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New Saab 9-3 Estates Sets Sights On A4

Get a load of this! Saab has finally pulled the wraps from its new 9-3 SportWagon - and Auto Express has the very first pictures. Set to be unveiled at next month's Geneva Motor Show, the car is the Swedish firm's first entry into the premium mid-sized estate market.

By Matt Davis

15th February 2005

However, despite being a complete newcomer to the class, the rival to the Audi A4 Avant is likely to become a design trend-setter - thanks to its steeply raked tail-lights, complete with frosted lenses and LED bulbs. Com-pleting the sporty look is a reverse-angle D-pillar and sloping roofline.

Based on the Vauxhall Vectra platform, the SportWagon will hit UK showrooms in September. Buyers will have a choice of six petrol engines and two diesels. Power outputs will range from 120bhp in the entry-level 1.9-litre TiD Linear oil-burner to 250bhp in the all-new turbocharged 2.8 V6 Aero range-topper. The latter will be added to the line-up for the 9-3 saloon and convertible models from September, too.

In terms of load space, the SportWagon will be competitive with class rivals, offering 419 litres with the rear seats in place and a maximum of 1,273 litres when they are folded. Its carrying ability is boosted further by a number of handy stowage spaces in the rear, including a false floor, which can be used to hide valuables or, when the cover is folded away, to make the load area deeper. Engineers have worked hard to ensure the SportWagon's chassis is as rigid as that of the saloon. This means that despite its larger proportions and extra space, the Saab should be just as good to drive.

As ever, safety is crucial in this class. ESP stability control will be standard on Linear and Vector cars, while high-spec Aeros get a more advanced version of the set-up. On manual variants, this includes hill start assist, which stops the car rolling back when stationary on a slope.

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

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