Skip advert
Advertisement

Saab 9-3

Clean diesel engines give ageing saloon fresh lease of life

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Saab 9-3
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

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. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

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. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

29,030 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £21,716
View Range Rover Evoque
e-Niro

2022 Kia

e-Niro

30,042 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £15,456
View e-Niro
ZS ELECTRIC

2020 MG

ZS ELECTRIC

50,700 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £10,018
View ZS ELECTRIC
Ibiza

2024 SEAT

Ibiza

13,071 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £15,395
View Ibiza

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. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,362 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,700
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,416
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025