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HEY GOOD LOOKING

Models Covered: (4 dr saloon, 2dr convertible 1.8, 2.0 petrol, 2.2 diesel [Entry, Airflow, Linear, Linear Sport, Linear SE, Arc, Vector, Vector Sport, Aero])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

There’s always a sizeable lag between reality and public perception. The Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon is a case in point. One of the best looking cars in the compact executive sector, it’s sales are nevertheless dented by those who dismiss Saabs as ‘funny looking’. The same thing happened when Volkswagen took over Skoda, with many still viewing the Czech marque as some sort of joke. Latterly a similar renaissance at Mazda has also passed many potential customers by. Fortunately for Saab, there were a contingent who were at the sharp end of automotive trendspotting and these early adopters of the 9-3 Sport Saloon got a very good car. Now that used examples are filtering onto the market, there’s no excuse for you not to find out quite what attracted them to this handsome Swede.

The 9-3 Sport Saloon marked a very definite change of direction for Saab. For years it had largely campaigned in this corner of the market with hatchback models and this five-doored assault on what was ostensibly four-door territory wasn’t reaping the required rewards. With General Motors money pouring in, the company launched the Sport Saloon in early 2002, offering the sort of sleek good looks that were required to go head to head with the established class leaders. While Saab tacitly admitted that tilting at the Audi A4, the Mercedes C-Class and the BMW 3 Series was maybe beyond the 9-3 Sport Saloon, there was certainly no reason why it couldn’t have a good go at the Jaguar X-TYPE, the Alfa 156, the Volvo S60 and the Lexus IS200. The range opened with three petrol engines and a diesel, kicking off with a 150bhp 1.8t unit, moving on to an all-aluminium 175bhp 2.0t engine, with an upper case 2.0T denoting the 210bhp range topper. Those looking for low emissions and parsimonious thirst will appreciate the carry-over of the impressive 125bhp 2.2TiD diesel powerplant. 2003 saw the launch of a normally aspirated 122bhp 1.8-litre engine to flesh out the lower end of the range with an attractive Cabriolet model also making an appearance. Then, in the summer of 2004, the 2.2TiD engine was replaced by a pair of 1.9-litre TiD units developing 120 and 150bhp respectively. The trim levels were also rearranged around this time with Arc making way for Linear Sport and Vector Sport. The SportWagon estate model was unveiled in mid 2005 and a range topping 2.8-litre V6 unit packing 250bhp arrived shortly afterwards. A comprehensive interior facelift was carried out for the 2007 model year with rotary dials installed on the dash chrome detailing and a general rationalisation of the controls for a more straightforward user interface. Then, in mid 2007, further alterations were announced to the exterior styling and the engine range. The 180bhp TTiD diesel arrived with its two stage turbocharger and the 2.8T V6 engine was upgraded to 280bhp. More interestingly, the XWD 4x4 system also arrived and the 2.0t BioPower engine was introduced to capture the environmental zeitgeist with its capability to run on E85 bioethanol. All models got a restyled front-end with a clamshell bonnet, a revised grille and LED light strips that sit across the top of the headlamp pod.

Sleeker, more muscular and featuring some beautiful detailing, this model dispensed with the line’s traditional five-door layout in favour of a more conventional four doors and a boot. Hidden beneath the coupe-like lines is a rationale that brooks no argument. Saab realised some time ago that they were in effect dominating a market of one with their hatch-based executive car. Research had shown that buyers in this sector subconsciously associated hatchbacks with cars in the next class down. Although the body is much the same length as the old 9-3, the wheelbase has been stretched, the fashionable wheel at each corner stance freeing up a good deal of interior space. Rear seat space is far superior, but those who have traditionally plumped for Saabs due to their cavernous carrying capacities should note that the 9-3 Sports Saloon’s boot is a casualty of that airy cabin. At 425 litres it’s one of the smallest in the class, but the fitment of a 60/40 split/fold rear seat boosts versatility enormously. The cabin of the 9-3 follows Saab tradition with all the controls angled towards the perpetually grinning pilot. When Saab were swallowed up by the GM empire, enthusiasts of the Swedish marque were worried that the essential ‘Saab-ness’ would get watered down. They can rest assured. The 9-3 Sports Saloon features a dash that’s more upright than Dixon of Dock Green, the ignition next to the handbrake and a cupholder mechanism that can reduce design students to hushed reverence. A whole array of functions can even be preset to personal driver preference including the anti theft alarm, parking radar settings, rain sensitive wiper control and the thresholds of the automatic climate control. Linear trim level offers alloy wheels and fabric trim. Arc ups the ante with bigger alloys, wood veneer cappings and leather upholstery while Vector has a sporting theme with more supportive leather seats and even bigger wheels. The Linear Sport model includes dual zone climate control, front foglamps, parking sensors and 16" alloy wheels over normal Linear trim while Vector Sport adds electronic stability control an upgraded stereo and 17" alloys the Vector. When work began on this 9-3 Convertible, Saab’s designers were determined to imbue it with the same handling characteristics as the acclaimed 9-3 Sports Saloon. In order to overcome the loss of rigidity caused by removing the roof, a secondary supplemental chassis was developed, effectively a ring of steel linking and reinforcing the front rear and side structures. The hood may not be of the trendy folding hard top variety, but for a ragtop it’s very impressive. Electrically operated, it requires no unlatching or arcane procedures to operate, and retracts in just 20 seconds, making it possible to drop the top at traffic lights without the potential embarrassment of being caught at half mast when the lights turn green. The hood’s operation is very slick indeed. Instead of flipping up, an aluminium tonneau cover raises itself and then slides back, making for a quicker operation and a better seal than a traditional hinged cover.

Prices for the Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon open at £6,925 for a 2003 53-plated 1.8t in Linear trim. Opt for the Vector variant and that will set you back £7,900 with Arc models fetching just over £7,625. Expect to pay around £200 extra for a car fitted with an automatic gearbox. The 2.0t models start at £6,250 for the Linear and top out at £6,875 for the Arc on the 02 plate. The 2.2TiD diesel models have provoked some interest and these can be found from £6,600 for Linear trim with an 02-plated Vector fetching £7,625. Insurance for all 9-3 Sport Saloon models is distinctly reasonable with even the punchy 2.0t models only being rated at Group 14 and the diesels falling into a lowly Group 11.

Few other manufacturers share Saab’s reputation for longevity. Although the 9-3 Sport Saloon doesn’t feel quite so ridiculously over engineered as some Saabs of yore, it still feels like a car that’ll shrug off 150,000 miles with disdainful ease, so there’s no need to scratch off some of the higher mileage ex-fleet cars from your list. Just be sure that they’ve been given regular doses of main dealer TLC. One area that is worth checking, especially on the more powerful models, is front tyre wear. As with any powerful front wheel drive car, expecting the front tyres to cope with the demands of steering such a weighty beast and transmitting all that horsepower to the ground is a serious task. A heavy right foot can see front tyres waving the white flag within 5,000 miles, dependent upon make. With the convertible models, check the hood for signs of rips, leaks or damage. Raise and lower it a couple of times to make sure the electric motors are all in good shape and haven’t been damaged by ignorant users attempting to operate the hood manually. The hood is a fully insulated triple-layer item with a proper heated glass rear window, and is one of the best on the market for insulating against wind noise. If there’s a whistling or drumming at speed, the hood may well be damaged.

(approx based on a 2002 9-3 2.0t) It’s apparent where Saab have taken a delve into the capacious GM parts bin. Certain items are very cheap, especially for a car that competes in a premium sector. A clutch assembly is in the region of £275, and brake pads are £50 a set for the fronts and £35 a pair at the back. A radiator is a fairly reasonable £220, and a headlamp unit is comparable to most major rivals at £170. A starter motor won’t see change from £180, whilst an alternator will only see small change from £260. An exhaust system is around £310, again, not unreasonable for a classy executive car.

Some things, however, don’t change. The 9-3 still campaigns on the basis of bhp per pound, its all turbocharged engine line-up effectively blitzing anything from the established rivals at any given price point. Four petrol engines and a diesel are fitted to the 9-3 Sport Saloon, kicking off with a 122bhp 1.8-litre, then progressing to a 150bhp 1.8t unit, moving on to an all-aluminium 175bhp 2.0t engine, with an upper case 2.0T denoting the 210bhp range topper. Those looking for low emissions and parsimonious thirst will appreciate the carry-over of the impressive 125bhp 2.2TiD diesel powerplant. This diesel and the 2.0T Aero are the only models available with 6-speed transmission. Big performance has always been a 9-3 trademark and the Sport Saloon doesn’t deviate from this philosophy. The £16,995 entry level 1.8-litre is the least impressive with an 11.1-second interval needed to reach 60mph from standstill. The 150bhp 1.8t models will crack 60mph in a more impressive 9.3 seconds and they retailed new at some £4,000 less than a BMW 3 Series with equivalent power. The flagship Aero variant meanwhile, offers 210bhp of turbocharged wallop emanating from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant, catapulting this sports saloon to 60mph in 7.3 seconds and then on to 145mph. You’d certainly need a lot of BMW to outpace this Swede. Moreover, with a purposeful bodykit and a ground-hugging stance it makes anything shy of an M3 look decidedly effete.

Saab have long positioned themselves as a more free thinking alternative to the German premium brands. The 9-3 Sport Saloon finally backs up that assertion with some convincing hardware. Saab traditionalists may sniff that the quality isn’t as hot as in older models and that the car rides on a Vectra chassis, but there’s little doubt that the 9-3 Sport Saloon is Saab’s most competent product to date. In this market, as in many others, you get what you pay for and you shouldn’t therefore expect the Saab to feel like a BMW 3 Series. Accept that and you should get along with the 9-3 Sport Saloon just fine.

A CAPITAL INVESTMENT
The Saab 9-3 2.8T V6 Aero Sports Saloon Offers A Threat To The Established Junior Executive Hierarchy. Andy Enright Judges How Serious…

Test cars for a living and you quickly get a handle on their target clientele. Polo necked Guardianistas, cash-rich plumbers, old money on the slide or schoolgate mums – you can find a car aimed at each of them. Saab’s 9-3 2.8T V6 Aero is a tougher call. After driving it for a few hours, I got out, had a drink and drove it again. Still I was none the wiser, instead becoming fixated with the oleaginous, Bostonian Brahmin drawl of Loyd Grossman. "David," – extended dramatic pause - "Who would drive a car like this?"

Think about it. The 9-3, be it in Sport Saloon or SportWagon guise, tends to appeal to those customers who admire a BMW, Mercedes or Audi but who either can’t quite afford them or balk slightly at the rather brash image. Saab make great play of including themselves alongside these manufacturers in an artificial construct they dub the P7 (Premium Group of 7) which also encompasses Jaguar, Volvo and Lexus, but if they were entirely honest with themselves, they’d realise that from an image perspective they’d be propping up that particular table. That’s why the lower-end Saab models sell so well. Instead of poaching business from the German premium manufacturers, they instead siphon off sales from buyers who would have previously bought cars like the Ford Mondeo, the Honda Accord, the Toyota Avensis and the Peugeot 407. Trading up to a Saab 9-3 makes all sorts of sense in this instance. Instant status and a smug sense of superiority for minimal capital outlay seems a smart piece of business. Where the story becomes a little fuzzy at the edges is when splashing out for a top-end 9-3 and they don’t come any further up the scale than this 2.8T V6 Aero variant. The Sport Saloon is priced at £28,675 with the estate pitching in at £29,675. While still not exactly nosebleed pricing, it’s in the same territory as some quality stuff from BMW and Mercedes or, to put it another way, you’ve really got to want a Saab to sign up for this car. As usual, it conforms to the Saab philosophy of offering a lot more power than its rivals; in this case a turbocharged 280bhp is at your disposal. The limiting factor in the bhp arms race in this instance is the fact that unlike many of its P7 rivals, drive is directed to the front wheels and putting a whole heap of power through the front wheels can have rather disappointing results. Saab’s solution is the Aero XWD which lays on active four-wheel drive and a 15% torque boost to the 2.8 V6 engine to make the most of the extra traction.

"Top end Saab 9-3s face a demanding market"

That said, the standard 9-3 2.8T V6 does an excellent job of masking the fact of it’s front wheel drive. There’s no riotous torque-steer as you accelerate the car, the most extreme manifestation being a gentle tug at the tiller under full throttle. Likewise, there seems to be little in the way of wheelspin or obvious traction control intervention, on dry tarmac at least. If you must direct drive forwards, this is the way to do it. A normally-aspirated 2.8-litre V6 should be good for around 220bhp so the twin-scroll turbocharger is worth a good 60bhp. It works smoothly with very little lag and strong pick-up from low revs without the whines, hisses and other audible histrionics of other cars that lean heavily on their blowers to bump up the power figure. Saab quote a sprint to 60mph of just 5.9 seconds for the saloon model and it’ll run to a top speed in excess of 155mph. Make no mistake, this is a seriously rapid car, although one suspects that motorways and sweeping A-roads are more its forte than twisty country lanes. All the current Saab 9-3 models benefit from a facelift based on the Aero X concept car. The clamshell bonnet visually widens the front of the car and all external rubbing strips have been removed to give a cleaner look. There’s a classier finish to the front grille and a set of LED light strips that sit across the top of the headlamp pod while the rear light clusters are shrouded in smoked glass. Inside, there’s a more muted effect with less silver plastic. Standard specification in Aero trim includes the sports chassis, uprated brakes, sports bumpers, twin exhausts, bi-xenon headlamps with pressure washers and heated front seats. Safety provision runs to ESP stability control, active head restraints plus front, side and curtain airbags. The Sportwagon is well worth looking into. Unlike many vehicles that campaign in this class, the Saab offers some serious carrying capacity. There’s 419 litres available with the rear seats in place and a whopping 1,273 litres of space available with the seats folded down. The recessed sub floor allows valuables to be stowed out of the view of prying eyes and can also be used to store wet or dirty gear without muddying everything else up. Despite its sporting looks, the rear hatch is actually fairly steeply raked, allowing for additional carrying capacity. This is where some rivals fall down, favouring style over practicality. Saab aim to offer both. As long as you don’t mistake it for a no-compromises sportster, there’s little reason why you should be disappointed by the Saab 9-3 2.8T V6 Aero. It’s well built, civilised and very good value for money. It’s just difficult to see where the sales are going to come from. Those armed with a little knowledge may well decry it as a rebadged and made-over Vauxhall Vectra and it would be difficult to deny its roots. Those not so savvy will likely be swayed by an entry-level BMW or Mercedes and tick the badge delete box on the order form. Who does that leave? The nebulous leftovers are what Saab seem to be pursuing with the 9-3 2.8T V6. We wish them luck.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 2.8T V6 Aero range PRICES: £28,675-£29,675 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 17 CO2 EMISSIONS: 239g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.7s / Max Speed 155mph+ FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 28.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Stability Control, Cornering Braking Control, Saab Active Head Restraints WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4635/2038/1466mm

THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS
Saab’s 9-3 Sport Saloon hugely benefits from an advanced but borrowed 1.9-litre diesel unit, thinks Andy Enright…

Many doomsayers predicted the death of Saab when the General Motors empire bought half of it in 1990 and the rest a decade later. That the essential character of the cars would be ironed pancake flat through a series of deathly committee decisions seemed to be the consensus amongst such cynics. The jury may still be out on certain aspects of this prediction but there’s no doubt that Saab has benefited in a number of ways from General Motors’ involvement. Innovations such as the 1.9-litre TiD diesel engines – as seen in the current 9-3 Sport Saloon line up – are a case in a point.

Saab acquired two top quality diesel powerplants developed in conjunction with Fiat and produced at the FMA plant in Italy. One, a 120bhp 8-valve unit that will appeal to the more cost conscious, the other a gutsy 150bhp 16-valve engine for those with a heavier right foot. It’s these engines that we concentrate on here but the latest facelift has also brought the 180bhp TTiD unit with a two-stage turbocharging that tops off the diesel range. With development budgets being what they are, if Saab were still an independent company they would never have been able to afford the design, testing and construction of engines as sophisticated as these. When they arrived, 1.9-litre TiD units replaced the 2.2-litre TiD engine that the current generation 9-3 had from launch, Trollhattan's first ever diesel. Four years hard development work went into that engine and it was a decent effort but despite continual improvements, it was never capable of matching the class best in terms of emissions and fuel economy. The 1.9-litre TiD units addressed those concerns very effectively. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with the option of a six-speed auto for the 150bhp version, there’s plenty of scope for plugging the car straight into the meat of the torque curve. With at least 90% of peak torque available in a broad load running from 1,750 to 3,250rpm, you’ll be guaranteed respectable progress. After all, peak torque for the 16v engine is 315Nm and the 8v unit is only marginally weaker at 280Nm.

"Have cake. Eat it. It’s as simple as that..."

Compared to the old 2.2-litre TiD unit, the 150bhp 1.9-litre TiD generates 20 per cent more power, 12.5 per cent more torque and greater refinement with the added benefits of lower CO2 emissions and better fuel economy. Have cake. Eat it. It’s as simple as that. It’ll notch off the sprint to 60mph in just 9.3 seconds but the in-gear acceleration times that really indicate a diesel engine’s torque response have been slashed dramatically. The eight-valve version offers superior fuel economy, notching up an impressive 49.2mpg on the combined cycle. The standard 1.9-litre TiD’s powertrain includes an advanced diesel particulate filter, enabling Euro IV emissions compliance, an essential requirement for many company car drivers. Unlike other particulate traps, it is maintenance-free and self-cleaning, requiring no additives or periodic replacement. In order to clean the filter and to keep the exhaust flow as free as possible, these deposits are periodically burnt off by short pulses of over-fuelling. These briefly raise exhaust temperatures to the required level of 600º C. The process is automatically initiated when back pressure in the exhaust system reaches a certain level and is completely undetectable by the driver. The self-cleaning process takes place whenever necessary, irrespective of throttle load or engine temperature. Whereas the original 9-3 made something of a speciality out of offering more performance per pound than anything from Germany could muster, the current Sport Saloon is a subtler instrument. The suspension and handling, for example, are better than any previous mid range Saab model. Just when you think the ride has been optimised for high-speed cruising, the car’s suspension shows that it knows what to do when presented with a corner. It deploys its power noticeably better than Saabs of yore as well. All the current Saab 9-3 models benefit from a facelift based on the Aero X concept car. The clamshell bonnet visually widens the front of the car and all external rubbing strips have been removed to give a cleaner look. There’s a classier finish to the front grille and a set of LED light strips that sit across the top of the headlamp pod while the rear light clusters are shrouded in smoked glass. Inside, there’s a more muted effect with less silver plastic. The cabin of the 9-3 remains resolutely Saab with all the controls angled towards the perpetually grinning pilot. The 9-3 Sports Saloon features a dash that’s more upright than Dixon of Dock Green, the ignition next to the handbrake and a cupholder mechanism that can reduce design students to hushed reverence. Safety provision runs to active head restraints plus front, side and curtain airbags. Three trim levels are available with these engines. As well as the £19,465 Airflow version, there are the more familiar Linear SE and Vector Sport variants. The Linear SE model weighs in at £21,475 with the Vector Sport versions costing from £23,025. Even the base Airflow variant is classily appointed with a cruise control, a trip computer, dual-zone climate control, tinted windows and a punchy Saab audio system as standard. Linear SE adds rear parking sensors and the Saab comfort pack. Then you have the Vector Sport which supplements this with the sports chassis, stability control and a sports steering wheel. Buyers seeking extra practicality can also opt for the SportWagon estate model and there’s also the sleek convertible to bear in mind. The 9-3 Sport Saloon has carved an enviable niche for itself amongst those looking for a sleek and individual compact executive car but without top class diesel power, sales figures were always going to struggle. With this in place, the 9-3 is a car you could justifiably recommend as a leftfield choice for someone bored with the usual 3 Series/A4/C-Class mould. .Assuming you can get the right specification at the right price, this is a car well worth trying.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 1.9TiD range PRICES: £19,465-£24,080 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 14 CO2 EMISSIONS: 154-159g/km PERFORMANCE: [150bhp] 0-60mph 9.2s / Max Speed 131mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [150bhp] (average) 48mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Stability Control, Cornering Braking Control, Saab Active Head Restraints WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4635/2038/1466mm

WORKING 9 TO 3
In the fast-moving world of the modern automotive marketplace, the manufacturer that stands still is quickly reduced to a speck on the horizon. Saab hopes its TTiD engine can help its latest 9-3 keep pace with the compact executive elite. Steve Walker reports

The smooth, fast and economical TTiD twin-turbo diesel engine could be the best powerplant in the Saab 9-3 line-up. The car has been around for some time but it’s still a relevant compact executive saloon, even if it must rely on value for money and the fact that it isn’t German for most of its sales successes. It’s very comfortable and relaxing motorway car that can still raise a smile on twisty roads.

Saab has long prided itself on the leftfield appeal of its vehicles, happy to operate on the margins as a sanctuary for freethinking individuals determined not to follow the crowd and buy German. Spooky reliability and dashboards modelled on your sideboard stood them in good stead for a long time but more recently, big horsepower figures and sharky styling have been relied upon to draw the customers in. The 9-3 TTiD model covered here is a variation on this theme, blessed with a 180bhp twin-turbocharged diesel powerplant and a front end that’s more aggressive than a basket of honey badgers. 180bhp is a useful amount to squeeze from a 1.9-litre diesel engine. TiD-badged versions of this unit that develop 120 and 150bhp are also available in the 9-3 but these lack the additional T of the TTiD and more crucially, its second turbocharger. Getting big power from a comparatively small capacity engine has helped Saab retain a strong fuel economy showing and keep weight down. This is weight over the front axel too, right where it could have highlighted the shortcomings of a powerful front-wheel-drive car in a market populated by rear-wheel-drive rivals. Where the Germans tend to employ six-cylinder diesels in order to achieve power of the TTiD’s magnitude, the 1.9TTiD looks a sensible solution for the 9-3, that enticing horsepower figure only overshadowed by the highly muscular 400Nm torque rating. Powerful Saab models of the past often had trouble deploying their hefty bhp outputs effectively. As the turbocharger got into its stride and the wave of torque hit, the front wheels would struggle for grip and violent torque steer would often ensue. Today’s front-wheel-drive 9-3 models effectively overcome these problems with a carefully-honed chassis achieving superior grip and the smooth power delivery of the TTiD unit.

"Getting big power from a small capacity engine has helped Saab retain strong fuel economy while keeping weight down…."

The engine uses a pair of turbochgargers working in sequence. A smaller blower spools up quickly to boost pulling power at low revs while the big hitter comes on stream once the engine’s into its stride. It means that turbo lag – that pregnant pause between throttle input and the power coming on stream – is effectively reduced. It all helps make the 9-3 TTiD an amiable companion for everyday driving. The committed enthusiast will probably always plump for a rear-wheel-drive alternative but the Saab’s composure and comfort on the motorway, coupled with its power and well-judged handling, give it a good balance for many drivers. The latest facelifted 9-3 inherited its dramatic frontal styling from the Aero X concept car that caused quite a stir at the 2006 Geneva motorshow. It’s definitely not short of aggression and the 9-3’s malevolent front end seems sure to have the desired effect on outside lane dawdlers when it looms up in their rear view mirrors. The extensive use of chrome to trim the grille and the bumper recesses that house the fog lights on plusher derivatives may not be to everyone’s taste, especially those who favoured Saab products because they were notably less ostentatious that the German alternatives. The smoked glass tail lights must also have a question mark over them, especially on the SportWagon estate bodystyle. For some they will smack too readily of the aftermarket equivalents often seen fitted to souped-up Citroen Saxos and Vauxhall Corsas. Unlike many vehicles that campaign in this class, the SportWagon estate version offers some serious carrying capacity. There’s 419 litres available with the rear seats in place and a whopping 1,273 litres of space available with the seats folded down. The recessed sub floor allows valuables to be stowed out of the view of prying eyes and can also be used to store wet or dirty gear without muddying everything else up. Despite its sporting looks, the rear hatch is actually fairly steeply raked, allowing for additional carrying capacity. This is where rivals such as the Alfa 159 Sportwagon and BMW’s 3-Series Touring fall down, favouring style over practicality. Saab aims to offer both. The 9-3 has been campaigning since 2002 and it’s no longer feeling as fresh as it once did in comparison to the big guns in the compact executive sector. The interior is not without its merits, however, with excellent seats that give a comfortable driving position and simple controls that will come as a pleasant change to drivers baffled by the complexity of the latest compact executive crop. The plastics are reasonable in terms of quality but there’s rather too much of them with the ambiance inside the 9-3 missing the class of a 3 Series, A4 or C-Class. With a convertible, a saloon and a SportWagon estate, the 9-3 covers a fair bit of ground, which is crucially important for Saab, a company that has only two main product families. The range has been simplified of late and as it stands, there are four trim levels: Airflow, Liner SE, Vector Sport and Aero. The TTiD engine is only available in range-topping Aero form and prices start from £26,495 for the Sport Saloon. The SportWagon is £1,000 more and the Convertible commands a sizable £32,530 but equipment levels are quite high. This kind of pricing puts the 9-3 TTiD directly up against some very stiff competition. When you examine the BMW 3-Series line-up, for example, a big problem immediately leaps out. The 325d uses a six-cylinder diesel engine producing 197bhp and costs just over £1,000 more in SE trim. The Saab does 4mpg better in terms of fuel economy but the rear-wheel-drive BMW is going to be a tough nut for it to crack. The old bhp per Pound equation that Saab has traditionally used to leverage an advantage over the Germans doesn’t stack up in this instance. The 9-3 TTiD gives great fuel economy returns for a 180bhp compact executive saloon. The official combined cycle figure of 47.9mpg will appeal to company car users as will the 159g/km CO2 emissions. Residual values aren’t as strong as those of the German alternatives but the TTiD diesel should perform noticeably better than some of the other engine options, particularly in SportWagon estate form. The Saab 9-3 looks all the better for the inclusion of the 1.9-litre TTiD engine in it’s portfolio. It’s a smooth, refined powerplant that enhances the car’s already admirable long distance cruising abilities while also giving diesel buyers the option of some serious pace. The 9-3 is showing its age in some key areas when compared to its longstanding German adversaries but the refreshed styling and the car’s core strengths mean it still has something to offer. Average fuel economy of nearly 48mpg and an 8-second 0-60mph sprint are not to be sniffed at even in the ultra-competitive compact executive sector. If Saab could see its way clear to scaling back its prices for this engine a little or making the TTiD available in some of the more affordable trim levels, it could have a real winner on its hands. At £26,500, the TTiD Aero has some very capable rivals that are only slightly more expensive and this may serve to deprive it of some of the success it deserves. Overall, though, there’s a lot to like about the car, especially as a hardworking motorway tool, and the addition of Saab’s XWD 4x4 system could really up the fun factor.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Saab 9-3 1.9 TTiD PRICES: £26,495-£27,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 14 [est] CO2 EMISSIONS: 159g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.0s / Max Speed 140mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 47.9mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Cornering Braking Control, Saab Active Head Restraints WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height (saloon) 4635/2038/1466mm

HOW TO RIGHT A BEST SELLER
The latest Saab 9-3 Convertible looks to continue the success of this enduring product line. By Andy Enright…

The Saab 9-3 Convertible is the car that many buyers turn to when they want a combination of practicality, quality and the wind in their hair. The latest version looks set to continue this sales trend, adding even more style and quality to the equation.

It features a front end facelift, there’s an improved range of engines that includes a clever 180bhp twin-turbo 1.9 diesel, as well as an uprated 280bhp 2.8 V6 turbo petrol unit that won’t be chosen by the Green party. They’ll instead prefer the 175bhp 2.0t Saab BioPower option, delivering 200bhp even when running on bioethanol E85 fuel. Sadly, Saab’s new XWD all-wheel drive system isn’t being offered on drop-top models. Apart from all of that, the 9-3 Convertible recipe is pretty much as before. With this generation model, the designers tried hard to change this car’s predecessor’s reputation for rather stodgy handling, imbuing it as far as they could with the same handling characteristics as the acclaimed 9-3 Sports Saloon. In order to overcome the loss of rigidity caused by removing the roof, a secondary supplemental chassis was developed, effectively a ring of steel linking and reinforcing the front rear and side structures. The result is a car devoid of the shake, rattle and roll of many convertibles. Of course, many drivers won’t care a lot about chassis stiffness, but the result is a car that drives more smoothly, that allows its suspension to work properly and which also permits designers to work to fine tolerances in the construction of components like the electric folding hood. Ah, the hood. The Saab’s hood may not be of the trendy folding hard top variety, but for a ragtop it’s very impressive. Electrically operated, it requires no unlatching or arcane procedures to operate, and retracts in just 20 seconds, making it possible to drop the top at traffic lights without the potential embarrassment of being caught at half mast when the lights turn green. The hood’s operation is very slick indeed. Instead of flipping up, an aluminium tonneau cover raises itself and then slides back, making for a quicker operation and a better seal than a traditional hinged cover. It can also be operated while the car is moving at up to 20 miles per hour.

"The hood’s operation is very slick indeed"

Saab’s CargoSET system is another innovation of which the Swedes seem proud. This ‘self expanding trunk’ frees up a useful amount of luggage space in the boot – the kind of space that convertible owners in this class must usually forgo. The hood itself is triple skinned for improved noise and thermal insulation and is available in black, sand or blue. In order to counter the dinginess that most convertibles suffer from when the hood’s up, the Saab’s hood is internally trimmed in either beige or light grey. The attention to detail is laudable. A small gutter has been sewn into the side of the fabric to prevent water droplets dripping onto the seats and there’s also what Saab calls a ‘surround trim’. This is basically a horseshoe-shaped line that runs from the base of each door pillar and incorporates the panels on top of the doors, the rear side trims and most of the tonneau cover. It’s finished in a crackle matt black paint but can also be specified in body colour. It’s a neat design idea that works particularly well with brighter colours. A wide range of engines is available in the 9-3 Covertible. These include the 150bhp 1.8t (from £25,980), the 175bhp 2.0t (from £29,780), the 210bhp 2.0T (from £32,035) and the 280bhp 2.8T V6 (£34,595), plus two diesels: the 150bhp 1.9-litre TiD (£26,435) and the 180bhp 1.9-litre TTiD (from £32,535). The other options are Saab’s 1.8 and 2.0-litre BioPower offerings which can run on E85 bioethanol. All the engines are lifted from the current 9-3 Sports Saloon line up and all are tough, punchy powerplants. The 2.0T Aero manages a 7.7-second 0-60mph time and a 143mph top speed. Combined fuel consumption figures for all three four cylinder 9-3 Convertible petrol engines are virtually indistinguishable - 32.2, 32.1 and 31mpg respectively. The diesels, predictably, are significantly superior with a 44.8mpg average for the 150bhp TiD option. Aside from the flagship Aero models, two trim levels – Linear SE and Vector Sport - are offered, the main difference for Vector Sport models being the sports chassis. Front and side airbags, active head restraints, central locking, alloys and a remote control alarm with immobiliser are standard fare, even if you go with Linear SE trim. The Aero features bi-xenon headlamps with pressure washers, redesigned bumpers and more aggressive alloy wheels. As we’ve said, all the latest Saab 9-3 Convertible models benefit from a facelift, this is based on the Aero X concept car. The clamshell bonnet visually widens the front of the car and all external rubbing strips have been removed to give a cleaner look. There’s a classier finish to the front grille and a set of LED light strips that sit across the top of the headlamp pod while the rear light clusters are shrouded in smoked glass. Inside, there’s a more muted effect with less silver plastic. Saab has developed a system they refer to as ReAxs, which passively steers the rear wheels to cut out the turgid understeer many powerful front wheel drive cars suffer from. Other novelties include DynaCage; Saab-speak for two spring-loaded rollover hoops that are recessed behind the rear head restraints which automatically deploy if the car thinks its falling over. Perhaps the most intriguing development is CargoWing, a rear spoiler that can convert into a ski or snowboard holder! The 9-3 Convertible has always looked a winner in the image-conscious premium drop-top market. Revisions to the engine range plus the latest styling changes mean it remains near the top of the pile.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Saab 9-3 Convertible range PRICES: £25,980-£34,595 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 15-18 CO2 EMISSIONS: 154-266g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0T Aero] Max Speed 143mph / 0-60mph 7.7s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0T Aero] (urban) 23.2mpg / (extra urban) 38.7mpg / (combined) 31.0mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, Active Head Restraints, ABS, DynaCage, integrated front seat belts WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4635/2038/1435mm

X MARKS THE SPOT
Saab are celebrating the launch of the XWD all-wheel drive system in the 9-3 with this limited edition Turbo X model. Jonathan Crouch checks it out

It’s rather curious that it’s taken Saab so long to get round to producing an all-wheel drive car but such is the case. Still, you can now talk to your dealer about specifying XWD, the company’s innovative new all-wheel drive system, on your 9-3 saloon or estate and to celebrate its availability, the Swedes are bringing us a limited edition model, the Turbo X, showcasing the new technology in a package intended to evoke memories of the old black 900 Turbo models of the Seventies and Eighties. Buyers of this car get the 9-3’s fastest engine – a 280bhp V6 Turbo – allied to a sport-tuned chassis with unique suspension, brakes and wheels.

So what is XWD? Well, it’s an ‘active’ 4WD system that not only splits torque delivery between both axles, but also between the rear wheels. In effect, this stretches the performance envelope of the chassis, for example, raising the threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions are triggered. In other words, though Saab might be late to the all-wheel drive party, they have at least come well dressed for the part, offering a level of driver involvement and dynamic chassis control never seen before from a car bearing the Griffin badge. The really clever part of this whole process is the way that torque is split between the rear wheels, depending on which has more grip. It’s all down to what Saab call eLSD, the first application of an electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market. It uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 per cent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more traction. When cornering hard, this yaw damping effect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. The driving benefits of the XWD system are best appreciated out on the open road. Data from the ABS/ESP sensors – measuring wheel speed, yaw rate and steering angle – is utilised by the Saab XWD control module. Rear drive is instantly applied to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improving stability and roadholding.

"Saabs used to be individual cars This one is again…"

In an effort to exploit the full benefits of XWD, the chassis of the Turbo X version we’re looking at here has been lowered by 10mm and the springs and dampers stiffened to minimise body movement. To maintain a constant ride height irrespective of load, self-levelling dampers are fitted at the rear. Stopping power is also increased with larger brake discs fitted: internally ventilated (345 mm diameter x 30 mm) at the front and externally ventilated (292 mm diameter x 20 mm) at the rear. Standard 235/45 R-18 tyres ensure strong mechanical grip for the 18-inch alloy wheels. The powerhouse at the heart of the Turbo X is a 24-valve, 2.8-litre V6 turbo engine generating 400Nm of torque between 2,150 and 4,500 rpm and maximum power of 280bhp. The engine specification includes a lightweight, all-aluminum construction with a 60-degree angle between the cylinder banks for perfect balance, variable inlet valve timing and twin-scroll turbocharging. It is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission. If you want a Turbo X, then you’re going to have to like black, since that’s the only colour on offer – a homage, Saab say, to its illustrious black 900 Turbo forebear. To be fair, the metallic finish does look very smart, with the front grille and all exterior detailing accented in a matte grey titanium-like finish. At the front, a deeper lip spoiler and integrated air intake contribute to reduced drag while also increasing air flow to the engine and intercooler. At the rear, the re-profiled bumper and insert panel lower the point of air flow separation, further reducing drag and assisting high speed stability. The Saloon features a rear spoiler that extends the line of the boot deck, reducing high speed lift forces at the rear axle. The standard SportWagon estate already has a similar spoiler that extends the rear roof line. The Turbo X is further distinguished by unique, 18-inch alloy wheels (though you can have 19-inch if you really want to bring the bling) with a grey titanium-like finish that is supposed to evoke the look of Saab’s classic three-spoke design. Twin, rhomboid-shaped tailpipes complete the exterior additions. Inside, it’s again black, black and more black. The sports seating, with additional bolstering, is upholstered entirely in black leather. The sporty ambience is further emphasised by a unique carbon-fibre finish to the main fascia, door inserts, glove box and gear shift console. The driver gets a thick-rimmed, soft grip leather steering wheel. It’s finished in…. yes, you’ve guessed it, as is the optional full leather interior package. In recognition of Saab’s turbo heritage, the Turbo X boost gauge is a replica of the original 900 Turbo display. One touch we particularly liked was the personalised greeting that appears when you get behind the wheel and switch on the ignition. A rather cheesy ‘Ready For Take-off’ message flashes in the main instrument display, then your name and the edition number of the car pops up on the display, assuming your supplying dealer has been kind enough to programme it in. Saabs used to be individual cars, a trait sadly rather lost in the GM-controlled era. At least the Turbo X makes some attempt at returning buyers to this feeling of specialty, something that used to be the Swedish brand’s trademark. For that, it’s a welcome addition to the range.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Saab Turbo X PRICES: £32,495-£33,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 17 CO2 EMISSIONS: 239g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.7s / Max Speed 155mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 28.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Stability Control, Cornering Braking Control, Saab Active Head Restraints WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [4dr] Length/Width/Height 4635/2038/1466mm

COMING OF AGE
Saab’s 9-3 has long been an engaging if somewhat unambitious performer. This time round, have the gloves come off? Andy Enright reports

The Saab 9-3’s place in the world was once quite clear. You bought one if you couldn’t stretch to an Audi, a BMW or a Jaguar. The latest model has loftier aspirations and Saab is being empowered to shoot for the stars. It’s still early days yet but the signs look very good for this revised 9-3.

One recurring nightmare for any motoring journalist is to be flown away to a press launch only for the realisation to dawn that they are in fact there to drive an all-new grille and headlights. You sit for two days while an increasingly desperate PR tries to convince you that with this new grille and headlights, their depressing billet of mediocrity is about to haul itself from the slough of despond to the top of the class. This charade happens more often than you’d think and I began to suspect that Saab had hoodwinked me into just such an exercise with their revised 9-3. Yes, it does have a revised grille and headlights but there are also over 2,000 other part changes. Most observant customers will notice at least ten differences and while the 9-3 was never the runt of the compact executive litter, it knew its place, hovering between the mainstream and the premium in a sort of aspirational limbo. Saab is, predictably, trying to give the latest car a nudge upmarket. The results are not totally unconvincing. Saab has given the 9-3 a welcome shot in the arm with a couple of big steps forward in terms of engineering. As well as a 180bhp TTiD 1.9-litre diesel engine, there’s also the XWD ‘cross wheel drive’ model on the horizon – effectively an all-wheel drive version with a Haldex differential to direct drive to the rear wheels where necessary. This will forever solve the rather wayward power deployment of range-topping front-wheel drive 9-3s. Aside from the impressive diesel, which uses a twin-stage turbo to deliver all that power, there are more conventional turbo models. The 1.9-litre 16v is good for 150bhp, while a cheaper 8v engine serves up 120bhp. Petrol buyers are catered for by a 122bhp 1.8i, a turbocharged 1.8t, and 175bhp and 210bhp versions of an all-aluminium 2.0-litre turbo as well as the big banger in the line up, the 280bhp V6 turbo. This will get to 60mph in 5.9s and run on to 152mph. There are also two BioPower engines that run on a bioethanol E85 mix – choose from either a 1.8t or a 2.0t here.

"Saab has given the 9-3 a welcome shot in the arm…."

Three body styles are offered – Saloon, Sport Wagon and Convertible – along with four trim levels which, combined with the nine engines, makes for a massive range. The driving experience hasn’t changed all that much. The ride and handling compromise is still very well judged but the more powerful models highlight the pressing requirement for all-wheel drive which Saab has belatedly woken up to. Comfort inside the car is excellent thanks to great seats and a multi-adjustable driving position but the pedals are a little clumsier than you’d expect in a car with enthusiast pretensions. The front end of the latest 9-3 isn’t quite so outré as its bigger brother, the 9-5. The Dame Edna spectacles are thankfully absent and in their place is a classier finish to the front grille and a set of LED light strips that sit across the top of the headlamp pod like an illuminated eyebrow. They do look very smart but after the Audi R8 and now this Saab, we could get a glut of the things. Call it the styling fetish of 2007/08, much like jewel effect lights and clear indicators have been in the mid Noughties. The clamshell bonnet is a very deft touch, at once drawing on Saab’s history and visually widening the front of the car. All external rubbing strips have been removed to give a cleaner look and the Saloon and Convertible both adopt the Sport Wagon’s smoked white rear light clusters. The cabin is a little more muted than before, Saab cutting back on the silver painted plastics which can only be a good thing. Otherwise there are still plenty of traditional Saab design cues such as the key located on the transmission tunnel and the slab-fronted fascia panel. Build quality is good if not quite as gratuitously overengineered as some premium rivals. In fact it’s possibly not as slick as a Ford Mondeo inside the 9-3, which probably says as much about Ford’s aspirations as it does Saab’s. With a Convertible, a Saloon and a Sport Wagon estate, the 9-3 covers a fair bit of ground which is crucially important for Saab, a company that has only two main product families. The Swedes have worked towards simplifying the model range a bit and they needed to as the old line up chopped and changed all the time. As it stands, there are four trim levels: Airflow, Liner SE, Vector Sport and Aero. All cars get features such as alloy wheels, twin front, side and curtain airbags, dual zone climate control and a seven-speaker CD stereo. Airflow models are the entry level variants and feature 16-inch alloy wheels. Step up to Liner SE and there’s also rear parking assist and a Saab comfort pack. Vector Sport adds a sportier chassis, ESP stability control and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Range topping Aero trim receives sleeker bumpers, sports exhausts, bi-xenon headlights, bigger brakes, heated front seats and at least one engine unique to Aero trim. Prices start at £18,575 for a 1.8i Airflow Saloon and top out at £34,495 for an Aero2.8 V6 Convertible. These prices show that while Saab claims to be mixing it with the big boys, it has remained solidly pragmatic when it judges exactly what the market will bear. Saab tends to score reasonably well in terms of cost of ownership with decent if not spectacular residuals and low insurance ratings for the amount of brake horsepower available. The 9-3 is no exception. Perhaps the most interesting models in the range are the BioPower cars. Saab’s Trionic engine management system automatically detects whether you’re running on bioethanol or unleaded petrol, or indeed any conceivable mix of the two, and adjusts the car’s ignition for optimum efficiency. Ethanol has a much higher octane rating (about 115) than ordinary petrol, so you go quicker and it also burns more efficiently. Saab estimate a 20 per cent gain in brake horsepower and a 16 per cent boost to torque. The 9-3 BioPower uses an 85 per cent ethanol, 15 per cent petroleum mix. Therefore the fuel isn’t from a totally renewable source, but it represents a good start and 90 per cent of all 9-3s sold in Sweden run on E85. Those amongst you who paid attention in chemistry classes will know that the net products of ethanol combustion are carbon dioxide and water. So where’s the environmental benefit? Aside from being able to replenish the fuel stocks, the plants harvested to create the ethanol consume more carbon dioxide in their growth cycle than the resultant fuel will emit when burnt, meaning a net depletion of CO2. Now that is clever. There’s little doubt that Saab has worked hard to improve many aspects of the 9-3. It’s also true that the 9-3 isn’t quite in the same league as its German rivals just yet and is priced accordingly. The signs on the horizon suggest that Saab may soon be ready to take a big step forward. An expansion of the model range, the introduction of four-wheel drive models that will permit more powerful engines and the increasing autonomy that General Motors has granted Saab due to its encouraging profit figures all augur well for the company. But does it make the 9-3 a car you should consider right now? The BioPower models most certainly. The 180bhp TTiD model is also interesting but is priced too close to BMW’s 197bhp 325d to make it a worthy buy. In fact the 9-3 becomes a relatively more convincing proposition the less you spend.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Saab 9-3 range PRICES: £18,575-£34,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-17 CO2 EMISSIONS: 147-279g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.9TTiD] 0-60mph 8.7s / Max Speed 137mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.9TTiD] (combined) 44.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Cornering Braking Control, Saab Active Head Restraints WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height (Saloon) 4635/2038/1466mm