swedish Government to help patch things up.
Amazingly, this hasn't greatly affected the roll-out of its new 9-4X crossover.
Produced alongside the Cadillac SRX at GM's plant in Mexico, assembly of U.S. vehicles started mid-May, with models destined for international markets and Canada set for August or September.
Turbo engine serves up big torque
With all that corporate turmoil, it's almost a surprise to find that the 9-4X is as good as it is. Saab officials say it was actually set to come out two years ago, before its platform and engine-mate, the Cadillac SRX.
As of a few months ago, both the SRX and 9-4X were to have an identical powertrain lineup, but for 2012 Cadillac dumped the 2.8-litre turbo V6, leaving the 300-hp engine unique to Saab.
Based on our time with it in the U.S. capital, it's an impressively torque-rich engine, with peak shove arriving at only 2,000 rpm, enabling it to feel energetic in town as well as on the highway. Compare that to the base 3.0-litre V6's 223 lb.-ft. that kicks in fully at a lofty 5,100 rpm.
Having driven both mills in the SRX, and the turbo again in the 9-4X, the 2.8T feels much more energetic than the base one, though it is notably thirstier. It also requires premium fuel, whereas the base 265-hp, 3.0L V6 does not.
However, Saab Cars North America product manager John Libbos estimates that the top Aero version will account for only 15 per cent of 9-4X sales on this continent, with the bulk of its buyers expected to opt for the less expensive model in front or all-wheel drive trim levels.
Aeronautical over angular
Saab did an impressive job on the exterior of the 9-4X, imbuing it with classic Saab aeronautical cues on one hand, but also adding fresh new details like the blue-green 'ice-block' accents that help make it distinct.
This added splash of colour is most noticeable on the headlights, but in the sun it's also visible on the side markers, tailights and full-width light bar strip on the rear.
On our pearl white tester, the blacked out A-pillars and exterior mirror housings reinforced the whole fighter jet canopy look Saab's designers were after.
Parked next to an SRX, you'd be hard pressed to tell the two are corporate cousins.
Lighten up
While the actual design of the 9-4X's interior is jet-fighter modern, it's let down by a dark, somber black and off-black colour theme. Carbon fibre accents while sporty, do little to lift ambience.
There's even a Saab-traditional Night Panel button that turns off all interior illumination at night with the exception of the speedometer to make things even darker. Thankfully, various two-tone interiors are available on most 9-4X models to lighten things up.
At least the versatility part is well handled, with a ski pass-through that lets you load long objects even with four passengers aboard, as well as split-folding seats.
In the cargo area, the standard cargo cover offers a handy track along the rearmost pillars, allowing easy loading, without having to reach over your gear to cover it again.
Like all "real" Saabs, the ignition is in between the front seats, though now a push button. The driver's seat is a comfortable place to be, with loads of headroom and wide seats.
A short passenger seat cushion means thigh support is not great, but it's adjustable for the driver.
Rear passengers are treated well too, with reclining seats, outboard seat warmers, separate stereo and climate controls, and available twin rear DVD players integrated into the front seatbacks.
Dare to be different
The 9-4X's available flat-bottom steering wheel suggests sportiness at the wheel, but can it deliver?
Turn-in on the Aero felt more composed than the SRX, with less body lean leading to a touch more confidence in tight turns, without sacrificing much if anything in comfort.
Like the SRX, the 9-4X is natively front-drive in base models, with Saab's available cross-wheel drive (XWD) system apportioning torque side to side between the rear tires for a greater drive out of corners, thanks to its electronic limited slip rear differential.
It's definitely a sportier package than, say, Lexus's RX, and it'll hold its own just fine against German rivals.
The final question that remains to truly assess the 9-4X's appeal in Canada is pricing, which hasn't been set yet.
Libbos says that it will be between four and five per cent higher than the U.S. price, which ranges between US$33,380 and US$48,010. Factor that difference in and you get $35,049 to $50,411.
Those prices are a good six to eight grand less than the current 2011 SRX in Canada, although I'll believe it when I see it, as U.S. pricing is very close between the two linemates.
As a reworking of an admitted two-year old GM design, the 9-4X is competent placeholder which has value, performance and style on its side.
And while it's something of a gambler's special at the moment, if all goes according to plan, it'll play a key role in funding a new generation of Saabs, starting with the all-new 9-3 scheduled for late 2012.
2012 Saab 9-4X
Price Range (est): $35,049 - $50,411
Type of vehicle: FWD or AWD midsize luxury crossover
Engines: 3.0L, 24-valve DOHC V6 (Aero: 2.8L, 24-valve, DOHC V6 turbocharged)
Power/Torque: 265 hp/233 lb.-ft (Aero: 300 hp /295 lb.-ft.)
0-100 km/h (Aero, est.): 7.5 seconds
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Consumption (city/hwy): 13.8/10.2 L/100 km (Aero: 15.7/10.7 L/100 km)
Competition: Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX 350, Lincoln MKX, Volvo XC60
PREVIEW SUMMARY
PROS
Attractive exterior design
Punch Aero engine
Suspension better sorted than on SRX
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