2007 Saab 9-3

In the 2.0T, a standard six-speed manual gearbox replaces the former five-speed unit, with a five-speed automatic transmission optional. Aero editions may have the six-speed manual, or an optional six-speed Sentronic automatic with steering-wheel controls. The 2.0T's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine develops 210 horsepower at 5500 rpm. Aeros get a 2.8-liter V-6 with a twin-scroll turbocharger that delivers 250 horsepower at 5500 rpm, as well as 258 pound-feet of torque at 2000 rpm.


Sedans are classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as compacts, whereas Saab calls the SportCombi a premium midsize wagon. Both body styles display a "wedge-like" profile with a steeply raked windshield, plus short front and rear overhangs. Built on a 105.3-inch wheelbase, the 9-3 sedan is 182.5 inches long and 56.4 inches tall. Sedans have a 15 cubic-foot trunk.

Performance

Fastback rear-quarter styling and a traditional Saab "hockey stick" beltline help identify the SportCombi, which features steeply raked taillight lenses and a standard integrated roof spoiler. Its main cargo floor lifts to separate space into two sections. Rivals to the 9-3 sedan and SportCombi include BMW's 3 Series, the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, and Volvo S60 sedan and V50 wagon.


Enjoyable on the road, Saab 9-3 models deliver more than a hint of sportiness along with their impressive refinement and civility. Even with the base 2.0-liter engine, a 9-3 sedan performs effectively on the highway, with no turbo lag to mar the experience. Enthusiasts might declare the 9-3's sensible moves to be short on thrills, but it gets the job done handily. Moving up to the more potent Aero might add excitement, especially since Saab calls the 9-3 Aero its fastest production model ever. But that extra dose of performance comes at a price and is by no means essential.


Maneuvering with a light overall feel, the 2.0T sport sedan delivers superior handling and control. Saab's six-speed gearbox shifts with appealing ease, mated to a smooth-operating clutch. Automatic transmissions also are well behaved, as demonstrated by a 9-3 SportCombi wagon, which comes across as a superior road car in easily manageable size, yielding satisfying powertrain response. All Saabs are exceptionally well constructed—as tight and solid as just about anything on the market.