Skip advert
Advertisement

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?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

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

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

ID.3

2022 Volkswagen

ID.3

34,799 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £13,197
View ID.3
E-2008

2022 Peugeot

E-2008

26,159 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £13,197
View E-2008
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

32,565 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £25,995
View XC40
2

2021 Polestar

2

59,778 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £18,500
View 2

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. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,445 off RRP*Used from £16,100
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,794 off RRP*Used from £6,320
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,274 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Hyundai reduces prices across its entire EV range
Hyundai Ioniq 5 - front cornering

Hyundai reduces prices across its entire EV range

Korean brand acts swiftly to cut prices on all its electric cars, amid confusion over Government’s grant scheme
News
25 Jul 2025
New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k
Citroen C5 Aircross - front

New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k

Citroen’s revamped flagship C5 Aircross SUV is available to order now with hybrid or electric power
News
28 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price

The ‘car with no rear window’ is looking seriously cheap on lease right now. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 28
News
28 Jul 2025