Normally I wouldn't bother you with my troubles, but I must say I felt rather strange when I picked up the 9-3X. It was the first time I had ever embarked on a test in a mood of such uncertainty that the manufacturer of the car in question would still be in existence by the end of it. As things turned out, by the time the car left me, Dutch sports car manufacturer Spyker had made a bid for Saab which at the time of writing seems to be regarded by current owner General Motors as suitable, though I hope that this news is more indicative of the company's future than the 9-3 itself is.The 9-3 is basically quite an old car, though the X version is a recent addition to the range, having gone on sale in the UK in August 2009. Available only as an estate, it's the 9-3 for people who want to be able to do some mild off-roading without going to the extent of buying an SUV. The 1.9 TTiD turbo diesel rides 20mm higher than standard, but the 2.0T petrol reviewed here is 15mm taller still and drives through all four wheels rather than just the front ones.The four-wheel drive system is the one that Saab calls XWD, and it has the ability to send 100% of the power to the front or rear wheels if necessary, though in most cases it will be shared out more equally. In the 9-3X, the system also features a limited slip differential which can apply up to 40% of whatever energy is being dealt with by the rear axle to the right or left wheel.This is all splendid, and when you consider that the engine has a maximum output of 207bhp you might be led to believe that the 9-3X is quite a sporty car as well as a moderately off-roadish one. Well, no. It's not that it can't go quickly, more that it simply doesn't want to.It is much happier if you are just pottering along and don't intend to use anything like the amount of power available unless an overtaking opportunity makes it prudent to do so. German cars of similar size almost invariably handle better than the Saab, and French ones have superior ride quality.If you're not in a hurry, the 9-3X is pleasant enough. It's certainly very comfortable (the seats are excellent) and remarkably high gearing means that it doesn't feel fussy on motorways. Manoeuvring can be a bit of a trial, though, since there are absolutely gigantic blind spots at the rear thanks to the idiotic lack of glass back there. Okay, rear parking sensors are fitted as standard, but that's not good enough from a company which famously considers safety to be an important part of car design.Speaking of safety, the last time Euro NCAP investigated a 9-3 with a solid roof was back in 2002, so the results are not directly comparable to those of more recent tests. They were considered impressive for the time, though, at least in terms of adult occupant protection. There are as many airbags as you might expect, and Saab also fits active headrests to the front seats in an effort to reduce the possibility of whiplash. ESP is also standard.Compared with the general run of 9-3s, the X is above-averagely equipped, with 17" five-spoke alloys wheels, heated front seats (and my, those were welcome), front foglights, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, a cooled glove box, cruise control and so on.The only option fitted to the test car was some extra leather on the seats, and frankly I could take that or leave it. Interior space is impressive if you're sitting in the front, but there's less room in the back than you might expect. And luggage capacity - with all the seats in place - of 419 litres is decent enough but nothing like class-leading.Once I had got over the disappointment of how clumsy the 9-3X is at anything above "oh, look at the lovely scenery" speeds, I came to like it to some extent. It badly needs replacing, though, and I hope the Spyker situation will lead to a more competitive and up-to-date 9-3 appearing in Saab showrooms in the not too distant future. Engine 1998 cc, 4 cylinders Power 210 bhp @5300 rpm Torque 221 ib/ft @2500 rpm Transmission 6 speed manual Fuel/CO2 32.8 mpg / 194 g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 8.2sec Top speed 143 mph Price From £26248.00 approx Release date 01/07/2009
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