Saab is keener than ever to express the individual character in its cars, and needs to in order to justify its current rather shaky existence as part of the General Motors empire. The 9-3’s exterior is pleasingly individual in an understated way, and its interior is recognisably Saab – it’s logically laid out and it’s a comfortable place to be. But despite the admirable list of features and options available – including an advanced new voice recognition infotainment system – there’s one area where the 9-3 is well behind the class leaders: that of cabin quality. Compared with the materials, textures and perceived quality of a new BMW 3-series or an Audi A4, the 9-3 has been left far behind.
But with the new 150bhp TiD engine the 9-3 has at least become financially competitive. With its CO2 output reduced from 177g/km to 159 g/km, and Euro4 emissions compliancy, the 9-3 TiD now sits in the 17 per cent company car tax band meaning a £124 monthly tax bill for those paying 40 per cent. This is very similar to the Audi A4 TDi, but it’s just bettered by the new 3-series, which sits in the 16 per cent bracket – and hence costs £122 per month. All three cars claim a combined fuel consumption figure of just under 50mpg, although the Saab (47.9mpg) can’t quite match the BMW (49.6mpg).
At £22,495 for this trim, Saab 9-3 ownership is a comparably priced alternative to BMW (320d £22,890) and Audi (£21,340), but don’t expect it to match the Germans in its retained value after three years: at 53 per cent it’s good, but not exceptional.
