Saab 9-3 1.9 TTiD 180 (2007) CAR review

How new is this 'new' 9-3?

Saab has made 2157 changes in facelifting its 3-series rival, rendering the 9-3 almost completely distinct from its Vectra platform. Or so says Saab. The nose is the most striking aspect; it’s all-new from the A-pillars forward, and its clamshell bonnet and perma-lit ‘eyebrow’ headlight strips lend it some presence. The side profile has been cleaned up with new door handles and the removal of rubbing strips, while the saloon and convertible get SportWagon-like frosted rear lights. Under the bodywork, the platform has only had NVH tweaks; bigger news is a two-stage turbo 1.9-litre TTiD, a bio-ethanol 2.0t and, from 2008, the availability of a 4WD variant.

A 4WD Saab? Tell me more.

Big technical news, this: Saab has taken the latest version of the VW group’s Haldex 4x4 system, and added its own electronic limited-slip diff. Called cross wheel drive (XWD), it can split torque not only from front to 100 percent rear (with pre-emptive engagement for slip-free getaways), but also divide it between the rear wheels. So if a front wheel hits a patch of ice, drive can be shifted away from the rear wheel before it reaches the slippy stuff. Clever stuff. This technology is expected to make its way across the GM group, but for now it will only be mated with the 280bhp 2.8-litre V6 turbo.