Loads of appeal
Saab’s EcoPower changes make the 9-3 Turbo surprisingly economical, writes Richard M. Hammond
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LIKE a pair of designer spectacles, Saab’s 9-3 saloon model brings discreet style to something inherently functional.
It may be a familiar shape, but face-lifts have been enough to keep it looking fresh recently. The sleek and chic profile is as easy on the eye as ever, while the bolder face with distinctive LED daytime running lamps gives it a contemporary presence.
On five-spoke 17in alloy wheels and with a reserved, business-like paint choice, it’s a practical, distinctive and chic choice for business drivers and private buyers.
However, it’s not just the exterior styling which has benefited from rolling upgrades. At about the same time as the last raft of exterior revisions, Saab also introduced a twin-turbo version of the 1.9-litre diesel engine to the range.
Even more recent developments have included aerodynamic, engine-mapping and transmission tweaks as part of Saab’s EcoPower initiative. The net result is that the 1.9TTiD unit now develops 60bhp more than the entry-level 120bhp turbocharged 1.9-litre diesel with no penalty in terms of combined fuel economy or CO emissions.
It’s an engine that’s capable of dominating the car, but in a good way. The power output of 177bhp is impressive, but it’s the extremely high torque delivery, peaking at below 2,000rpm, that really defines the car’s performance.
The torque is immediately noticeable. The car can easily pull away without any revs being applied in first gear despite the lower idling speed implemented to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Swift progress can be made without venturing into the top half of the rev band, but with peak power at 4,000rpm, the engine offers an impressive degree of grunt across most of the rev range.
This makes it the ideal tool for charging up and down the motorway network, offering excellent real-world fuel economy with plentiful overtaking potential and in-gear acceleration. Yet the real capacity of the twin-turbo diesel remains undiscovered unless the car is fully laden.
Even with the rear seats folded flat and every inch of space in the surprisingly accommodating body brimming with assorted house-move paraphernalia, the 1.9TTiD effortlessly breezes up to speed and maintains well over 40mpg across a spectrum of city and motorway driving.
The optimised gear ratios play an important part in the 9-3 1.9TTiD EcoPower’s abilities. The engine’s torque is able to cope with longer ratios, meaning the engine sits at lower rpm when cruising. This also makes it a refined car to travel in. Noise from the diesel unit is well isolated, while the obviously slippery shape limits wind noise.
As with the exterior, the interior is discreetly stylish with elements of design typical of the Swedish manufacturer. The central location for the ignition is a curiosity unique to Saab and, although the benefits are minimal, does eliminate that occasional act of fumbling to find the ignition barrel.
The grab handle-style handbrake lever that sits flush with the centre console is another distinctive piece of design, and Saab fans will be familiar with the aeronautical-style flat-face dash assembly angled towards the driver.
Elsewhere inside, the 9-3 is starting to show some signs of its age. Interior trim and materials, although well finished and of decent quality, feel a little bland compared with the model’s newest rivals, nearly all of which have been replaced or significantly improved since the current 9-3 was first unveiled.
Head and legroom are good both front and rear, and boot space is generous in the saloon, with a uniform shape aided by folding rear seats, yet the 9-3 feels a little lacking in width, hindering the overall feeling of interior spaciousness.
That doesn’t prevent it from being comfortable, however, with a cushioned ride that is well suited to long-distance journeys.
Dynamism is somewhat hampered as a result, but the 9-3 saloon feels well planted and stable at speed even if the chassis is not the most responsive or agile in its class. It’s obvious from the large interior and leather seats that the 9-3 is a model tailored more towards plush than rush.
With the EcoPower TTiD 1.9-litre engine, Saab’s smart 9-3 saloon is given a new and rewarding focus. In this specification, there’s definitely life in the model yet.
Model: Saab 9-3 Turbo Edition EcoPower 1.9TTiD, £22,495 on the road
Engine: 1.9-litre diesel unit developing 177bhp and 295lb/ft of torque
Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels
Performance: Maximum speed 140mph; 0-62mph eight seconds
CO emissions: 139g/km
Economy: 53.3mpg
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