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Saab 9-3 Sportwagon (2005-2012)

The independent definitive Saab 9-3 (2002-2011) video review

This is a sample, showing 30 seconds of each section.

    ON THE WAGON (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_saab93_071108

    BY ANDY ENRIGHT

    Introductionword count: 86

    When choosing a mid-sized estate car, convention dictates that you either go for something sleek and stylish but which can't carry a great deal or you choose a car that looks as if it was designed with a setsquare and ruler but which can lug a lot of gear. Back in 2005, Saab deemed that there could be a third way and the 9-3 Sportwagon demonstrated a very elegant compromise. With used examples now starting to appear in decent numbers, here's what to look out for.

    Modelsword count: 17

    Models Covered: (5dr estate 1.8, 2.0 petrol, 2.2 diesel [Airflow, Linear, Linear SE, Vector, Vector Sport, Aero])

    Historyword count: 246

    So neat is the styling of the 9-3 Sportwagon that it's hard to believe the Sport Saloon upon which it was based had been on sale for fully three years before it appeared. A hiatus of this length will often mean that there are difficulties in making a neat estate conversion and all too often when the car does appear, it looks as if a saloon is being mounted by a conservatory. Never a good look. Quite the opposite was the case with the Saab 9-3. The Sport Saloon was always a very well proportioned car and that understated musucularity translated well to the estate version. Shortly after the Sportwagon appeared, the range was supplemented by a beefy 2.8-litre V6 unit packing 250bhp. A comprehensive interior facelift was carried out for the 2007 model year with rotary dials installed on the dash chrome detailing and a general rationalisation of the controls for a more straightforward user interface. Then, in mid 2007, further alterations were announced to the exterior styling and the engine range. The 180bhp TTiD diesel arrived with its two stage turbocharger and the 2.8T V6 engine was upgraded to 280bhp. More interestingly, the XWD 4x4 system also arrived and a 2.0t BioPower engine was introduced to capture the environmental zeitgeist with its capability to run on E85 bioethanol. All models got a restyled front-end with a clamshell bonnet, a revised grille and LED light strips that sit across the top of the headlamp pod.

    What You Getword count: 256

    Like the Sport Saloon and Convertible models, the Wagon is one of the best-looking cars in its class, the tight overhangs and chunky proportioning giving it a real presence. With a backlash forming against the dowdy driving characteristics of many 4x4 and MPV-style vehicles, premium mid-sized estates have seen an increase in popularity in recent years and Saab has capitalised upon a market that demographics suggest is often younger and more affluent than the traditional saloon and hatchback sectors. What's more, diesel engines - a growing area of Saab expertise - account for most of the estate sector's sales. Smart load carrying features, a usefully proportioned cargo area and unsullied driving dynamics make a very attractive combination for those looking for something suitably lifestyle with an esteemed badge on the bonnet and the 9-3 Sportwagon deserves to command a sizeable piece of that action. Unlike many vehicles that campaign in this class, the Saab offers some serious carrying capacity. There's 419 litres available with the rear seats in place and a whopping 1,273 litres of space available with the seats folded down. The recessed sub floor allows valuables to be stowed out of the view of prying eyes and can also be used to store wet or dirty gear without muddying everything else up. Despite its sporting looks, the rear hatch is actually fairly steeply raked, allowing for additional carrying capacity. This is where rivals such as the Alfa 159 Sportwagon and BMW's 3-Series Touring fall down, favouring style over practicality. Saab aims to offer both.

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    Category: Luxury Saloons and Estates

    Performance
    80%
    Handling
    60%
    Comfort
    70%
    Space
    90%
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