Saab 9-3 (2007-) Review

On the road

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Star of the revised range will be the 2.8 Turbo with XWD, an electronically-controlled four-wheel-drive system that can send up to 100% of torque to either front or rear wheels according to road conditions.

Its ESP and ABS are tuned to intervene at a higher threshold than in the front-wheel-drive models and a limited-slip rear differential, which can transfer up to 40% of torque laterally between the two rear wheels, is a further option. We've not had a chance to try this out on the road yet, but a quick sample on Saab's test track suggests that it's going to be very good indeed. Handling stability, control under hard cornering and on slippery surfaces, and resistance to both understeer and oversteer all seem excellent.

The less powerful front-wheel-drive models are by no means unrewarding, however. The Saab combination of powerful, turbocharged engines and a carefully-honed, well-balanced chassis makes for a very different and more relaxed experience than that offered by, say, a rear-wheel-drive 3-Series. Saab has now virtually eliminated the tyre-scrabble and torque-steer inherent in its earlier powerful turbo models and the 9-3 is immensely civilised, but it doesn't have to be boring - it depends on your driving style. The potential to push on hard (yet safely) is there if you want it.

Both the six-speed manual (closer-ratio in 2.8 V6, 210bhp, 175bhp and the diesels) and the automatic gearboxes (six-speed in 2.8 V6 and the diesels, five-speed in other models) have been improved for smoother, quicker gear-shifting, the latter gaining a selectable Sport mode.

The cabin remains an example of excellent ergonomics and user-friendliness, with a good driving position and super-clear dials, displays and instruments.

We're hanging out for the long-rumoured 300bhp-plus 'Black Turbo', but in the meantime, there are a number of satisfactory options.

The all-out 2.8 Turbo (255bhp and 0-60mph in as little as 6.5 seconds in front-wheel-drive models, 280bhp in AWD) is smooth, strong and less harsh and noisy than in some other GM models (it's a Holden-sourced engine, which Saab has developed and tuned specifically for the 9-3), but Saab's own 2.0-litre units (150bhp, 175bhp and 210bhp, with varying degrees of turbo boost) are more characterful and flexible.

There's also the non-turbo 1.8i economy model (a bit dull, but not bad) and the 1.8t and 2.0t Biopower engines, which give 175bhp and 200bhp when running on E85; both are very quick and quiet (0-60 in 7.9/7.5sec respectively) as well as winning brownie points for using sustainable-source fuel.

The 180bhp/295lb ft TTiD engine is, in many ways, the most impressive so far. With a two-stage turbocharging system - one small turbo for low engine speeds and start-up, a second larger one kicking in at higher speeds - it is highly refined, with no trace of turbo lag, no clatter and none of the traditional disadvantages of diesels. Key figures are a top speed of 140mph (manual saloon) and 0-60mph in eight seconds (8.3sec for the wagon, 8.4/8.8 in auto versions). It compares well to equivalently-powered diesels offered by the German manufacturers: while the BMW 335d remains the definitive high-performance diesel car in this sector, the 9-3 TTiD is a very serious alternative to an Audi/Volkswagen 2.0 TDI or even a BMW 320d. And it'd be even better in combination with XWD (an option under serious consideration, likely to follow next year).