Saab 9-3 New Car Review - Car Reviews

Saab 9-3

VERDICT:

Swedish style, design and build quality come together in the 9-3 with excellent results. We like it

Performance

The Saab 9-3 comes with a large choice of engines. There's a 1.8-litre with 122bhp and a supercharged version with 195bhp. The two-litre is either lightly turbo'd (175bhp) or full-on charged (210bhp). All the engines are punchy and responsive and the 2.8 V6 turbo (as found in the Aero model) is fast, gutsy and very smooth, offering huge amounts of torque. The refined 1.9-litre diesel is tuned to produce 120 or 150bhp.

Driving

Suspended at the front by McPherson struts and at the back by a new fourlink arrangement, Saab's engineers were after compliance and precision, and it's a pretty fair compromise. It's refined, noise and vibration are well-contained and, low-speed lumpiness aside, ride quality is good. It's smooth rather than sporty and is comfortable on the motorway. Understeer is well-resolved in all but the tightest corners and there's plenty of grip, although body roll could be better checked. The usual electronic stability and traction armoury helps, but does its work covertly.

Space

Rear interior space in the Saab is extremely generous for a car of this size with plenty of head and legroom. The boot is large at 425 litres and the 60/40 split rear seats fold over for greater practicality.

Build Quality

Although the interior is nicely laid-out and well-built (the handbrake which blends into the rest of the cabin when released is a neat touch) it doesn't have a premium feel like its rivals. The materials can look to be on the cheap side and aren't as nice to touch. Yet it's still solidly built and should last the distance.

Equipment

Expect a good level of equipment no matter what specification you choose since even the entry 1.8i has alloys, aircon, four electric windows and a CD player. The Vector has climate control and leather but only the 2.8 V6 has an automatic gearbox as standard. However, it is an option on the top end models.

Safety

The car scored an excellent five stars in NCAP's crash tests since it has a strong passenger cell. All models have front, side and curtain airbags plus traction control and anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution as standard.

Owning

The petrol engines are higher than its German rivals for carbon dioxide emissions, although the diesels are lower at 158g/km, giving them proper company car kudos. Insurance groups are respectable for the class, although the Aero can be on the high side. Residuals are generally acceptable, if not earth-shattering.

Value

The 9-3 is a bargain. Starting in the mid-teens for the basic 1.8-litre, it undercuts its (better driving) rivals by a few thousand. Even the mega quick 2.8T V6 Aero is only in the mid-twenties.

Verdict

The Saab 9-3 is right up there with the BMW 3-Series and Jaguar X-Type in terms of performance and specification, although the interior and handling isn't quite a match. But it's much cheaper and not saddled with any negative image.

Don't want a roof?

Convertible

Although not as sharp as the BMW 3-Series Convertible (but what is?) none the less the Saab 9-3 still gives a decent ride. There's little body roll through bends and road imperfections don't unsettle it either. There's a big engine choice, including a 2.8 V6.

Fancy something bigger?

Sportwagon