Saab 9-3 (2007-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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As ever with Saabs, ride quality can vary greatly according to the choice of wheels and tyres. 15", 16", 17" or 18" alloy wheels are fitted according to model, and Vector Sport and Aero models are particularly stiffly-sprung. All are firm, but some versions can be a trifle unforgiving.

This is more than made up, however, by the wonderfully comfortable seats (Saabs have long been recommended by people with dodgy backs, the very tall and those who are otherwise oddly shaped) and general refinement: wind, engine and tyre noise are all well-contained, and there are no traces of squeaks, rattles or other annoyances even in the first new-generation cars off the Trollhatten production line.

The 9-3 isn't the roomiest car in its class, but there is still sufficient rear legroom for most passengers, and a large boot; Sportwagon estates, though angled at the 'lifestyle' end of the market, can carry up to 1,273 litres with the rear seats folded down flat and offer a split-fold facility as well as an extra under-floor storage hole.

Equipment levels are now branded Airflow, Linear SE, Vector Sport and Aero. All models have alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, trip computer, four electric windows, tinted/heat-absorbent glass and a seven-speaker CD player - more than the essentials. Vector Sport models have ESP, a leather steering wheel and lowered suspension, and Aero models have full body kit, twin sports exhausts, bi-xenon headlights with pressure washers, uprated brakes and heated front seats.

There's a choice of Parchment (a pale cream) or black interiors, and further options include DVD sat nav with Bluetooth phone kit, different audio systems with iPod/MP3 input sockets and a folding front passenger seat (Sportwagon, for extra load-carrying capability).