Saab 9-3 SportWagon estate (2005-) expert review

1. Exterior

Having been on sale for five years with just a minor facelift, the looks of the Saab 9-3 are getting quite tired now. Instantly recognisable from afar though, the bold front grille, deep front bumper and pretty rear end, still look quite distinctive in a crowded market that is dominated by bland euroboxes. The daytime running lights look like eyebrows and give a hi-tech feel to the elderly 9-3. Flagship Aero models feature even deeper front bumpers, larger alloy wheels and a more muscular stance.

Our rating: 3

2. Interior

Inside, the 9-3 looks past its best. It’s full of hard plastics, is dated in design and ill-fitting mouldings creak and squeak when pressed. The indicator stalks in particular feel cheap and nasty and unlikely to stand the test of time. The quirky layout with the ignition key placed between the front seats, and joystick-style levers for the air vents, all add to the feel that this is a seriously outdated package. That said, in the main, the plastics feel quite solid and built to last and the chrome detailing adds some class.

Our rating: 2

3. Practicality

The 9-3 SportWagon is more lifestyle orientated than serious load lugger, with just 419 litres of space available with the seats up, and 1,287 litres with them folded. Almost all of the Saab’s main rivals offer more space, with the exception of the Honda Accord Tourer. The seats fold down in a 60/40 fashion, and there’s also the extra flexibility of a ski hatch for carrying long items without the need to fold the seats flat. Elsewhere, there’s plenty of space both front and rear, with rear seat passengers getting a decent amount of legroom. Headroom is pretty good too, for all but the tallest of passengers, though shoulder room can get tight if you want to seat three abreast in the rear. As with most Saabs, seat comfort is exceptionally good, with plenty of adjustment available to get the perfect driving position. For owners who like to tow, the 9-3 SportWagon can haul up to 1,600kg, which is lower than most of its main rivals.

Our rating: 3

4. Ride and handling

The 9-3 has been eclipsed by the majority of its rivals when it comes to driving enjoyment. The lack of feedback through the steering and uninspiring handling means there’s little fun to be had from behind the wheel, despite the Sport tag. The ride can be unsettled over poor road surfaces, and only becomes comfortable at cruising speed on the motorway. This is where the 9-3 is best, where engine revs are low, wind and road noise are hushed and steering feel is less of a priority. The diesel engines can get tiresome at lower speeds, thanks to more noise than rivals. The petrol engines are considerably less vocal.

Our rating: 2

5. Performance

There’s a choice of two petrol engines, and three diesel units, with all models except the entry-level diesel available with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. The entry level 1.8t model kicks out 148bhp from its 2.0-litre powerplant, accelerating to 62mpg in 9.7 seconds and achieving a top speed of 127mph. Next up is the 2.0T, with or without XWD four-wheel-drive, developing 207bhp. There’s also a trio of 1.9-litre turbodiesel engines, producing 128, 158 and 178bhp. The best-selling unit, the mid-range 158bhp engine accelerates to 62mph in 9.3 seconds and has a maximum speed of 137mph.

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

The diesel engines offer class-leading CO2 emissions and economy. The best-selling 158bhp 1.9 TTiD engine emits just 122g/km of CO2, while achieving 61.4mpg on the combined cycle. The petrol engines though, aren’t so class-leading, turning in only average figures. For example, the entry-level 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, confusingly badged as 1.8t, kicks out 169g/km of CO2, and achieves 38.7mpg on the combined cycle. Newer rivals, like the Volvo S60 deliver better economy figures and emit less CO2. Insurance costs are broadly in line with rivals, but residual values are poor.

Our rating: 3

7. Reliability

The diesel engine in the 9-3 has been described by some as one of the most unreliable diesel engines in recent history, with lots of problems with diesel particulate filters as well as other troubles. The engine has recently been tweaked by Saab engineers, so here’s hoping that the issues are a thing of the past.

Our rating: 3

8. Safety

Saab’s history is built on its exemplary safety record, and the 9-3 continues that tradition. The 9-3 hasn’t been crash tested in SportWagon guise, nor since the 9-3 has been facelifted. The four-door saloon was tested in 2002, however, and it scored a five-star safety rating. All 9-3s come with driver, passenger, side and head airbags, as well as Isofix child seat fasteners, electronic stability programme and traction control. There’s also the extra security of four-wheel-drive on 2.0T models, though diesels remain front-wheel-drive only.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

All three trim levels in the 9-3 range are exceptionally well kitted out, with the entry-level Turbo Edition featuring leather upholstery, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, heated front seats, air-con, cruise control, electric windows, 17-inch alloy wheels, electric and heated mirrors, front fog lights and rear parking sensors. Mid-range Vector Sport models add half leather sports seats and sports suspension, while the flagship Aero models include leather sports seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, uprated brakes, tyre pressure monitors, xenon headlights, sports bumpers and twin exhausts. Popular options include sat-nav, larger alloy wheels, an uprated BOSE audio system, and a range of well-priced option packs that group together popular options at a keen price.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

The 9-3 is well equipped, and in diesel guise frugal and relatively clean on the CO2 front. There’s a decent amount of cabin space, and unless you carry enormous loads, the amount of luggage room will be more than enough. The 9-3 is also priced at a level that is cheaper than all of its main rivals.

Our rating: 3