Saab 9-3 Sport Wagon

Road test

The pioneering Saab 99 Turbo, upright of windscreen, swept back of tail and with a gurgling four pot under the bonnet, is a dead cert for the 'modern classic' tag in any pub-based motoring banter, regardless of whether anyone's actually driven one.

But for many of us, the mention of a more recent high-performance Saab brings to mind an over-powered Vectra-based clone, with a section of rubber under the front arches and all the enthusiasm of a donkey for following the driver's chosen path.

So as a limited edition (500 for the UK) showcase for its new four-wheel drive technology, Saab is anxious to promote the shared DNA between its ballsy new Turbo X and the stately old stager. This is Trollhattan sensibility with a turbocharged edge of malice; think Swedish meatballs with a liberal drizzling of chilli sauce.

What you need to know about the new all-wheel drive system - a joint development between Saab and Haldex - is that those smoking histrionics are a thing of the past.

Thanks to the ability to apportion up to 100 per cent of available torque to the rear wheels if the software believes it prudent, and an electronically controlled slippy diff on the rear axle - standard on the Turbo X but optional on the regular XWD - torque can even be sent to which rear wheel needs it most, the parameters all programmed in advance by a bloke in a white coat wielding a laptop.

So on paper, we have something really rather fine indeed: a subtly menacing sports saloon or wagon that legitimately trades on not being another German interpretation of the theme, reinforced with 276bhp under the bonnet and a chassis with which at last to deploy it. The prospects are as promising as the first-year sales figures for a new Ikea hyperstore in middle England.

The reality is desperately, genuinely disappointing. The steering is lifeless, and its glutinous response fails to connect car and driver with anything approaching the 'sporty focus' that Saab assures us is now crucial to the brand.

Then there's the freshly tweaked twin turbo V6 that, in reality, has little of the lively response or revving enthusiasm required to actually enjoy driving swiftly. Even the 'box is a laborious partner for quick driving. It baulks, it lacks precision; it is joyless.

The future could, and should, be bright for Saab, particularly with effective XWD technology, but it'll need to do much better than this stodgy concoction to realise it. Could someone please pass the chilli sauce?

Words by Adam Towler