Saab 9-3 1.9 TTiD

What is it?

It’s Saab’s latest attempt to slot what is admittedly a novel and impressive piece of engineering into a range which is, well, beginning to look a little long in the tooth. In simple terms, then, it’s the 9-3 SportWagon equipped with a 1.9-litre diesel engine boasting two-stage turbocharging (one is smaller than the other). The new engine produces 178bhp and 295lb ft, and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox (an automatic optional).

What’s it like?

The new engine is impressive for its class; torque is delivered smoothly from little over 1500rpm to almost 4000rpm, acceleration borders on the rapid and at motorway speeds the unit settles to a distant, 2000rpm rumble. It’ll return a hefty 48.7mpg on a combined cycle, too. It’s not a perfect match for BMW’s 2.0-litre oil-burner, but it gets respectably close. A slick six-speed manual rounds off a commendable drivetrain.

However, once you get past that and look at the bigger picture, the sheen starts to rub off the Aero. Yes, recent updates and a flash of chrome have given the shape an extended lease of life (providing you liked it in the first place); yes, the interior is reasonably roomy and very comfortable (although our test car came with electric, leather heated seats, a £2350 option).

But the driving experience still falls short; the ride feels too fidgety over bad bumps, the steering feels lifeless and the diesel’s refinement is negated by road noise at speed. In other words, the engine does its job, but it’s let down by too many of the other elements.

Should I buy one?

It’s hard to recommend, which is a pity, given the engine’s qualities. But we can’t overlook the price; this model in Aero spec costs £27,495, but Saab bundles sat-nav with a Bose hi-fi, so that adds a cool £2430 to the price before you even start thinking about other extras. That makes the 9-3 look a little expensive against not only Subaru’s ultra-smooth, four-wheel-drive Legacy diesel but also BMW’s 320d SE Touring - a superior car in almost every way.

Saab’s problem, you suspect, has always been finding enough resources to bring more than one good idea together at the same time. And this car is just one more example of this.

John McIlroy