Saab's 9-3 was released in 2002 and was touted as a sports saloon to provide a viable alternative to people tired of BMW and Audi. It has achieved good sales success, particularly in the last year or so, partially due to the expansion of the range, but also thanks to its competence. Recently Saab has added Fiat-sourced diesels to the range that will enable Saab to further build on the success. Here we test one of the entry-level variants, the 1.8 Linear.

The 9-3 is a handsome saloon that disguises its Vauxhall Vectra roots well. It may be approximately the same size and weight, but the difference in appearance is well defined. The Saab is restrained, classy and looks like a prestige saloon. The hotter Aero versions add more aggression than is evident on this model, but the 9-3 looks good in its basic form as well.

The Linear designation indicates that this is a lower spec of 9-3, but equipment levels remain fairly generous and Saab's usual high standard of ergonomics is present in the 9-3. All of the instruments are laid out clearly and logically and fall easily to hand with the minimum of distraction. The trip computer is sited on the top of the dash, effectively making it a heads up display for important information. The clever night panel system also makes an appearance; this shuts down any non-vital gauges and dials to avoid glare and distraction from the dash when driving in the dark.

The interior is practical and refined but some of the materials and trim are a little behind the competition in terms of tactility. The handbrake and the centre console section in particular are a tad flimsy and cheap looking. Where it does score well is in the accommodation department; generous room for four adults and a holiday's worth of luggage is nearer the top of the class than average. This combined with the 9-3's leggy and refined nature make it a real contender as a family car, decent residuals add to the argument; the 9-3 hasn't become real fleet fodder as yet, although this 1.8 version is verging on that market segment.

The chassis is a reworked Vectra platform that features four-wheel steer thanks to Saab's clever chassis system called "Re-Axs". The level of grip is never in doubt, even on this modestly shod version and the chassis feels composed; it just never feels involving or fun. The naturally aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder lacks the grunt to live up to a sports saloon tag but is smooth and refined, as is the five-speed 'box. The relative lack of poke flatters the brakes, as they are never truly tested. Rest assured though that they are strong and backed up by an excellent ABS system.

This particular 9-3 left me feeling a little empty; it just didn't live up to its sports saloon tag. The picture would no doubt brighten with the addition of a little more power to enhance the dynamic enjoyment factor. Interestingly Saab is making a lot of noise about their TiD diesel engines and to be honest I'd pick one of those over this 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol. The small £700 premium for the 120TiD would be money well spent: almost 89lb.ft more torque, a six-speed box and more refined cruising seem a conspicuously good value return. For more conventional sports saloon fun then look towards the more overtly sporting models that I feel are more like Saabs should be. Torquey turbos with whoosh bang pace that allow you to work the chassis on a favourite B-road or serenely gobble miles on the motorway.

In summary, this 9-3 was average, a shadow of how we normally perceive Saabs. They used to be idiosyncratic and different; an alternative to premium brands that people who didn't want to follow the crowd could choose as viable alternatives, but this base model felt like a Vectra. The GM Saab loses a lot of that individual appeal and suffers for it. It has to compete with some serious hardware for sales and does so adequately but it misses those special Saab traits so much that it really is a shame, and a missed opportunity in my opinion. Some loyal customers will stay through thick and thin, though some traditional Saab-ists may simply turn their nose up. That isn't to say that the 9-3 is a bad car. It's just lacking in the flair and excitement that it needs to battle against the BMW 3-series. As a prestige saloon for cruising in comfort and space it works well, I just don't think they should market it as a sports saloon.