Acceleration

SE 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	6

Strong, but marred by marked torque steer (pulling to one side) in rapid acceleration from low speed. Saab says 6.1 sec 0-60 mph for the Viggen, which is quick, and the SE isn't far behind. Automatic-transmission versions can be slow off the line, after which power builds suddenly. In addition to torque steer, all models exhibit turbo lag--a delay between throttle application and power delivery.

Fuel Economy

SE 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	5.1

A 5-speed SE convertible averaged 19.4 mpg in our tests, representative of the line. For maximum performance, Saab recommends premium fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

SE 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
6	6	4	6.2

SE rides a bit better than Viggen, but both have stiff, high-performance tires that transmit lots of irritating thump and jiggle on small, sharp bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
7	5	8	6.9

Sporty and predictable in all models, with good cornering grip and accurate steering. Brakes have good pedal feel and provide strong braking power.

Quietness

SE 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
5	4	5	5.7

Engines muted, wind noise somewhat disturbing for the class. Tire noise intrudes over coarse surfaces. Sedans properly rigid, but convertible flexes noticeably except on smooth roads, and last test example's top creaked.

Controls

SE 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.3

Generally good, but the automatic climate system that's optional on SE hatchback and standard elsewhere can lose its settings between startups. Floor-mount ignition switch is a Saab trademark. Detail finish good, materials classy.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
7	6	7	6

Lots of head clearance and good leg room on firm, chairlike seats. Most drivers should feel at ease, though rear visibility not great in hatchbacks, awful in convertibles with top raised.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
6	3	4	3.8

Adequate room on comfortable seats in the hatchback's outboard positions, squeezed in the center. As is typical, entry/exit more difficult in 2-dr models. Convertibles have limited leg room, and seat only two in back because of a much narrower seat.

Cargo Room

SE 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
7	2	7	4.2

Hatchbacks have wagonlike room and versatility. Convertible has good-sized trunk for a ragtop. All get fold-down rear seatback.

Value within Class

SE 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
4	2	2	4.3

Quirky describes the 9-3, and compromise is the byword for its turbo-engine performance. These cars have their charms, though they're obvious mostly to Saab loyalists. For near-luxury Swedish-style, more buyers turn to Volvo's newer S60 sedans and V70 wagons.

Total Score

SE 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
60	46	55	54.5

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		54
High Score		63