Saab 9-3 Sportwagon Range : BRING LOAD, SWEDE CHARIOT

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Saab's 9-3 Sportwagon brings a welcome dash of style to the executive estate sector. Andy Enright takes a look

A lot of data passes across my desk each day. Most of it is deathly dull but just occasionally a nugget of information brings everything else to a standstill. Somewhat staggeringly, such a thing happened when considering the Saab 9-3 Sportwagon's boot floor handle. I had to read the press release again just to make sure I'd got it right. "The Sportwagon comes with a Twin Floor Storage facility. By pulling a chrome, aircraft-shaped handle, the main boot floor can be folded and relocated for access to a recessed sub-floor."

This instantly gave rise to the intriguing question of just what shape is an aircraft? Was this boot floor handle a delicate chromed Vickers Vimy biplane that popped up or could it be a sleek Saab Gripen? The straight wings and chunky stub ordnance hardpoints of a Northrop A-10 Tankbuster would be a whole lot easier to grasp. Unfortunately, the truth was a little more prosaic and aircraft-style would probably have been somewhat nearer the mark. That's about all that does give serious cause for disappointment about the 9-3 Sportwagon. Like the Sport Saloon and Convertible models, the Wagon is one of the best-looking cars in its class, the tight overhangs and chunky proportioning giving it a real presence and the latest models also feature the clamshell bonnet with all external rubbing strips removed to give a cleaner look. There's a classier finish to the front grille too and a set of LED light strips that sit across the top of the headlamp pod. Prices start at around £21,000, which represents a premium of around £1,000 over the comparable saloon variant.

"If you're a sucker for a good looking car but funds are limited, look the other way when you drive past a Saab dealer"

With a backlash forming against the dowdy driving characteristics of many 4x4 and MPV-style vehicles, premium mid-sized estates have seen an increase in popularity in recent years and Saab hope to capitalise upon a market that demographics suggest is often younger and more affluent than the traditional saloon and hatchback sectors. What's more, diesel engines - a growing area of Saab expertise - accounted for most of the estate sector's sales. Smart load carrying features, a usefully proportioned cargo area and unsullied driving dynamics make a very attractive combination for those looking for something suitably lifestyle with an esteemed badge on the bonnet and the 9-3 Sportwagon deserves to command a sizeable piece of that action. Unlike many vehicles that campaign in this class, the Saab offers some serious carrying capacity. There's 419 litres available with the rear seats in place and a whopping 1,273 litres of space available with the seats folded down. The recessed sub floor allows valuables to be stowed out of the view of prying eyes and can also be used to store wet or dirty gear without muddying everything else up. Despite its sporting looks, the rear hatch is actually fairly steeply raked, allowing for additional carrying capacity. This is where rivals such as the Alfa 159 Sportwagon and BMW's 3-Series Touring fall down, favouring style over practicality. Saab aims to offer both. The first Saab model to offer zero lift over both axles, the 9-3 SportWagon isn't just a pretty shape. Although some may question the fitment of the integrated rooftop spoiler, it does serve a function, preventing unwelcome vortices at the back of the car, helping high speed stability and contributing to the car's creditable 0.33Cd drag figure. Whereas many hatchbacked cars are a good deal less rigid than their booted equivalents, the 9-3 Sportwagon generates the same 21,000Nm/degree torsional rigidity figure as its salon siblings. What this means in practice is that the suspension and ReAxs rear wheel steering system can work to the best of their abilities without having to take into account deformation of the chassis during hard cornering. Some things, however, don't change. The 9-3 still campaigns on the basis of bhp per pound, its predominantly turbocharged engine line-up effectively blitzing anything from the established rivals at any given price point. Five petrol engines and three diesels are offered with the 9-3 SportWagon, kicking off with a 122bhp 1.8-litre, then progressing to a 150bhp 1.8t unit, moving on to an all-aluminium 175bhp 2.0t engine, with an upper case 2.0T denoting the 210bhp version that's offered with the option of Saab's latest XWD all-wheel drive system. The big buzz is the 280bhp turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 petrol engine which really flies and comes as standard with XWD. The 1.9-litre TiD common rail diesel engines offered in 120 or 150bhp form are both Euro 4-compliant and both are mated to 6-speed manual gearboxes. The range-topping diesel is also a 1.9-litre unit but the TTiD uses a two stage turbocharger for a more progressive power delivery of its 180bhp. The only other option is the intriguing 2.0t Biopower engine which has 200bhp and can run on renewable E85 Bioethanol as well as unleaded. Four trim levels are available. As well as the basic Airflow version, there are the more familiar Linear SE and Vector Sport variants plus the range-topping Aero. Even the base Airflow variant is classily appointed with a cruise control, a trip computer, dual-zone climate control, tinted windows and a punchy Saab audio system as standard. Although there are some very well established rivals in this class, they will look nervously over their shoulders as the 9-3 Sportwagon hoves into view. With the usual aggressive Saab pricing retaining the marque's usual excellent horsepower per pound factor, the Swedes could well be onto a winner.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Saab 9-3 Sportwagon range
PRICES: £19,682-£30,154 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-18
CO2 EMISSIONS: 137-250g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0T] 0-60mph 7.5s / Max Speed 145mph [est]
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.8i] (combined) 35.5mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Cornering Braking Control, Saab Active Head Restraints
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4685/2038/1466mm