One thing the Saab 9-3 does not have is torque steer. Torque steer, that tug on the steering wheel when accelerating through a corner, has long been a bugbear of Saab 9-3s and most other powerful front-drive cars. To some drivers it is not a concern and many would even describe it as a character trait that adds excitement. Saab engineers worked hard to eliminate it in the new 9-3 and they appear to have been successful. Even in the more powerful Vector model the only time we experienced some torque steer was when accelerating around a corner where the surface was slightly rutted by wear from studded tires, not a very common occurrence outside of Sweden.

With 175 horsepower, the Saab 9-3 Linear model is not going to set any speed records. If you don't mind doing your own shifting, opt for the five-speed manual transmission as it is much more fun and it gives the car a sporty edge. Although the five-speed automatic is very pleasant the Linear model needs more oomph to overcome the inevitable losses from an automatic transmission. (The Arc and Vector models should address this.)

Saab has mastered turbocharger technology so well that most people would not even realize the engine is turbocharged as there is virtually no turbo lag, that delay you experience after stepping on the gas pedal. What's more there is no boost gauge to give the game away.