Faults:

Ignition failure combined with steering lock failure, dealer helpful, problem solved so far.

Occasional rattle which dealer did rectified.

General Comments:

Excellent performance.

Amazingly comfortable with smart interior.

Get body kit and optional 18" wheels and it looks a million dollars!

2.0t does use fuel... big time!

Faults:

The front suspension bushing made noise when going over speed bumps. This was fixed somewhat by replacing it with the silicon version. Still hearing some sound.

Poorly fitted (locally) leather and wood effect in all areas of the car. Mostly fixed.

Lots of rattling and buzzing sounds coming from the doors. Probably due to the poor workmanship of the local fitters. Agent is hopelessly incompetent and cannot even fixed the noise after attempting to do so for 3 times already.

General Comments:

The car is brilliant. Lots of torque throughout and no turbo lag. It handles very well on straight roads and round corners, assisted by the Traction Control System, Cornering Braking Control, and Rear Passive Steering.

Full of advanced electronics and automotive gadgets. Like the optical network used for the audio system. Electronic key-less entry and engine starting, which acts as a security check for the audio system as well.

Many features are programmable through the SAAB TECH2 car computer.

The only let down is the local agent. Not only are they not sure of the new car features, they also try to pass off problems as "normal"! Outrageous!!

Faults:

Nothing really.

Two small rattles to be found, and there's a bit of wind noise through the driver door seal.

All will be attended to at its first service at 6000 miles.

General Comments:

Fantastic car, 205bhp is quick, at times too quick. This model (and the Viggen) is legendary for torque steer, so at times there's a problem getting power to the road. But a lot of one's time is spent looking in the rear view mirror seeing if the car behind or next to you has actually started moving from the lights yet.

In the dry one really doesn't have to try hard to get this car to move; in the wet it's a little more tricky, though. 1st has to be taken with care, 2nd can cause lateral movement if pressed hard, even third can cause an eyebrow raise...

I imported this model into the UK directly from a dealer in Sweden, saving a huge amount, and for the price I paid, it's a huge amount of car with lots of standard equipment - about 2/3rds of the price I'd have had to pay for a similar spec BMW or Audi.

This model is being replaced now by the '9-3 Sports Saloon' which, having tested just this afternoon, is a much better car, amazing chassis indeed. I'll be changing mine within 6-12 months, I would say - again for the Aero, or maybe a special version from the Saab specialist tuners Abbott Racing.

But in general, it's fantastic, everyone asks me about it, the boot is simply huge, and Saab's seats are the most comfortable available, in my opinion.

I'm not having another car in black though...