Saab 9-3 SportWagon Aero 2.0T XWD

Aug 30 2009 Maxine Ashford

COMBINE all-wheel-drive with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine and you are guaranteed an action-packed, smooth, road-hugging ride full of thrills but no spills.

That's exactly what's on offer with the latest Saab 9-3 SportWagon, along with plenty of class-leading spec and great comfort levels.

Admittedly, the £28,000-plus starting price on this model is not cheap, but sometimes the value for money is all too apparent and this is such a case.

Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control with a chilled glove box, cruise control, a car computer, seven-speaker CD system, the Saab Information Display which incorporates outside temperature, fuel consumption and fuel range plus 18in alloy wheels.

The optional extras - which were included on the test car for a little less than £5,000 - added a DVD sat nav system with a 6.5in colour touch screen, dark tinted windows, leather heated front seats, dual electric seats with memory settings and plenty more.

So this car comes packed with incredible levels of luxury and when you add the outstanding comfort for driver and passengers alike, and all-round visibility, it really becomes a pleasure to travel in it.

But, for me, the real thrill is in the drive itself. Bursting with power, the 2.0-litre turbo-driven engine delivers plenty of pace and with that all-wheel-drive, you can be certain it's grip will be reliable in all conditions on all surfaces. But I suppose you might expect that sort of quality from a Swedish-based manufacturer.

In and around town, the 9-3 was a pleasure to drive, but it's out on the open road that it excels as you shift smoothly through the tightly-grouped six speed transmission.

Another fun factor of this vehicle is being able to watch the turbo needle soar up the dial as you press down on the accelerator - a small bonus, maybe, but still fun!

As one might expect, the Saab 9-3 comes filled to bursting with excellent safety features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, active head restraints, numerous airbags and a first class alarm system to keep away any uninvited attention.

All in all, the Saab 9-3 SportWagon is great fun to drive, has eye-catching good looks, is supplied with an outstanding safety package, and is very difficult to put into a single buyers' category - it would suit business, family or the image-conscious alike.

FAST FACTS

Saab 9-3 SportWagon Aero 2.0T XWD 5dr

Price: £28,751

Mechanical: 210ps, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 143mph

0-62mph: 8.2 seconds

Combined mpg: 34.9

Insurance group: 15

CO2 emissions: 294g/km

BIK rating: 35%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles