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2007 Saab 9-3 SportCombi Road Test

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Amyot Bachand
A stylish European wagon

European automakers still keep faith in wagons -- and rightfully so. While bigger is better for the Americans, who keep shoving SUVs and crossovers down our throats, there are plenty of consumers who prefer the comfort of a car over the jarring ride of a truck. I'm one of them, while my colleague Daniel is mainly a truck guy.

The SportCombi's sheer beauty makes it easy to overlook its minor flaws.

Racy styling

The 9-3 SportCombi turns heads and gets a lot of flattering comments. The sleek lines combined with the extended windshield give it a commanding presence for a midsize car. True to the Saab's tradition, the front grille really sets it apart from the competition. The SportCombi shrewdly borrows its high brake lights from other Swedes but with a slightly different approach. They are ideally positioned to allow excellent visibility.

Convenient trunk
There is no lock on the hatch, so the only way to access the cargo area is by using the remote control or the door-mounted button. Cargo capacity increases from 841 to 2047 liters with the rear seats folded. Convenient nets and flexible straps allow you to safely and easily secure and organize your items. We should also add that folding the seats gives you extra versatility and a flat cargo floor.

A matter of body size
Interior comfort will vary from one passenger to another depending on their size. Mine is average, so I found myself very much at ease and I benefited from a good driving position. Daniel, on the other hand, felt a bit squeezed and was especially disappointed by the relative lack of legroom. He also found the pedals to be far too close from each other.

Both of us liked the convenient storage compartments and the fact that there are no useless gadgets and accessories. The controls are easily within one's reach, while fit and finish is good. The leather-appointed seats feature a well-executed combination of black and white. The silver trim on the dashboard proves to be nice, although its reflection on the windshield can become distracting. Furthermore, the SportCombi's expansive greenhouse allows great all-around visibility. Larger mirrors would make passing maneuvers easier, however.

Saab dashboards are always different. Some like them, others don't.
Amyot Bachand
Amyot Bachand
Automotive expert
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