Priced to undercut premium rivals from Audi and BMW, but other cars with ‘quality’ badges could pose a more significant threat, such as Honda and Volkswagen. It will not hold its value any better than a Passat or Accord, although servicing charges will be more in line with volume manufacturers than premium brands. If Saab 9-3 Sportwagon 9-3 Sportwagon running costs are a concern steer clear of the 2.8-litre turbo V6 that is very thirsty.

The 9-3 performs reasonably on the eco front but there are no specific low emissions models available. Saab 9-3 Sportwagon emissions are the best in the 1.9-litre diesel – in 2009 it was tweaked and as a result emissions are 144g/km of CO2 for both the 150bhp and 180bhp (badged 1.9 TTiD) models while economy is 51mpg for both.

Saabs tend to be very dependable so Saab 9-3 Sportwagon reliability should not be in question. The only question marks would be over the cheaper-feeling pieces of interior trim and whether they would stand up as well as the rest of the car to general wear and tear.