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Saab 9-3

Clean diesel engines give ageing saloon fresh lease of life

Saab 9-3

By Mark Nichol

October 2010

  • Rating:
The 9-3 is no spring chicken, but resurgent Saab has given its executive saloon a new lease of life, and the result is a cleaner, more appealing car. 

Launched in 2002, and built on the same platform as the now defunct Vauxhall Vectra, the 9-3 has always struggled to compete with rivals from the German firms. But now, there’s at least one very good reason to reconsider Saab’s ageing boardroom pretender; super-low CO2 emissions.

Three new 1.9-litre diesel engines have been added to the range, each boasting 62.8mpg and 119g/km in saloon form, despite varying power outputs. The Convertible and Sportwagon estate get 
the engines, too, although economy and emissions suffer a bit because of the extra weight. For the saloon, the low CO2 means first year road tax is free. The old 118bhp and 148bhp 1.9-litre diesels are replaced by quicker and cleaner 128bhp and 158bhp twin-turbo versions. But best of all is the 178bhp TTiD4 driven here. 

It has a mighty 400Nm of torque available from only 1,850rpm, so it’s powerful and flexible in any of its six gears. In addition, it’s superbly quiet and smooth on the go, feeling every bit as refined as the benchmark 2.0-litre TDI units from Volkswagen. 

Saab has achieved the hikes in performance and economy by reducing friction in the engine, adding low-rolling resistance tyres, thinning some of the metal bodywork to reduce weight, and using lighter materials with the same soundproofing qualities.

Unusually, the ride height hasn’t been lowered because the firm wanted to maximise comfort. And, disappointingly, there’s no stop-start engine technology, so you’ll be burning fuel at the traffic lights. 

It all adds up to a car that hasn’t the slightest whiff of being an ‘eco’ model, yet delivers fuel economy that keeps up with the best the BMW 3-Series can offer. The front-wheel-drive Saab will never quite match the dynamic prowess of the 3-Series, but it still grips well, turns in sharply and is refined on the motorway. The only gripe is the lumpy gearchange. 

Otherwise, this elderly junior executive is surprisingly sprightly. And at £23,000 for a well specced Turbo Edition model, it makes the German competition look pricey. 

Rival: Insignia ecoFLEX
With economy of 54.7mpg and 136g/km emissions, Vauxhall’s eco saloon trumps Ford’s most efficient Mondeo, but it can’t match the revised 9-3. However, its modern design and quality cabin make the Saab look dated. 

For an alternative review of the latest Saab 9-3 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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8 Comments

Disgusting!

Being a Designer, I can see no virtues to this car! An almost Barbarian Looking Car! no finesse or class whatsoever! Alfa Romeo and BMW do it much better!

By JTravolta77 on 27 October, 2010, 7:10pm

Hmmmz

Michael Mauer is that you?

Give us a break JT, BMWs still look like bashed crabs and the MiTo's attempt at looking like a baby 8c just looks fricken stupid.

The 9-3 is starting to show it's age which is why it's getting a facelift next year just before we see an al new replacement.

By W00DZ on 27 October, 2010, 7:28pm

Hmmmz

Michael Mauer is that you?

Give us a break JT, BMWs still look like bashed crabs and the MiTo's attempt at looking like a baby 8c just looks fricken stupid.

The 9-3 is starting to show it's age which is why it's getting a facelift next year just before we see an al new replacement.

By W00DZ on 27 October, 2010, 7:28pm

Hate double posts..

Sorry

By W00DZ on 27 October, 2010, 7:28pm

This car looks pure classy, while the german competition just look as overdesigned as they are overpriced. Just my opinion. Have a nice one!

By Trilo on 28 October, 2010, 8:21am

I am amazed that a Fiat unit can be made to produce 180bhp and 295 lb/ft without any stop/start, low resistance tyres, super long gearing etc. I am also amazed that Saab has managed to quieten down the 1.9JTD to refinement levels equal of the latest VAG 2.0 TDI unit. Well done Saab, shame on Fiat/Alfa Romeo for not allowing you to improve their engines. Saab once again proved that their turbo know-how is pretty much unparalleled. I am really looking forward to seeing this engine in a new Saab 9-3, although I feel that this will be the swan song for an engine that started life in a Fiat Tipo in 1989.

By ganthopoulos on 28 October, 2010, 12:16pm

I like it

I've always liked the 9-3 saloon and good to see it get a freshen up. I cannot agree that BMW do style and class, it's a BMW so has a reputation as being driven by arh0les and they look silly as well. The Saab is good for people who don't buy the mainstream expensive German motors. I looked at buying one recently but went for the X-Type. Easily the best small exec saloon ;-)

By Kingbob12 on 28 October, 2010, 12:33pm

A Mediocre Car in every way!

This car doesn't excell or is outstanding in any department! Poor Design, Average Dynamics, Average Build Quality, Average Engine, Average everything!!!

By JTravolta77 on 29 October, 2010, 10:04am

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FIRST OPINION

    The 9-3 is rapidly approaching retirement, but this trio of engines breathes new life into an ageing model. It is now as quick, quiet and economical as anything in its price range, and despite the Swede’s advancing years it still grips hard in corners and steers sharply. The might of the German executives is strong, but the Saab badge still provides more premium appeal than offerings from Vauxhall and Ford, making this 9-3 an extremely compelling proposition. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £22,995
    Engine: 1.9-litre 4cyl twin-turbo
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    Power/torque: 178bhp/400Nm
    0-60mph: 8.0 seconds
    Top speed: 143mph 
    Economy: 62.8mpg
    CO2: 119g/km
    Equipment: Leather seats, alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control, parking sensors *On sale: Now
     
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