We say The 9-3 is reliable, safe and comes with a strong engine line-up but its very old and feels it.Performance Four petrols and two turbodiesels make up the engine range with the turbocharged 1.8-litre developing 195bhp. There's a powerful 2.8-litre V6 turbo in the Aero and two diesels which are frugal and refined.Emissions The most efficient engine in the line-up is the 1.9-litre diesel which returns 52mpg and emits 147g/km in CO2 emissions. Unfortunately average emissions and fuel economy returns across the range are generally poor.Driving Good suspension makes the Saab 9-3 saloon a good cruiser and the drive is generally composed. Unfortunately the 9-3 loses ground on its rivals in terms of ability; it’s not the sportiest drive around whereas its executive rivals offer something more.Feel The cabin is hushed, though there's some noise at speed and the Aero is quite raucous, and the ride is excellent. That’s why it’s brilliant over long distances at speed on motorways.Space Good room for five passengers makes the 9-3 ideally suited to load lugging up motorways. At the rear there’s a good boot with 425-litres of load space, even before the 60/40 rear seats fold.Equipment Alloys, air conditioning, electric windows and CD player as standard. The V6 has an autobox as standard, whereas it's an option on other engines.Price The Saab 9-3 is well priced in relation to its European competitors with prices starting from around £21,000, although it's not quite up to German standards so it should be cheaper. Running costs and residuals are decent but again, other competitors do things slightly better than Saab.Quality The 9-3 is durable and solid but the interior lacks the glitz, glam and upmarket feel of its rivals. Saabs are generally reliable but for the price it’s fair to expect a little more.Safety Five NCAP stars and plenty of safety and security kit.Pros The 9-3 comes with a good solid range of engines and lots of kit across all its models. It’s very reliable and distinct as well.Cons The 9-3 falls away from its competitors in terms of drive and handling; its interior also lets it down as well.Alternatives Audi A4, BMW 3-Series.
