Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:43:42 -0400 From: Fred W <malt_houndnospamo.com> Subject: New 9-3 - Form over Function? pah-leeze...
http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/93Reborn/?cmp=2007saabiowners&source=aug07saabiowner Much to my chagrin as a long time SAAB buyer / owner, it appears that the new direction of SAAB design is in line with all the other marquees. That is: form over function. Examples: They make a big deal about the clean sides of the car without any rub strips. Looks like more trips to the ding doctor to me... The tail lights are pure bling with no explanation of if / how they effect the rear visibility of the car and therefore safety. Nothing is mentioned in the "video" of passenger protection, superior technology, or almost anything of real merit. Just sales puffery at it's best (worst). In the past (thinking back to the late 80's and early '90's) a huge attractor for thinking people in buying SAABs (over the other brands) was all of the little safety oriented and intelligent design features. Today, I'm afraid, it's just another car pandering to the public perception of coolness. Too bad. And I say this as a guy that currently owns 4 SAABs (2 sport sedans and 2 NG900's) and has owned over a dozen all told over the years. -- -Fred W
