Category: Cars

328

While Swade continues his cross-continental odyssey in pursuit of Italian perfection, here’s a small tale from my end of the paddock by way of interlude music.

 Fellow Swadeologist Dr Russell, his partner Beate and I found ourselves luxuriating in the hospitality of our local BMW dealer last Saturday night; cold climate pinot-noir, rare beef fillet on melt in your mouth sourdough, single origin beans and the swinging sounds of an early ‘80s lounge lizard with a tight band behind him. Not an average night on our coastal strip. The local aristocracy were all out in force of course. Breakfast radio stars, fringe politicians, real estate moguls and part-time artists. As the smoke from the barbeque slowly filled the showroom and the crowd spilled around the display cars (!M3 in black & white!) and cream leather furniture we paused to reflect. Here we were to celebrate the arrival of Munich’s latest 3-Series and yet there was a distinct trace of Trollhattan in the air. How so? Bear with me.

As the evening ground on and platters were emptied, snappy BMW launch videos run, gracious speeches from the dealership principal inaudibly delivered until finally the covers were snapped off two curvaceous new sedans. Mr Van Hooydonks finest work. Or at least his latest effort in Bangle-erasure. Winsome shapes housing a mortgage worth of options. Fine vehicles thats for sure. Not my thing, but fine. As we hang around for the last of the beef we glanced outside into the drizzle and notice that not only is there an E30 M3 hiding discreetly there in the shadows, people are also taking the new cars for test-drives. Hmmm, thats brave. Test drives on a rainy night when there’s an endless supply of free booze and when the choice of roads is either freeway or a local set of twisties what would fit as a stunt double for sections of Ze Grune Helle. Apparently there was a breath-testing device somewhere about but as I approached the sales guys it was nowhere to be seen.

Not that it mattered, I’d called a halt at my second pinot and switched to espresso an hour earlier anyway. So, I signed my life away and slunk into the drivers seat of a navy blue, cream interior 328, luxury spec and started adjusting. A lot. There are a lot of options as I noted earlier and so they all demand attention. Sport this, comfort that. Why can’t cars be like my Rotel amplifier with just on/off and volume? Having finally selected some mind-numbing combination of electronic madness I finally pushed start and strained to hear a nice, thrummy buzz over the shrieks from indoors. This is where I started connecting with south-west Sweden and not Bavaria. Unlike its inline-six forbears, the 328 is powered by a 4 cylinder turbo. Rear-wheel drive; that’s true but it still has that unmistakeable Scandian growl. With a gushing salesman on my left and Dr Russell taking perch in the backseat I reversed through a minefield of expensive metal and slowly eased onto the dark, slick road.

 It was quickly clear that the new 3-Series cabin is a lovely, refined place to be. I’m not hot on the textured wood interior (memories of primary school lino cuts) but the overall effect is comfortable, classy and very, very polished. Too polished. I wanted to hear what I was driving so dropped the window to let in the cool, wet night air and at least a hint of the exhaust note. We rumbled off down through the traffic lights and industrial suburbs, past the freeway on-ramp and through to the winding bends and switch backs of one of my favourite roads. Its tough to know how hard to push a car in this circumstance. You want to feel it move – but not wrap it around a tree. Somehow I found a middle ground and with rain splattering in my ears, wound out that turbo-4 as best I could. It’s a beautiful motor which makes a beautiful sound and is beautiful to drive. Strange then, that it made me sad.

All I could think about on the way back to the dealer and then later when I drove home in my well-worn and loved 93 SportCombi was: there but for the grace of God/Allah/Earth Mother/Grand Scientist goes Saab. Twenty years ahead of its time perhaps. The irony of BMW expanding its line-up with one turbo-charged wonder after another while Saab lingers in a set of dusty folders on a liquidation lawyer’s desk is tough to bear. Perhaps it’s a kind of backhanded compliment which just proves what we Saab alskàre knew all along. The unanswerable question for now is: will we ever see it again?

First pics – Alfa Romeo GTV6

I had a 4:30 start this morning to get a 6am flight. I’m reasonably knackered. We also ran out of light this evening.

Because of those two factors, I’ll have to save both the detailed description/explanation and the pretty pictures for later. All we have right now are some driveway shots. Sorry

Those who voted Alfa – nice guesswork.

Those who voted Viggen – one day, just not now. If there are any Aussies reading this who might be interested in a Viggen, check out the one on Carsales at the moment. The car looks fantastic and the seller, from my conversations with him, seems like a very genuine guy.

And yes, the GTV6 is absolutely fantastic. Everything works, and works beautifully.

Click.

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On the road…..

UPDATE: The car has been driven, and an agreement has been made!!!

I’ll pick it up in around 3 hours from now. Pictures will be forthcoming in the few hours after that.

Woohoo!!

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G’day all.

Word to the wise – taxi drivers in Hobart are extortionists. I live about as close to the airport as you can without actually seeing/hearing the planes and it still cost me $40 to get a cab there at 5am. Unbelievable.

Anyway, my journey has changed somewhat. I’m now buying my new vehicle from Melbourne instead of Sydney. Thankfully the flight that I booked between Hobart and Sydney had a stop in Melbourne anyway, so I just got off halfway.

I’ll be viewing the car at lunchtime and all going well, which I think it will, I’ll be buying this evening.

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This is an exciting trip not just because of the car purchase.

While I’m here, I’m going to catch up with an old friend of mine who I haven’t seen for well over 10 years, probably more.

This guy’s pretty significant for me and what I’ve been doing for the last 7 or so year because he’s the guy who first introduced me to Saab back in the early 1990’s. Back then he had a 1986 Saab 9000 Turbo, which was the first Saab I ever drove.

Today he’s got a later model 9000 Aero and apparently it’s like a rolling showcase for Abbott Racing.

It should be interesting!

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I’ll get some photos of the new car up here by the end of the day. Maybe even some video.

Have a great weekend, all.

Pending car purchase – (most of) your questions answered

The poll results are IN and they’re not too surprising, with the Viggen taking two-thirds of the vote and an emphatic win.

There were a few theories and questions in the Poll article, however, so I thought I’d fill in the gaps and provide a little clarification where needed.

My car buying plans….

I’ve stated in the last few weeks that I plan to buy two cars this year: a weekend cruiser and a ‘daily driver’ or load lugger. Those plans still exist. I’d initially planned to buy the daily driver first, but as my stepson has two vehicles right now (Corolla and Impreza) there’s no urgent need for the daily driver. I can use one of his cars if needed.

So right now I’m looking for that special something, the car that’ll be rolled out maybe once during the week and then again on weekends.

Continue reading Pending car purchase – (most of) your questions answered

Poll: Which car should I buy?

You’ve seen the three contenders and you probably should have seen a poll coming at the end of this. The results of the poll won’t influence my decision, but it’ll be interesting to see the distribution of votes.

How many secret RS Megane fans are out there? How many will I offend if I don’t buy the Saab 9-3 Viggen? How many hopeless romantics want a classic Alfa Romeo GTV6 to find a good home?

The good part about this situation is that there’s no bad outcome. There may be preferable choices, but there’s no bad choice. I’d be very happy to have any one of these three vehicles in my garage.

Cast your vote below……

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[poll id=”2″]

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In defence of the Renault Sport Megane

Swade here. I’d like you to welcome a mate of mine, Pete, to the pages of Swadeology. You might have seen him around before, with the title “PT”. Pete and I met via the shared Saab experience – he’s been the owner of several Swedes and currently has a 9-3 SportCombi in the family garage. He’s around my age, very well read, resides here in Australia and was one of the few wise counsellors who made up the unofficial SU Board back when things were going nuts at Saab in 2009. He also plays drums for the Rolling Stones in some of their rehearsal sessions. Actually thats not true but he would if Mick and Keith ever called.

When I posted Option 3 yesterday, there were a few who questioned the merits of the Megane RS being on my shopping list. I figured I’d best get someone with first-hand experience to talk about it a little. Pete’s perfectly placed to do so as he actually owned one until very recently.

I hope you enjoy Pete’s occasional contributions

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RenaultSport Megane: the ownership experience. Where to start?

My time with 2.0 litres of Gallic fury in a 225 Sport Cup was short and sweet. Short? Well, let’s just say that was my fault, not the car’s. But sweet? Well, there are many, many ways to explain that.

The stats & details. 165kW/300Nm. 2.0 turbo. 1361kg. Brembo. 225/40/R18. Its a lot of car, whatever you’re paying. Of course, your can always go aftermarket too (hello Henk at Fastchips!) and the numbers go up and up. All without hardware updates.

The utility. It’s a formula that any Saab devotee needs no convincing of. 3-5 doors with a hatch. Seating for 5. Ample boot (thanks to Le Derriere (youTube that to see possibly one of the best car advertisements of all time). Roof rack mounts. There is not much you can’t carry in a Megane – and you won’t sweat about it during the journey thanks to the durable and practical charcoal interior. Sure, the leather is nothing close to what you’ll find from Sweden or Italy but thats part of the charm. Its workman-like rather than luxurious. Not to mention space for bigger people than you’d think. I’m on the XXL size (think rugby forward) and never had an issue with space. Front seat or back.

The running costs. It seems Renault has learned a lot from Nissan. They often share service facilities here in Australia and from my experience, the approach to billing as well. Very un-European in that account. Running costs are modest from week to week and the servicing is the icing on the cake.

Safety and tech. 5-star NCAP (Renault were first in the world here with the Laguna. Seriously) 6 airbags, xenons, rain sensors, parking sensors, switchable stability and traction control, cruise control. The most intuitive steering-mounted stereo controls I’ve ever used and a fuel tank without a cap (the cover is the cap). This is a modern, clever car in every sense.

The clincher? The drive. The Megane RS has pickup and acceleration like few cars under $100k and quite a few over. Then you come to the corners. Turn-in, hold and exit without a hint of give or roll. Total trust and confidence. It is simply a magical drive which very few cars in my experience can match. Despite the comparisons, the hot Golfs don’t come close and the Focus turbo is off the pace too. The EVO/WRX twins are comparable but lack the simplicity and style of the Renault. They’ve got the numbers on paper but none seem to have the RS ability to transmit this into their driving experience in the same way. Perhaps its because the RS cars come from a dedicated facility and aren’t just another option on a regular production line. Whatever the source, succesive hot Meganes have held their class record at the NurburgRing and that doesn’t happen by accident.

My RS Megane 225 Cup was the best car I’ve ever had. The completeness of the car coupled with the direct links to Renault Sport and the vibrant online/car club communities are an irresestible combination. It’s only a matter of time until I get another one. Burnt Orange this time.

My next new car – option 3 – RS Megane

I’m buying a new car at the end of this week and I have a few options to choose from. Option 1 is an Alfa Romeo GTV6. Option 2 is a Saab 9-3 Viggen.

And now option 3… a Renault Sport Megane.

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RENAULT SPORT MEGANE

Pro:

  • Performance by Renault’s F1 boffins built-in, from the factory
  • Most modern option – reliability and parts access
  • Incredible value for your second-hand dollar
  • Exceptionally good community developing for RS cars
  • Funky looks

Con:

  • Most expensive option of the three
  • Uninspiring interior
  • Takes me outside of my regular car community

Picture: Flickr

Renault are building themselves a serious reputation in the hot hatch market and it’s all down to their Renault Sport range of vehicles. Australians have latched on to this, too, as the land downunder is now Renault Sport’s third biggest market in the world. There’s a growing online and club community developing for these cars and the Saab owners reading this will appreciate what that can mean in terms of the ownership experience.

So what about this Megane?

The styling is divisive, but I really like the bum. It’s not the most practical hatch in the world, but it’s still got some versatility to it. The fact that you can fit a mountain bike in the back should give you an idea of the size.

What’s more important is the stuff under the skin.

How about a 2-litre turbo (in a hatch body style) that makes around 225hp and 310Nm of torque? If that sounds familiar to a Saab fan, it’s because those numbers are very close to Viggen numbers. The bonus with the Megane is that a) it’s tuneable to go even higher, and b) it comes in a chassis that’s already set up in such a way as to get that power to the ground. It’s all about grip.

Garden variety RS Meganes are available for just a little more than I’d spend on a Viggen. If I were to stretch the budget a little more, a version called the F1 Team model would become available, which lifts the bar even higher. It comes standard with some special trim, four-pot Brembos, 18-inch wheels, special exhaust and an all-important limited slip differential.

A Viggen would be a lot more comfortable to live with on a day-to-day basis. But the RS Megane is the more accomplished driver, by a long shot.

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The RS Megane is an outsider at this point. I know that if I choose to go this way then I’d have to go for the top spec, the F1 Team model, and I’m not sure I want to spend the extra money at this point.

On the other hand, paying a bit extra now would give me an outstanding driver’s car and it would also save me the future expense of getting another car remotely close to the Megane’s level of handling and performance.

Hmmmmm. This is not the most emotionally engaging option, that’s for sure. But the sheer technical competence alone is quite compelling.

My next new car – option 2 – Saab 9-3 Viggen

I’m buying a car at the end of this week and I’m choosing from three attractive options. The first option is an Alfa Romeo GTV6. Time to look over option #2: a Saab 9-3 Viggen.

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SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN

Pro:

  • My second-favourite Saab of all time, after the 99Turbo
  • Unique paint and interior scheme. Beautiful to look at and sit in
  • Wonderful performance – once you get the chassis sorted

Con:

  • Been there, done that.
  • Wonderful performance – once you get the chassis sorted.

Most people reading this will know that I’ve owned a Viggen once before. I bought one in 2005 and enjoyed two great years with it until I crashed it in 2007 at a driver training day. The Viggen taught me a heck of a lot about owning a performance-driven Saab 9-3, knowledge that I put to use when I bought a Monte Carlo a year or so later.

I missed my old one so much that I tried to make that Monte Carlo into a Viggen. I sorted the suspension, upgraded the ECU and the wheels. I even put a carbon-fibre interior into it, just like the one the Australian Viggens came with.

It didn’t work. Bottom line, no matter what you try and do, there’s nothing quite like the real thing. That B235R engine just has such wonderful character. My Monte made more power than a stock Viggen but it was never as satisfying to drive.

The Viggen was an under-engineered car, but it still had a wonderful combination of acceleration and braking power as standard. The downside (common to all 9-3 performance applications) was that if you really wanted to explore the engine’s limits, you really needed to spend some money on upgrading the chassis so that it could put the power to the ground. Steering rack clamp, dampers, various braces of increasing complexity and cost.

The end result is truly wonderful. It just takes a little while (and a reasonably open wallet) to get there.

This would be a no-brainer for me. I’d love to have a Viggen again, but the word ‘again’ is one that I’m not sure I’m ready for just yet. I’ve had 9-3s of this generation for 4 or 5 of the last 7 years. I’m not sure I want another one right now. Added to that, whilst I’m a Saab enthusiast first and foremost, I also have other interests. I’d absolutely love to get a Viggen eventually but I’m not sure I want one for my next car, or even my next Saab. I’ve always liked the idea of getting a 9-5 Aero Wagon into the family garage one day, most likely when our 9000 needs to be replaced.

The Viggen is available and it looks like a good one. It makes so much sense to get it and there’s a fair chance that I will. But a few other things keeps tugging at my shirtsleeve – that Alfa from yesterday, for one, and another car I’ll show you tomorrow.

My next new car – option 1 – Alfa Romeo GTV6

I have a flight booked for Sydney at the end of next week and I sincerely hope I won’t be flying home. It’s car shopping time!

Over the next three posts, I’m going to present three vehicles. I’m pretty sure I know which one I’ll purchase, but I won’t buy it at any price. I’m going to need the seller to meet me in the middle, otherwise I’ll be exploring one of the other two options (and pretty quick, too, before the banks close for the week).

The three cars I’m considering are all for sale in Sydney right now. I will present them here in no particular order of preference. Your thoughts are welcome.

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ALFA ROMEO GTV6

Pro:

  • One of the greatest engine sounds ever
  • Transaxle for great weight balance and handling
  • Gorgeous styling. Just look at it, below
  • Getting collectable
  • Did I mention the engine noise?

Con:

  • Will it survive the trip back home without breaking down?
  • Older car, less reliable, parts supply?

Picture: Alfagtv6.com

The Alfetta was one of Alfa’s many great historical successes. It was available as a four cylinder with Alfa’s DOHC 2 litre engine or with a sublime six cylinder symphony orchestra under the hood.

The GTV6 has Alfa’s 2.5 litre V6, producing 160hp. It’s not a lot of power by today’s standards and to be honest, it was only just competitive back in the early 1980s. But the GTV6 driving experience far outweighs the numbers on the stat sheet.

My personal Alfa obsession started in my early 20s. A friend of mine had some early career success just out of school, doing some graphic design work that got picked up by Holden for their performance division. His reward to himself? A silver GTV6 with green trimmings and that absolutely magnificent engine.

I’ve had three Alfas: a Sprint and two 16V Alfa 33’s. I’ve never owned an Alfetta but a GTV6 would be a wonderful way to compete in the occasional event with my local car club, Club Motori Italia.

The hard part about buying an Alfetta today is getting one with a good, straight, rust free body. Alfas from the late 1970s and through to the mid 1980s were renowned for poor rust-proofing and inferior grade sheet metal. Those that have survived in good condition are becoming more collectable and stable prices for cars in sound condition are now starting to reflect this.

Will it be the Alfa? It’d be a very satisfying addition to our home if that’s the way things turn out.

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