A Swedish brand clinging onto a frisson of coolness, despite peddling a tiny range of of slightly underdeveloped models which aim to challenge premium Germans but end up falling short. This, plus the double-edged sword of GM ownership makes it a tricky choice, but it truly does set you apart from the flock.
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9-3
$43,400 - $93,800
Neat-looking 3-Series wannabe. Unlike lesser brands such as Ford or Holden, it has the kudos to take a tilt at BMW, but sadly the car ain’t good enough. Frustrating.
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9-3 Convertible
These guys basically invented soft-top, four-seatery, which is odd since they come from a very cold place. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the car seems to be frozen in time.
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9-3 Sport Wagon
$17,815 - $35,630
Refreshing attempt to coin a word for estate car that doesn’t sound like something cardie-wearing dads drive to garden centres. Cheaper than a BMW, but less refined.
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9-5
$59,900 - $84,900
Implausibly old for a new car, the 9-5 has been joined in the pointless big-sedan pantheon by such luminaries as the Honda Legend and Citroen C6. Don’t join in.
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9-5 Sport Wagon
$19,185 - $32,625
So fusty they haven’t even bothered to give it a poncy name. Why not 9-5 RacerWagon or 9-5 SuperExotica? LoadWolf? SpaceRacer? Make an effort, guys.

