Fans of the distinctive and classic Saab 9-3 really are spoiled for choice when deciding which model to choose.
The selection is just so vast. The classy mid-sized saloon and estate variant comes in four specifications, there are six petrol engines, including two BioPower versions, three diesels and a wide-ranging price bracket from £18,605 for the Airflow 1.8i right up to the top-of-the-range Aero 2.8 V6 XWD at £30,154.
Since its re-emergence and development under the GM umbrella, the 9-3 has hit such heights of reputation that it competes on a genuine level with class-leaders such as the BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-class.
Regular readers will know that I would have hesitation in selecting the Saab above all others. So why am I so smitten by Saab? One reason is that some Saab fundamentals just don't change. The 9-3 stays true to the cabin ergonomics which no other manufacturer can touch, comfort levels (particularly seating) are superb and driving satisfaction and refinement are second to none.
And Saab has the knack of retaining essential design features such as the coupe-like profile, clamshell bonnet and single side window graphic so that the car is instantly recognisable while introducing essential developments throughout the car.
The size of the 9-3 also suits me perfectly – although lacking a little rear legroom, it is still big enough to transport five adults in supreme comfort, yet compact enough to always be an involving and exciting drive.
To reprise my joy of Saab, I have been testing the mid-range 1.9 TiD saloon, which has plenty of performance yet returns excellent fuel consumption figures.
The turbo-charged 1910cc engine is a fine example of the best of today's diesel engines. Audibly, you can tell it's a diesel on tickover, yet there is a distinct lack of vibration in the cockpit and it smooths out so quickly on the move.
Creamy acceleration sees the 1.9 TiD hit 62mph in a healthy 9.0 seconds and a fast, slick and decisive six-speed manual gearbox stirs the spirit as well as the ratios and keeps the car on the boil in fine style. But there is no punishing fuel penalty, as this particular 9-3 is still giving you an overall consumption of around 50mpg.
The handsome saloon has a reassuringly solid feel, with terrific build quality, and sits squarely on the road, with rock-solid straight-ahead stability.
Progress is smooth, fast and decisive and everything always feels under control, with superbly involving, tight steering, effortlessly impressive, flat cornering and an agile chassis feel.
As a long-distance tourer, the TiD 9-3 is a grand travelling companion.
Seats are fabulously supportive and comfortable, with long, wide cushions and boasting accurate rake adjustment, while ride quality is second to none.
The famous Saab cockpit doesn't change from generation to generation, simply because it doesn't need to.
Instrumentation, controls and seating position are all developed from the driver's perspective, with an angled dashboard and leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring easy-to-operate fingertip audio controls, which is a good safety bonus.
Saab's party-piece is the amazingly engineered, spring-out cup-holder on the dashboard, with an eye-opening opening action and conjuring trick fold and slide retraction. Amazing.
The boot has a small entry area but is deceptively big, tunneling into the car a long way and soaking up big amounts of luggage.
All in all, there's just so much to admire and so little criticise. To Saab aficionados, this all very familiar. To those seeking ultimate value and style, the 9-3 is right up there with the German benchmark vehicles and a highly desirable alternative.
Fast facts:
- Saab 9-3 TiD Linear SE saloon, £22,549 (9-3 prices from £18,605-£30,154).
- Fun to drive experience, placing it among class leaders for sporty performance and excellent chassis dynamics.
- Test model powered by turbocharged 1910cc engine developing 150PS @ 4,000rpm.
- 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds, top speed 131mph.
- CO2 emissions: 151 g/km.
- Powertrain line-up offers "tri fuel" choice of petrol, diesel or bioethanol E85 engines.
- Standard equipment includes sport leather steering wheel and gearknob; dual-zone automatic climate control with cooled glovebox; cruise control and car computer; single CD player, seven speakers; 16-inch alloy wheels; ESP (Electronic Stability Programme); front foglights; Saab Active Head restraints; side airbags, front seat mounted.
