Saab has had very interesting history in the U.S. and in recent years it seems the brand simply dwindled into products that lacked innovation, originality and style. This all was punctuated with General Motor’s sale of the marque, to Koenigsegg, this past June.
With this sale there is hope. While cars became more diluted and began sharing components with GM, there was something lost in the mix. Probably the last great product turned out by Saab was the 9-3 Viggen but I cannot be entirely sure because I never drove or tested it. So, it has been either 10 years since the last great car or 20 plus.
The recently driven 9-3 Aero SportCombi, February 2009, had a delightful drivetrain and amenities; however, it just lacked a stellar interior. It seemed very GM and not very Saab and this speaks volumes from where the Swede came. Do not get me wrong, it would be a fantastic car for a discriminating, quirky buyer but I do not believe its awesome drivetrain and mediocre everything else could be a driving force behind a sale. Especially, when the competition is as strong as ever.
Saab’s departure from GM is probably the best thing that has happened to the jet builder. And, to no one better than Koenigsegg: A proper, Swedish manufacturer that produces cars that are unique and people want to drive. For the survival of the Saab entity, this is crucial.
Behold, the new 2010 9-5....
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