SAAB 9-3 DIESEL SPORTWAGON 1.9 TTID 160 SE 5DR
The Saab 9-3 enjoys a refresh with added equipment serving to entice buyers looking for an alternative to the German premium marques. Andy Enright reports
SAAB 9-3 DIESEL SPORTWAGON 1.9 TTID 160 SE 5DR
We know that the Saab 9-3 can't go toe-to-toe with the best of the German compact executive cars but a realistic approach to pricing, a recent boost to equipment levels and a stylish refresh means that the middleweight Swede is anything but an irrelevance. With some more efficient engines to boot, the 9-3 is well worth a look.
SAAB 9-3 DIESEL SPORTWAGON 1.9 TTID 160 SE 5DR
It didn't seem so long ago that we were sharpening our pencils to write the obituaries for Saab. Although its financial future is far from assured, the Swedish company has new product to bring to market and showed a bullish presence at the 2011 Geneva Show with one of the most progressive stands in the house.
The 9-3 range was also one that was easy to write off. Not good enough to drive, uncompetitive emission outputs, an interior that couldn't hide its proletarian source and an ageing exterior, it felt like yesterday's car, unable to keep pace with the dizzying technology arriving from the bottomless resources of the German marques. Now it seems the 9-3 has found a second wind and is intent on answering its critics.
SAAB 9-3 DIESEL SPORTWAGON 1.9 TTID 160 SE 5DR
Most customers will choose a diesel engine and Saab has decided that the 1.9TTiD twin turbo unit didn't need too much doing to it. It's now offered in three power outputs, 130, 160 and 180bhp, the latter two units also available with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Of a little more interest, from a reporting perspective if not in terms of sales volumes, are the two petrol engines that Saab has slotted into the 9-3. The two 2.0-litre petrol turbo engines produce 163hp and 220hp and include direct injection, variable valve timing and twin-scroll turbocharging. Both of these engines will be available with a six-speed manual and automatic transmission. In terms of CO2 per unit of horsepower, the manual 220hp 2.0-litre petrol 9-3 is the most powerful sub 160g/km petrol engine vehicle on sale in the UK.
This engine is also available with the XWD four-wheel drive chassis. At typical road speeds this system works brilliantly, the electronic limited slip differential at the back delivering drive to whichever of the rear wheels can best accommodate it, enabling slingshot exits from bends without any torque steer. Most un-Saab. It's only when the car is asked to give everything that it begins to lean on its electronics. Switch it all off and, perhaps inevitably, you'll find understeer, despite the passive rear wheel steering system and the best efforts of XWD. Physics, you see. On a typically damp, bumpy British B-road the electronic safety net is enormously reassuring.
SAAB 9-3 DIESEL SPORTWAGON 1.9 TTID 160 SE 5DR
Despite being sold in this body style since 2002, with the SportWagon estate having been around since 2005, the styling hasn't aged at all badly and only really needed some of the detailing being refreshed. It's actually the second time the 9-3 has been facelifted, the last time being in 2007. Normally this sort of tinkering produces a rather messy design that lacks overall cohesion, but the latest 9-3 is undeniably a handsome thing. Even the Convertible model looks decently balanced.
This time round, the 9-3 receives a fresh face and is distinguished by new front bumpers, 'ice block' headlamps and a revised grille. At the rear, the Saab wordmark replaces badging on the chrome trim and all Saloon variants get a boot-mounted aerodynamic spoiler. Inside, the cabin features titanium metallic-effect trim around the instrument panel, gearshift moulding, doors and glovebox. SE models are fitted with Leather Appointed comfort seats, while Aero models feature new graphite-fibre around the instrument panel, gearshift moulding, doors and glovebox and Leather Sport seats with contrast stitching. The slightly odd combination of plastics continues on the dashboard and the finger-pinching handbrake has been retained but other than that, the 9-3 interior feels substantial and offers plenty of space. The SportWagon doesn't want for space, offering 419 litres with the rear seats in place and a whopping 1,273 litres of space available with the seats folded down. The saloon also offer strong practical credentials with a 461-litre boot.
SAAB 9-3 DIESEL SPORTWAGON 1.9 TTID 160 SE 5DR
Saab has simplified the model line up with just two trim levels now available: SE and Aero. In order to survive in this ruthlessly competitive market sector, Saab has wisely decided to load the cars to the gunwales with standard equipment in a bid to highlight the rather optimistic options pricing of some of its rivals. Standard features across the range include alloy wheels, leather trimmed interior, heated front seats, park assist and Bluetooth phone integration system along with a host of safety systems including electronic stability programme, six airbags and Saab Active Head Restraints Also, all 9-3 models are fitted with automatic dimming mirrors (inside and outside), electric folding mirrors and automatic rain sensor wipers as standard - a customer saving of £400.
With prices starting at £22,495, when equipment levels are taken into account, a 9-3 will typically work out at around £5,000 less than an Audi A4. Wise heads will know that the balance will revert in the German car's favour at resale time, but if you're a private buyer with a certain budget or a business user looking to keep your BIK taxation down, there's certainly a convincing argument in favour of a low upfront asking price.
SAAB 9-3 DIESEL SPORTWAGON 1.9 TTID 160 SE 5DR
Saab doesn't have ultimate control over residuals, the company merely being able to improve efficiency, manage supply and leave it to market forces to then dictate how well used values hold up. It hasn't shirked when it comes to efficiency improvements and the 1.9TTiD engine that most customers look to offers very strong economy, the entry-level unit registering a combined figure of 62.8mpg and 119g/km emissions. Should you want a punchier turbodiesel, the 180bhp version still emits only 129g/km.
The petrol engines shouldn't be dismissed out of hand either. At 155g/km both 163 and 220bhp units offer modest CO2 outputs. The XWD model is a little less saintly posting 194g/km in manual guise or 206g/km when paired with an automatic gearbox.
SAAB 9-3 DIESEL SPORTWAGON 1.9 TTID 160 SE 5DR
Even the most ardent Saab enthusiast couldn't deny that the 9-3 isn't in the first flush of youth but this latest round of revisions has been well judged and both saloon and SportWagon estate body styles have aged very gracefully. We could debate back and forth endlessly about how the Saab compares to the best German rivals but such is its price advantage that it buys itself a whole stackload of goodwill.
With beefier equipment levels, a better quality feel inside the car and some very good engines, the Saab 9-3 poses a surprisingly compelling argument. One thing that hasn't changed is the positioning of Saab as an alternative for those unwilling to follow the herd. The latest 9-3 doesn't punish you for wanting to do things differently.