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Saab's engineers warned us that this was a prototype car, in case cynical journalists jumped to the wrong conclusions. 'It's a bit noisy,' they said. They needn't have worried, because the SVC engine works brilliantly.
We can't report on the mpg claims, but performance is very promising. Saab turbos usually have a soft, slightly elastic throttle response (although they're much better than they used to be) but the SVC's energy is near-instant. There's a tiny delay when you press the accelerator as the supercharger's clutch engages with a squeak, then pow! Off you hurtle, reeling in wonderment that 1.6 litres can propel a bulky 9-5 automatic with such verve. There's torque from way down in the rev range right up to the rev-counter's warning zone, accompanied by a five-cylinder hum that's more Volvo than Saab.
The prototype's trip computer has been rejigged to show boost pressure and compression ratio, and it's fascinating to watch what happens when. That forward leap sees the first measurement rocket and the second plummet, but both are changing all the time as you speed up, slow down or just cruise. Under gentle acceleration the supercharger clutch engages more gradually, for a smooth drive.
Here, then, is an engine that's both fun and frugal. Yes, it is a little grumbly at the moment, especially when cold, but concentrated acoustic development should have that and the supercharger squeal licked. Having a top half of an engine able to move relative to a bottom half was never going to be a recipe for top refinement, but it's fascinating to watch with the bonnet open as the throttle is blipped hard, and see the engine bend before your very eyes.
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