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Saab 9-3 Carlsson

Hot special edition version of Saab's ageing 9-3 pays tribute to rallying legend - and boasts a combination of V6 power and four-wheel drive grip, but can it compete with younger rivals?

Saab 9-3 Carlsson edition front

By James Disdale

December 2010

  • Rating:
It’s said that sporting success improves the breed – and this was certainly the case for Saab. Fifty years ago, the quirky two-stroke-engined 96 scored its maiden victory on Britain’s gruelling RAC rally, instantly thrusting the Swedish company into the spotlight. And today, bosses are celebrating that anniversary with a special version of the 9-3 saloon.

The Carlsson takes its name from legendary Swedish rally ace Erik Carlsson, who secured numerous wins for Saab in the Sixties. Yet apart from a small badge on the tailgate, the latest 9-3 could easily be mistaken for lesser versions. A subtle bodykit, stylish 19-inch alloy wheels and flashes of Titanium coloured trim are the only other clues to the new car’s special status.

It’s a similar story inside, where the sole change is the addition of chunky sports seats trimmed with Saab’s premium leather finish. The rest of the cabin is starting to feel dated, while fit and finish are no match for the class leaders. 

At least there’s lots of kit, with climate control, sat-nav and xenon lights as standard. The Carlsson isn’t short of power, delivering 276bhp from its 2.8-litre turbo V6. Mated to the firm’s six-speed auto and hi-tech XWD four-wheel-drive transmission, the engine propels the 9-3 from 0-60mph in only 6.9 seconds.

To cope with this pace, the Carlsson gets lowered and stiffened suspension, plus uprated brakes. There’s plenty of grip, while the XWD’s electronic limited-slip rear differential boosts traction out of corners. Sadly, none of these updates can disguise the 9-3’s advancing years. The controls lack feedback, while the auto gearbox is clunky and the ride extremely firm.

The Carlsson trails the class leaders for driving dynamics, but it does have exclusivity on its side, as the company has revealed it will build only 96 examples of this special edition. With such limited numbers, Saab should have no problem finding enough dedicated fans of the brand to fork out £26,495 for this small slice of history.

Rival: Audi A4 2.0 TFSI
THE Audi has a smaller engine than the Saab, but it’s every bit as fast. Build quality is first rate, and the quattro four-wheel drive serves up strong grip. Only the high price counts against it. 

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

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1 Comment

The Carlsson Returns

This is the second time Saab have celebrated the Erik Carlsson phenomena of his RAC rallying successes he had in the 1960's. In Saab circles he is a legend. Strange how the performance figures are identical to the 1990 Saab 9000 model. I owned one and it was so brilliant I kept it for 6 years. Anyone considering buying one of these special cars, be warned you'll be a Saab addict in no time!

By logburner on 10 January, 2011, 9:31am

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Pictures

Saab 9-3 Carlsson edition rear
Saab 9-3 Carlsson edition interior

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FIRST OPINION

    Diehard Saab fans are sure to snap up this special edition. It looks little different to lesser models, but comes loaded with kit, delivers decent straight-line pace and has a grippy chassis. And with only a handful being built, it has rarity on its side, too. Yet there’s no getting away from the fact that the 9-3 trails rivals by some distance. Its successor can’t come soon enough.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £26,495
    Engine: 2.8-litre V6 turbo
    Power/torque: 276bhp/400Nm
    Transmission: Six-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 6.9 seconds
    Top speed: 155mph
    Economy: 26.2mpg
    CO2: 259g/km
    Equipment: Sports suspension, aerodynamic bodykit, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, adaptive xenon headlamps
    On sale: Now
     
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