Review of the new Saab 9-3 Turbo Edition

People used to look down their noses at tubocharged cars, the turbo viewed as something of a blunt instrument, a cheap, cheerful and somewhat crude way of increasing performance. Saab was one manufacturer that stuck with the technology, however, and today the industry's view of forced induction has changed markedly. Turbocharged engines are everywhere and suddenly Saab's overwhelmingly turbocharged engine range looks firmly back in vogue. What a great time, then, for the Swedish manufacturer to rub its rivals' noses in it with the 9-3 Turbo Edition.

The turbo is still a relatively affordable route to improved performance but the latest technology has ironed out some of the pitfalls. Today's more efficient turbocharged engines iron out the peaks and troughs in the power delivery for a smoother experience. They also work more efficiently, saving fuel. As a result, the turbo is more regularly employed as a means of fitting smaller capacity engines to cars to improve economy without sacrificing performance. The engines in the Saab 9-3 are fine exponents of this and buyers attracted by their cost-cutting potential seem likely to appreciate the value-added Turbo Edition models.

It's the more affordable engine options in the 9-3 range that get the Turbo Edition treatment. Three diesel options and a petrol make the roster, all of them complete with a turbo or two. The 1.8t is the petrol engine, a 150PS unit that can get the 9-3 through the 60mph barrier in 9 seconds. It's the most affordable way into a Turbo Edition car but the 1.9TTiD diesels will be preferable, particularly for those covering higher mileages. The 1.9 TTiD is available in 130, 160 or 180PS states of tune. The less powerful car takes a rather sluggish 10.5s to cover the 0-60mph sprint while the 160PS version matches the 9s time of the petrol. At the top of the range is the 1.9 TTiD 180. It can do an 8s sprint and has a particularly muscular feel through the gears.

"The 9-3 is no spring chicken these days but its looks and driving experience still stand up to scrutiny"

The 9-3 driving experience hasn't changed all that much. The ride and handling compromise is still very well judged and comfort inside the car is excellent thanks to great seats and a multi-adjustable driving position. Our only comment is that the pedals are a little clumsier than you'd expect in a car with enthusiast pretensions.

The 9-3 still looks a classy thing with its smart front grille featuring a set of LED light strips that sit across the top of the headlamp pod like an illuminated eyebrow. The clamshell bonnet is a very deft touch, not only drawing on Saab's history but also visually widening the front of the car. All external rubbing strips have been removed to give a cleaner look and the Saloon and Convertible both adopt the Sport Wagon's smoked white rear light clusters.

That Sport Wagon estate version manages, unlike many rivals in its class, to actually offer 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. Rivals say you can't have good looks and carrying capacity in a car like this: the 9-3 proves them wrong.

Choosing a Turbo Edition model over a conventional Saab 9-3 looks a shrewd move when you examine its specifications. All versions are fitted with 17" alloy wheels, full leather trim, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a nine-speaker stereo and cruise control. There's the usual 9-3 choice of saloon or SportWagon estate bodystyles and the pricing is set at a level that should tempt customers out of their mainstream medium range saloons. An automatic transmission is also available.

Competing as it does in the hinterland between the medium range and compact executive market sectors, the 9-3 has to have its running costs well buttoned down. Business users account for a major proportion of sales and they aren't shy about going over the figures with an eagle eye and a calculator. Thankfully, the EcoPower technology now fitted to the 9-3 diesels helps them produce competitive economy and emissions. The 1.9 TTiD diesels produce just 119g/km of CO2 with 62.8mpg economy on the combined cycle.

Saab's longstanding connection with turbocharging technology should stand it in good stead now that everybody's using them. The 9-3 is no spring chicken these days but its looks and driving experience still stand up to scrutiny and the Turbo Edition models bring useful added value to the package.

The 1.9 TTiD engines are particularly strong contenders with their blend of parsimony and performance. Still, the 9-3 is up against some stiff competition from younger models, so the Turbo Edition's value boost will really help in the showroom. Try one and you might be surprised.