Saab 9X unveiled at Geneva Motor Show 2008

This could be the most important new Saab in decades! Just unveiled here at Geneva, the 9X concept gives the strongest hint yet of the quirky Swedish firm's forthcoming premium compact hatch.Set to go head-to-head with the BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30, the rakish 9X could revive the struggling company's fortunes. It's also packed with hi-tech features and will be able to lay claim to the title of most efficient car in the class.There's no doubting the Saab's style. At the front is a larger version of the familiar family grille, neat swept back headlamps and a distinctive wraparound windscreen. Smooth flanks with hidden door handles and mirrors replaced by rear-view cameras create what the designers call the 'fuselage look'. At the rear there's real innovation thanks to active aerodynamics. The upright tail features a roof mounted spoiler and rear diffuser that extend above 43mph and help to reduce drag and fuel consumption.Efficiency is further boosted by a turbocharged ethanol-powered 1.4-litre motor connected to a semi-auto six speed gearbox. This combination produces just 105g/km of CO2 and will return 57mpg when running on standard unleaded. Better still, it will still accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 134mph.Inside, the cabin will seat four and, while the dashboard is angled towards the driver in traditional Saab style. The company has also worked with electronics experts Sony Ericsson to create a hi-tech multi-media system.Practicality is taken care of courtesy of a split tailgate. Drop down the lower hatch and an electric tray slides put to take the strain out of loading heavy or awkward objects.No production plans have yet been announced, but expect to see a showroom ready version in late 2009.Source

Saab 9-3 Convertible

The 9-3 Convertible is shown up by cheaper, newer rivals.

Driving
Saab revised the 9-3’s chassis in 2007, meaning there’s less body shake than before – although it’s still not nearly as robust as newer rivals. There remains a slight tendency for the front wheels to follow cambers and ruts, while on wet roads the traction control light flickers frequently. Sure, on smooth, flowing roads the 9-3 is pleasant enough to drive. But it’s a long way from sporting and doesn’t offer the composure or involvement of better competitors. The turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are powerful, though even here, a slightly notchy gearshift and awkward, long-travel clutch blot the copybook.

Marketplace
The Saab has a prestigious image, but appears a bit old-fashioned with the roof up. It’s far more successful with the fabric hood lowered. The Swede’s elegant, flowing side profile makes it clear that it was designed as a model in its own right. A minor facelift in 2007 brought revised headlamps and a cleaned-up side profile. There are six engines and three trim lines – Linear SE, Vector Sport and performance-focused Aero. Rivals include the Audi A4 Cabriolet, BMW 3-Series Convertible, Volvo C70 and cheaper alternatives such as the Volkswagen Eos and Vauxhall Astra TwinTop.

Owning
The Saab’s triple-layer hood lowers rapidly, in just 23.5 seconds – and does so at speeds of up to 20mph. The cabin is a little noisy with it down, but it’s free from excessive bluster and holds the heat in well. It’s spacious for four people too, although the plastics aren’t premium-standard. Overall fit and finish is not what it should be, though we like quirky touches such as the ignition key mounted on the transmission tunnel. Alas, running costs are high, and retained values are unimpressive, at around 46 per cent. Rivals can add well over 10 per cent to this figure.Source

• On the road price: £25,975 - £34,495
• For : Styling with the roof down, roomy and cosy cabin, image
• Against : High running costs, feeling its age and due for a revamp

BMW 3-Series Touring

Lifestyle estate pioneer is still a front-runner.

Driving
On a favourite road, the BMW is extremely satisfying and enjoyable to drive. It changes direction immaculately well and exhibits excellent body control. The penalty for this is a fidgety rode. It’s not hard, but fails to be relaxing and is a little loud at speed, too. Nor is it as great around town. The clutch can be awkward, the steering is heavy and rear visibility is poor. However, BMW boasts some superb engines. The straight-sixes are beautifully smooth (if deficient in torque) and the four-cylinder units are comparable, too: indeed, the 2.0-litre diesel is a class act, and not for nothing is it the best-selling engine in the 3. The twin-turbo 335i, moreover, makes this one blisteringly fast estate.

Marketplace
The 3-Series can claim to have launched the whole lifestyle estate sector back in 1989. Today’s fourth-generation Touring model may not be the most dynamic or attractive car in its class, but the M Sport trim of our test model does wonders for its visual appeal. Other trims include company car driver-orientated ES, and the more luxurious SE, while engine choices closely mirror the saloon: there’s a very comprehensive range of four-cylinder and straight-six units, both in diesel and petrol guise. The lifestyle estate sector is dominated by the BMW and two key rivals, the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class estate. Other alternatives include the Saab 9-3 Sportwagon and the Jaguar X-Type estate.

Owning
The BMW estate doesn’t have a massive boot, and the load sill is high. However, it’s well thought out. Open the tailgate and, if the load cover is pulled across, it slides up the D-pillars automatically. There’s a large well under the boot floor too, and plenty of hooks, straps and nets. Rear occupants fare well for space as well – explaining the size of the boot. However, up front, the slabby centre console, lack of stowage and small steering wheel all serve to make the driver feel restricted – particularly those with larger frames, who will struggle to get comfortable in the narrow, if supportive, seats. It’s not an elegant cockpit, but is well constructed and easy to get on with. Fuel economy is extremely impressive too, due to BMW’s EfficientDynamics scheme, while Service Inclusive gives extensive maintenance cover for a one-off initial payment. Retained values aren’t quite as good as a Mercedes, but are still very impressive by most standards.Source

• Rating: -
• On the road price: £22,215 - £37,530
• For : Great to drive, beautiful engines, stylish image, practical boot
• Against : Stiff ride, awkward around town, small load area