I am truly impressed by the smoothness and delivery of the engine. I spend a lot of time on the motorway and the long-legged sixth gear really helps to reduce noise and improve fuel economy. If I stick the cruise control on 70mph, I get better than 40mpg. Not bad for something with 175bhp. My only annoyance is that the engine holds the revs in moving from first to second. This is not peculiar to my Saab - others I have driven act the same way. It just makes the gearchange jerky unless you take care.
This car is an interesting alternative to the German exec saloons that litter our roads. The 9-3 cannot truly compete however. It's true it beats the Germans hands down for comfort and smoothness of drive and my diesel averages 50mpg! It is not a great drivers' car and is not one to be thrown round bends! One huge negative on the 9-3 is the appalling interior plastics. I know Saab/GM borrowed the diesel engine from Fiat but there was no need to borrow interior plastics from the Panda too!
A true hybrid that allows the practicality of a family transporter whilst retaining the performance, taut handling and feel of a thoroughbred. For me, this car far outperformed its German counterparts for responsiveness, looks and interior in test drives, and is packed with far higher standard spec, yet costs a good deal less than either BMW or Audi's offerings. The sports suspension on the Aero can be a little hard at times, but that's more than compensated for when you throw it into a corner!
