Car Star: Saab 9-3 saloon

One of the first casualties of 2010 could well be Saab, as the deadline to offload the carmaker draws near.

Parent company, General Motors (GM) is hoping that Spyker cars could yet come to the rescue of the indebted carmaker but with the threat that Saab could instead be closed hanging over us, now seems as good as anytime to remind ourselves of want we might be about to lose. With a deadline to secure a deal set for 10.00pm tonight (January 7, 2010), we could soon know the pain of the loss.

Saab’s debts run into the millions, thanks to their slightly obscure, dated and uncompetitive product range but there is no denying the enduring quality and craftsmanship of its cars. No wonder, Chinese carmaker Beijing Automotive (BAIC) was quick to close in on a sale of powertrain technology and tooling used in Saab production in order that it could too produce cars that aspire to the quality of original.

One of Saab’s most popular cars, the 9-3 saloon, is the feature of the first Car Star of the year as part of our celebration of all things Saab. The 9-3 model range along with the 9-5 made Saab’s best selling vehicles. The 9-3 comes as a convertible or saloon and is also available as a SportsWagon estate model and an estate/ sports crossover model called the 9-3X.

The convertible is sublime fun without compromising on everyday practicality. It suffers from a bit of scuttle shake but nothing outrageous. There is plenty of space too, rear passengers aren’t expected to snap their legs off to accommodate the boot space for the drop-top.

While none of the Saab 9-3 range has quite managed to compete with their Audi and BMW equivalents, there is no denying that the 9-3 makes for an attractive alternative, especially if your workplace car park looks like clone-city.

The saloon is my personal favourite, ideal for the sales executive or family man, the saloon, comparable to the BMW 3-Series or Audi A3, is as charming and stylish as its rivals. Criticise its lack of up-to-date technology by all means, but appreciate that there is something effortlessly cool about its slightly retro ensemble.

Besides the one good thing about a lack of gadgets, is that the car will be cheaper to repair and maintain. After all, who needs air-con when you have windows?

Available in four trim levels, the Saab 9-3 saloon comes with a choice petrol, diesel or BioPower (bioethanol E85) engine variants, ranging from 1.8 petrol engine to a 2.6 V6 turbo.

Handling and ride lack the agility of some of its German counterparts, but the turbo models offer a punchy response. The interior too, may not live up to the upmarket exterior but the seats are comfortable and the driving position is perfect, with all passengers feeling like they have been considerably accommodated for. Cruising on the motorway is were the 9-3 feels most at home, while negotiating B-roads it can feel a little less than graceful. If long-distance travel is a regular requirement, then it won’t let you down.

Because the range has historically not been very competitively priced, my advice is that you buy the lower end of the model range or go for the very top but avoid the mid ranges and be aware of expensive extras.

Currently priced from £20,490 for the entry level 1.9 TiD, this model will squeeze a pleasing 53.3 miles to gallon and should get even more on the motorway.

If Saab does go, there could be some real killer deals out there, in which case, go nuts. GM has already hinted that they will honour warranties so there is no need to worry that buying a fire sale Saab will leave you in trouble later. Buying part too, shouldn’t prove a problem, as the Saab 9-3 is based on the Vauxhall Vectra so many bits will be compatible. Failing that, BAIC will be no doubt producing Saab-based parts in future as part of their vehicle range.

There is hope too, that as China becomes a heavy-weight player in the car industry, carmakers like BAIC will begin to seriously retail models in Europe, models which will mould themselves to European tastes and requirements. Who knows, in a few years, you may be driving a reinvented 9-3 as the Chinese keep the spirit of Saab alive long after the Griffin has gone.

Author: Faye Sunderland, January 7th, 2010
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