2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi

2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi Quick Facts

Base Price:	$28,885*
Price as Tested:	$37,870
Horespower:	210 Hp @ 5500 r.p.m.
Torque:	221 lbs.-ft. @ 2500 r.p.m.
0 to 60:	N/A
ABS Brakes:	Standard
Side Curtain Airbags:	Standard
EPA Fuel:	18/24 m.p.g. city/highway
Towing Capability:	No
Off-Road Capability:	No
Bicycle Transport:	Yes
First-Aid Kit:	No
Notes/Additional Info.:	* Base price does not include a $745 destination charge.

Sporty performance in an eco-friendly package

Unlike sport-utility vehicles, station wagons have a low center of gravity. Tuned properly, they hug the road like a sport sedan. Saab’s Re-Axs system adjusts rear wheel position during cornering to give the back wheels better grip. This reduces the tendency of the front-wheel drive car to understeer or “push.”

Turbocharging gives the 9-3 exceptional low-end power and accleration. I had the opportunity to take the 9-3 on my favorite highway test route between Phoenix and Sedona. Not only did the car have exceptional power on the uphill climbs; I was able to complete the 150-mile drive on about a quarter tank of gas.

Because turbocharging makes the engine breathe better, it prevents the engine from losing power at altitude. I noticed no change in performance at 6000 feet: the Saab performed as well as vehicles with much larger engines.

The two-liter engine reaches peak torque at 2500 r.p.m.: average highway cruising speeds. The engine produces minimal emissions, and averages twenty miles-per-gallon in city and highway driving.

Four-wheel antilock brakes stop the car on a dime, and allow the driver to maintain directional control on uneven or icy roads. Electronic stability program is also standard. The rack and pinion steering has excellent response and on-center feel at all speeds.

Ground clearance is less than six inches, so I wouldn’t recommend taking the car far off the beaten path. But it is fine for driving on graded dirt roads, as long as there aren’t any large rocks or roots in its way. We had no problem driving the car along fire roads to various trailheads in the Coconino National Forest.

Standard safety features on the 9-3 SportCombi include electronic stability program, antilock braking, seat belt pretensioners, active head restraints, front, side and side curtain airbags. I found that the standard wide-angle side mirror on the passenger side made it easier to see cars on the highway, when I needed to pass through several lanes of traffic to exit.

I found the xenon cornering headlamps to provide exceptionally good visibility at night, especially driving on poorly lit side streets. Drivers who live in snowy climates will appreciate the headlamp washers that come with the cold weather package, as well as the standard rear wiper.

Base price on the SportCombi is $28,885 making it an Active Lifestyle Vehicle best value. Sticker on the test car, including a $745 delivery fee, is $37,870. The SportCombi is currently rolling into Saab dealerships throughout the U.S.

2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi

Likes: Exceptional power and performance from a small, fuel-efficient engine. The SportCombi combines the fun handling and performance of European sports cars with the practicality of a station wagon. Fans of Swedish design will appreciate the Scandinavian styling inside and out.

Dislikes: Thick rear pillar is unattractive and obstructs visibility.