Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T Review

Saab 9-3

Ease of Use

The Saab 9-3 has been 'designed around the driver'. As a result of this philosophy everything about the Saab 9-3 is driver orientated. The cabin is simple, ergonomically laid out and packed with innovative features to reduce the strain of modern driving.

The 9-3 Aero is very easy to drive and manoeuvre with a tight turning circle which is ideal for parking and visibility is good all round. Our test car featured Saab Park Assist (£300 option) which came in handy for those smaller parking spaces.

According to Saab 'the drivers seat is carefully designed to communicate the car's movements to your sense of balance'. The cabin is aviation-inspired and all the controls and displays are ergonomically designed and well positioned with the most frequently used controls being reached without removing your hands from the steering wheel.

Bi-Xenon headlamps with auto levelling and pressure washers are standard on the Aero model and they illuminate the road ahead evenly and effectively in all weather conditions without dazzling oncoming traffic. Low beam is adjusted automatically to provide the best possible light pattern when the car is heavily laden.

Cruise control is standard and you can program a speed that you wish to maintain and should you go over that speed an audible warning will be given. This system is ideal for those 50mph contra flows or for those with more points of their licence than they would like.

Our test car was equipped with the 'business pack' which is a £1650 option. This pack includes Saab Infotainment system upgrade, audio system, Satellite Navigation, telephone key pad and colour display screen, 7 speakers, Integrated telephone in fascia with SIM card reader. The DVD-based GPS navigation system featured a wide-screen colour display for maps and menu control functions. This system was very intuitive to use you just type in the address you wish to travel to and select your preferred route its as simple as that.

The 9-3 features the Night Panel function which is unique to Saab and is designed to facilitate night driving and reflects their aircraft heritage. Simply press a button and the entire instrument panel except for the speedometer fades out. When a function requires your attention the relevant instrument immediately lights up. We found this function particularly useful for night time Motorway driving reducing eye strain. Night Panel was introduced in 1993 and is a good example of Saab's aircraft heritage.

Saab Information Display (SID) is a standard feature which is placed neatly in your field of vision. This system displays time, ambient temperature, fuel consumption and estimated distance on remaining fuel, radio information and important safety reminders such as bulb failure, low washer fluid or an unclosed door. In conjunction with the GPS satellite navigation option, the SID also gives you directions.

The Saab 9-3 Aero has a spacious boot with 425 litres of space and the rear seats fold down flat or can be split 60/40.

The lift up to open door handles and the location of the ignition key are indicative of Saabs individuality and part of its heritage. The ignition key is positioned down on the centre console behind the gear stick between the front seats which stops any irritating rattles against the steering column and also safety plays its part preventing the key from causing knee injuries during an accident.

The Saab 9-3 also benefits from Halo lighting which allows you to turn on the headlamps via the remote control when approaching or leaving the car. This system illuminates your path reassuringly and the lights then switch off by a timer.

The leather trimmed sports steering wheel with extra-thick leather-trimmed rim and metal-finish inserts incorporates the stereo controls and also features telephone access (where fitted).