The Convertible stamps her independence with electrically heated seats while the Sport Wagon shows of his convenience by having a large luggage area with a secret compartment underneath the main load area for possessions that need to be kept out of sight. However, the area albeit wide is very low so will struggle with bulkier objects but defiantly keep the take-away pizzas in one piece.

Now Saab being Saab has a long history of heritage and GM have almost allocated them to be the pioneers of new ideas design etc. One very clever new concept they have developed to which I was extremely privileged to actually try out in Sweden this week was the intelligent Saab XWD system - Cross Over All Wheel Drive. This active all wheel drive system has been designed to optimise handling and stability in all driving conditions by automatically sending up to 100% of engine torque to the front and rear wheels whenever necessary. Effectively you can slip, slide or churn up gravel surfaces, charge through the parking bays and the XWD will ensure the Saab will not stray from its designated path. It is truly a fantastic innovation but will not be available until next year and limited to the Aero version of the 9-3 Saloons and Sport Wagon.

The new Saab 9-3 triplets have a choice of six petrol engines, two biofuels including a new 2.0 litre and two diesels along with a new third 1.9 TTtiD twin turbo.

With fossil fuel starting to run out, alternative fuels rally have to be taken more seriously in this country so Saab have introduced a new 2.0 litre Biofuel in addition to their existing 1.8 litre. This Bioethonal E85 biofuel is produced from a wide range of agricultural crops and biomass and whilst not all pumps across the UK are equipped for Biofuel, as motorists, we should be conscious of doing our bit and getting ready for when the oil giants get their comeuppance. i.e. when they run out of fossil fuel..

The 9-3 Convertible I drove mated to a five speed automatic gearbox had this very engine and performance - top speed 137 mph nor acceleration 0-62 in 8.9 seconds seemed to effect it. However, the predicted fuel consumption is down at 29.1 mpg with C02 approximately 50 - 70 % less fossil C02.

Opt for the new 1.9 twin turbo diesel which powered my Sport Wagon together with a six speed manual gearbox and there is very little difference in the acceleration with a top speed of 137 mph, acceleration 0-62 in 8.3 seconds but preliminary figures for the fuel consumption is a whopping 47.1 mpg with CO2 at 162g/km.

So, as you can see there is very little incentive for both private and fleet drivers to opt for the biofuel at this moment in time when every penny counts except one should perhaps think of the future, consider our children’s and wallow in guilt at the prospect or reality they will be driving electric cars.

All three triplets delivered an effortlessly smooth ride and handling with the Convertible showing no signs of scuttle shake thanks to the very stiff body of the 9-3 while the Sport Wagon was simply a dream and a perfect choice for the family option. According to Saab, the 9-3 Saloon will continue to be their best seller mated to surprisingly the 1.9 150 diesel engine. It is the type of car that simply ticks all the right boxes for drivers who enjoy not just safety and comfort but the sportiness this car delivers for any wannabe Lewis Hamilton’s of the world.

Saab have pulled out all the stops in terms of safety with rigid passenger compartment surrounded by deformable structures, a ‘dynacage’ rollover protection with pop up roll bars for the convertible, Saab Active Head Restrains, front and passenger airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and side impact protection, hence have been awarded the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP crash safety rating.

For drivers who may have pushed the Saab triplets a little bit too far, is MBA - Mechanical Brake Assist, along with a barrage of electronic aids including CBC - Cornering Brake Control, EBD Electronic Brakeforce Distribution with ESP as an optional extra.

The new 08-model line up has been simplified with the trim levels comprising of Airflow, Linear, Vector Sport and Aero. Prices start from £18,575 for the 1.8 petrol Airflow rising to £32,530 for the 2.8 V6 petrol on the Aero trim.

A very successful bit of cosmetic surgery for these triplets with better looks and more virility under their bonnets.

FemaleFirst Jackie Violet