Saab 9-7X

by Pankaj Dev

It is surprising and not so at the same time to find manufacturers jumping on to the SUV bandwagon in spite of the high prices of fuel prevailing all over the world. Sports Utility Vehicles have, in the recent past, become a sort of beacon in many a manufacturer's armoury as product lines are being expanded. Even if SUVs were never a part of a particular company's portfolio, the logic behind jumping on to the bandwagon is that if a rival has an SUV in its line up then it's time to make one to counter the threat of being left behind.

This brings us to the news that Saab has joined the list with its 9-7x - the Swedish company's first ever SUV. Owned by troubled American automaker General Motors, Saab has struggled in recent times. The cars carrying the Saab logo have been known to be fantastically built with potent powerplants, innovative technologies and their safety record is second to none. In many ways, it can be said that Saab has stayed alive via innovation, not by being the same as everyone else. I wish the tradition was kept up with the 9-7x…

The 9-7x is based on GM's Trailblazer SUV and uses most of its underpinnings, although to be fair, the Swedish company's engineers have suitably tweaked the suspension to provide it with a more European kind of on-road feel. What this means is that the 9-7x gets a more refined ride and handling characteristics than its donor vehicle - in consistence with Saab's traditional ethos.

The 9-7x is based on the platform seen in the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and other trucks and pick-ups in GM's portfolio with a myriad of changes under the skin. While the silhouette looks frightening similar to other SUV's in the GM brand umbrella, thanks to the tweaks in the chassis and suspension departments the 9-7x holds high grounds in the ride & handling department in comparison to its 'look-a-likes'.

The 9-7x as tested came equipped with the 4.2-litre inline six-cylinder mated to a 4-speed auto box. Developing 275 bhp and 372 Nm of torque, this powerplant is adequate to say the least. This being so because the 9-7x is a big, heavy SUV and at times the engine feels the need to dig deep down in executing manoeuvres, especially overtaking. There is a 5.3-litre V8 available and this engine obviously is much better suited to the 9-7x thanks to its higher displacement and more power - 300 bhp and 447 Nm of torque.

GM should have done more than merely changing the badge when it comes to the external appearance of the 9-7x. Park it next to some other GM SUV's, take the brand badges off, and there is not much difference visible to the eye. Despite, Saab 9-7x is priced considerably higher than its GM counterparts.

On-demand, all wheel drive is standard and traction and handling performance are further improved by a standard preloaded clutch limited slip-differential at the rear. Brakes are large, 4-wheel vented discs with front aluminium dual piston callipers and 4-wheel ABS.

The Saab 9-7x is a reasonably competent SUV that manages to hold its own - just about. While the ride and handling are points to appreciate, the smaller engine needs more grunt. The Dealer made it clear that this was not an Off-roader so we never ventured off the black.

I really do not think it is the answer for many a dedicated Saab enthusiast who is on the lookout for a SUV. At the end of it, brand values matter a lot in the Middle East and Saab is not quite there in the SUV segment and this makes life that much more difficult for it. Add to this, the high list price - the Swede automaker faces an uphill task!