Saab 9-3 SportWagon Review
Published: 1st July 2007
Saab 9-3 SportWagon
As with the Saloon the Estate features Saab’s ReAxs system, which gives the car unique rear wheel steer characteristics. The kinematics of the rear suspension is tuned for a unique rear wheel steer response giving optimum handling and stability.
But ultimately the SportWagon suspension was too soft and the electro-hydraulic steering was too light to enjoy our favourite ‘B’ roads with any vigour. Feeling much happier on the motorway and tackling sweeping bends on ‘A’ roads. The brake pedal seemed to require a lot of pressure and travel to stop the car from speed, but this might have been just our test car.
Ease of Use
We found all round visibility was good and parking was easy, as Saab Parking Assist is standard on Vector Sport models.
The Saab 9-3 SportWagon easy to get in and out of, even with a bad back. Front head and leg room is very good although rear seat passengers might complain, if the front occupants have long legs as there isn’t a great deal of rear leg room.
The 60/40 split rear seats fold nearly flat to the floor increasing the luggage capacity from 419 litres, which is slightly less than the saloon to a very useable 1273 litres. Cleverly the boot floor can be folded up to support loads such as groceries and stop them sliding around. Under the boot floor you will find an additional 20 litres of storage with useful cubby holes. We should mention the boot floor handle which is a beautifully sculptured aeroplane which is in keeping with Saab’s aeronautical heritage.
Saab has thought about the lifestyle user and there are a vast array of optional dog guards, bike racks and boot protection kits - there is even a canoe holder.
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