Saab 9-3 Saloon (02-11) - Review

Front passengers get a highly-supportive seat and loads of legroom which means excellent long-distance comfort. It's not as impressive in the back though - headroom is good but legroom is in short supply, however three can still fit in - even if it's a bit of a squeeze with a couple of six-footers in the front. The ride comfort is good though and there's little road or wind noise when cruising.

Like the Volkswagen Passat, the Saab 9-3 is available as a saloon or estate - but there's no hatchback. Despite that there is a decent amount of luggage space with 425-litres of space which although less than the Volkswagen, is more than the Volvo S60 and Alfa Romeo 159. The rear seats also have a 60/40 split for added practicality. One annoying feature is the odd handbrake, the button of which can catch your thumb if you're not used to it.

Saab likes to make associations with it's aviation heritage and the dash layout of the 9-3 certainly has a hint of aircraft cockpit about it. It's enveloping, with lots of gadgets and important-looking switches but the layout is rather haphazard - a mid 2006 facelift simplified the cabin with a clearer look with fewer buttons. Build quality is good but the finish and materials used aren't particularly upmarket, however finding a comfortable driving position is easy thanks to outstandingly supportive seats with plenty of adjustment and a multi-position steering wheel.