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What's New for the 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi?
The Saab 9-3 SportCombi is a new entry-level luxury wagon. It's built using much of the same hardware as the Saab 9-3 sedan but grants the typical wagon benefits of added versatility and cargo room. The SportCombi's rear hatch opens upwards to reveal 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seat brings the total to 45 cubic feet. A special "TwinFloor" feature provides additional flexibility when loading items such as grocery bags. Like the 2006 Saab 9-3 sedan and convertible, the SportCombi is offered in two trim levels: standard and Aero. Standard versions have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 210 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque. SportCombi Aero’s have a new-for-'06 turbocharged 2.8-liter V6. It's rated at 250 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Advantages of the 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi:
- Front-wheel-drive layout benefits rear cargo room
- Strong turbocharged V6 engine in Aero trim
- Price is typically less than those of other European luxury wagons
Objections to the 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi: - Interior doesn't speak "luxury" as well as it should
- Awkward control ergonomics
Editor's Advice:
The wagon version of the Saab 9-3, named SportCombi, has a few things going for it. It has a decent-sized and versatile cargo area, it's reasonably affordable and its turbocharged engines make competitive amounts of horsepower and torque. Buyers interested in qualities such as these could be very satisfied with a 9-3 SportCombi purchase. Other vehicles to consider, though, would be Saab's own 9-2X (which has more cargo room than the SportCombi, by the way) or the more luxurious Audi A4 Avant.
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