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http://motortorque.askaprice.com/reviews/auto-0711/new-saab-93-review.asp
The new Saab 9-3 range of medium sized four-door Saloons and five-door SportsWagon estates sells against the Audi A4, soon to be replaced by an even better model, the fine BMW 3 Series and the new and highly rated Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The latest Saab 9-3 models are said to feature no fewer than 2,000 changes over the outgoing models but it remains based on the current Vauxhall Vectra platform. There is a raft of new and retained petrol, diesel and BioPower flex-fuel engines and of course the new XWD cross wheel drive system.
There are no less than eight petrol and BioPower engines ranging from 1.8 to 2.8-litres, seven of which are turbocharged, and three, two-litre, turbodiesel engine options with 120bhp, 150bhp and 180bhp power outputs. So the focus for the brand is still seemingly to provide an engine option for every rung of the company car ladder.
Styling and interior
Pride of ownership has to be a big factor in this premium medium-sized car sector and the new Saab 9-3 models have a bold and assertive new look, the styling looks far more exciting than the previous generation. The styling comes from the well received Aero X which has been doing the rounds of the European motor shows as the Saab of the future.
The new design brings back the sporty appeal and for Saab traditionalists the clamshell bonnet is retained. New front and rear bumper mouldings and aerodynamic side sills for some models now gives the appearance of a thoroughly modern car of premium quality.
The interior is improved and it is a relatively spacious five seater with enough rear seat legroom for adult passengers. There is a huge boot and the rear seats split 60/40. From the driver’s point of view the cockpit area is first class with the position of the steering wheel relative to the driver’s seat being excellent.
The aircraft-style instrument panel is canted towards the driver so controls are easy to use and instruments clear to see. In this respect it really is a ‘driver’s car’. There are some areas of indifferent quality in the interior such as cheap plastic control stalks.
Trim and equipment
Four trim and equipment levels are offered, Airflow, Linear SE, Vector Sport and Aero with Vector Sport being the likely most popular version.
Standard features on all models include: alloy wheels, dual stage front airbags, active head restraints, front seat side airbags and curtain airbags, dual zone climate control, a driving pack consisting of cruise control and on- board computer, all-round electrically operated windows, tinted windows with heat absorbent glass and a seven speaker radio and CD system.
Linear SE models additionally feature rear parking assist and a comfort pack. Vector Sport versions get a sports chassis and suspension set up and electronic stability programme and a sports leather steering wheel. Aero models receive extra sporty body styling tweaks, bi-xenon headlights, uprated brakes and heated front seats.
My test car was the Saab 9-3 Vector Sport Saloon with a 1.9-litre TiD 150bhp turbodiesel engine with a six- speed manual transmission. The price of this middle-of-the-road model is £24,080 but it had options which included a convenience pack of memory seats, auto dimming mirror and rain sensing wipers plus a business pack which includes DVD satellite navigation and leather upholstery. This made the total price of the test car a hefty £28,860, but still cheaper than corresponding German models, and Saab dealers will move on the price.
Engine performance, dynamics and emissions
The 1.9-litre, 150bhp engine may not be the newest in the new model line-up but to my mind it is the best option for higher mileage business users as well as private buyers. The low-ish CO2 emissions of 156g/km puts it in road tax Band D at £140 a year ands the fuel economy potential is very good.
Officially the combined cycle fuel consumption is 48.7mpg and that is exactly what my car returned overall during a week of motoring on all types of roads. In fact on a long motorway journey it achieved 50.2mpg.
This engine is quiet, it pulls strongly with 320Nm of torque from 2,000rpm and the gearbox ratios were ideally suited for relaxed open road driving or busy in town traffic. Top speed is 130mph and 0-60mph takes just nine seconds, so it is not slow.
However the driving dynamics of the car are best described as lazy, ideal if you want to sit back and enjoy the drive. The steering is slow to respond, lacks feedback response and the car labours through fast corners. It is just not as agile or as sharp as its German competitors. The Sport suspension is firm, but not uncomfortable, and there is more road and wind noise intrusion than is ideal.
Overall the new Saab 9-3 Saloon is a good effort, but is it good enough to ruffle the sales feathers of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Not very likely, but at least it is different and it looks pretty smart on any driveway.
MILESTONES
Saab 9-3 Vector Sport Saloon 1.9 TiD 150PS
Price as tested: £28,860
Engine: 1.9-litre, four cylinder turbodiesel, 150bhp, 320Nm at 2,000rpm
Performance: 130mph, 0-60mph 9 seconds, 48.7mpg, CO2 156g/km, VED Band D £140
Insurance group: 14E
Company car tax liability: 21%
For: Distinctive Saab styling, high levels of safety equipment, good level of specification at a reasonable price, strong yet fuel efficient engine
Against: Lacks sporty driving appeal, some poor areas of interior finish, road and wind noise intrusion
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