2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi Review

Counter-Culture Car

Restyled for 2008, the Saab 9-3 SportCombi station wagon is an unconventional yet practical alternative to conformist sedans and SUVs.

The Saab 9-3 SportCombi is the small station wagon version of the sportiest model built off the global General Motors “Epsilon” platform, which also underpins the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura. The 9-3 SportCombi carries Saab-exclusive styling and components, and it preserves such traditional Saab quirks as locating the ignition key between the front seats.

Offered in two trim levels, the 2.0T and Aero, the four-door Saab 9-3 SportCombi wagon is a more practical alternative to the 9-3 model’s similarly styled sedan and convertible (reviewed separately, although most mechanical details are the same). It's versatile enough to substitute for a small SUV.

While the current generation dates back to 2003, it benefits from a moderate redesign for the 2008 model year. The car looks more aggressive, particularly up front, with styling cues inspired by the 2006 Aero X concept car. It also adds a number of standard features. All-wheel drive is now available.

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The base Saab 9-3 SportCombi 2.0T comes powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates decent acceleration and fuel economy.

For many years, Saab’s Swedish engineers insisted that a turbocharged four-cylinder engine was the ideal compromise of power and fuel consumption. To have more cylinders was overkill, almost sinful, they believed. Meanwhile, most American customers thought the more cylinders, the better. Under General Motors' ownership, Saab eventually accepted bigger engines.

For instance, the Saab 9-3 SportCombi Aero features a 2.8-liter V6 that uses variable intake valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to generate about 25 percent more muscle, with added torque for quick launches and secure highway passing abilities.

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The Saab 9-3 SportCombi offers a slick-shifting, six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, which is recommended for driving enthusiasts. Most commuters, on the other hand, will prefer the automatic, which is a five-speed on the Saab 9-3 SportCombi 2.0T and a six-speed with the Aero. Both offer manual gear selection, for those who like to have it both ways.

• Saab 9-3 SportCombi Vehicle Summary

A sport-tuned suspension and a standard stability control system ensure crisp handling and a smooth ride. In terms of overall sportiness, the Saab 9-3 SportCombi lands somewhere between the BMW 3 Series Wagon (which is sportier) and the Audi A4 Avant (which is less sporty). The SportCombi Aero emphasizes handling over ride comfort and leans more toward the BMW in this regard.

Auto safety is a proud Swedish tradition. The Saab 9-3 SportCombi upholds this with standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, active head restraints, and front side and side-curtain airbags. A sophisticated all-wheel-drive system is optional (but only on the Aero) and is purported to give the car more of a rear-wheel-drive feel. Supplied by Haldex (which also provides systems for Saab’s Swedish compatriots at Volvo), the system improves traction on slick roads. It also boosts acceleration and stability when traveling in a straight line by kicking in automatically during a launch from a standing start.

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The Saab 9-3 SportCombi has a tidy, leather-clad cabin, which is sufficiently spacious for four adults. A fifth can squeeze into the back seat for short trips when the need arises. Rear passengers benefit from easier access than in the sedan or convertible variants, given the wagon’s higher roof line.

The practical-minded Saab 9-3 SportCombi can substitute for a small SUV. Standard features include the the OnStar communications/safety system, XM satellite radio and rain-sensing wipers. The Aero adds items like a premium five-channel Bose Centerpoint audio system and high-intensity cornering headlamps that illuminate the road around curves.