SAAB 99 TURBO

TESTED 11.3.78

How to satisfy strict new Californian emissions standards without sacrificing performance? Saab’s solution introduced turbocharging to the mass market with the 99 Turbo.

The 99’s small, light Garrett turbocharger spun at up to 80,000rpm, and was already working as the engine passed 1500rpm, with peak torque coming at twice that engine speed. Turbo lag meant off-the-mark performance was only average, but peak power came just when you needed it for overtaking and squirts of pace between corners.

Despite good overall stability, the 99 suffered from torque steer as the front wheels struggled to contain its grunt. The feel some brakes were excellent, though, offering strong, sustained stopping power.

There was significant road noise in the cabin, although the engine itself was smooth and silent, save for a mild whistle from the turbo. Build quality was excellent, the interior was logically designed, and the seats and pedal arrangement produced a comfortable driving position. The only gripe was poor rearward visibility owing to bulky rear headrests.

Although we struggled to find the 99 visually attractive, its surprising, thrilling character, combined with respectable economy, made it an unexpected favourite.

FOR Refined and powerful turbocharged engine, driving position, brakes

AGAINST Torque steer, looks, poor rear visibility

FACTFILE

Price £7850 Engine 4 cyls in line, 1985cc, turbocharged, petrol Power 145bhp at 5000rpm Torque 174lb ft at 3000rpm 0-60mph 8.9sec 0-100mph 26.6sec Standing quarter 16.9sec, 82mph 50-0mph na 60-0mph na

70-0mph na Top speed 122mph Economy 21.4mpg

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT…

The original three-door configuration was joined in very small numbers by two- and five-door variants, before the 99 was replaced in 1984 by the 90 and 900.

Used examples are as rare as a cockerel’s canines, and weak rustproofing was the downfall of most, although one scruffy 99 Turbo in the US clocked over half a million miles.