Saab lovers might consider the introduction of the SportCombi to be somewhat of a sign that the Swedish manufacturer has decided to get back to basics. Although the SportCombi is not a five-door "sedan" per se, it nevertheless represents the make's first attempts at bringing back the rear hatch in a family car. As a result, the SportCombi's launch was highly anticipated.

Here's yet another getting-back-to-basics example for 2008 with a re-emphasis on Saab's style.

Back to basics
Here's yet another getting-back-to-basics example for 2008 with a re-emphasis on Saab's style. The sealed-beam headlights are back in the trademark shape that made the make famous. The design is among the best and does more than simply update the car's look--the SportCombi can no longer be mistaken for any other European car.

It's a great achievement, even if the size of the rear and the hatch make the car look somewhat unbalanced. Saab has reverted back to clear-lens back-up lights, which are among the many elements that distinguish the SportCombi from every other station wagon on the market. The interior is as Swedish as can be, tying in with the make's aeronautics vocation. The interior's finish is now by far greater than anything Saab has offered over the years.

Keeping it simple
It is in this vein that the SportCombi was designed. In fact, this car doesn't come with the latest gadgets. That being said, the SportCombi has a certain prestige and a little more equipment would not have been out of place. Although the dashboard is overloaded, its overall style is attractive and the controls are easy to reach.

Because the SportCombi is, in practical terms, a station wagon, it would be perfectly reasonable to expect an extraordinary interior. Unfortunately, that isn't the case, here. Although legroom and space up front are generous, the rear seats have rather limited legroom, despite being easily accessible. The same is true of the rear cargo space; however, the rear seats can be folded down with a 60/40 split, and a ski pass-through is included to accommodate long items.

The dashboard is overloaded, its overall style is attractive and the controls are easy to reach

Both the front and rear seats are ultra-comfortable and provide excellent support. The driving position should have been more in line with the car's sporty nature, but is pleasant nonetheless. Riding comfort is also very good and is ensured by flawless soundproofing, thanks to which the car is extremely quiet. The cabin filters exterior noise well, and engine noise and the sound of tires rolling on pavement are barely audible.

A 2.8-litre V6 turbocharged 255 horsepower, fitted to the model test.

Disappointing engineering
Although my test model was equipped with the most powerful engine, a 2.8-litre 225 horsepower high-output turbo V6, I wasn't blown away by its performance. The car was sluggish at times upon acceleration, especially when the vehicle carried even the slightest load. Even if the advertised power is respectable for this class, you don't really have the impression that the entire cavalry is at work. The gearbox does nothing to rectify the situation; as precise and efficient as it is, some speed ratios are poorly spaced.

There is major understeering owing to poor front-heavy weight distribution. The suspension sometimes gives you the impression of being too soft, resulting in a lot of rolling and making it difficult to make sharp turns without the risk of losing control or significantly reducing your speed. However, in the car's defence, the SportCombi can be equipped with an all-wheel drive system (called "X"), which improves road handling.
I love Saabs!

I love Saab's!
I can't help it--I love Saabs! They're beautiful cars with an enviable history and a certain prestige. Their style is virtually timeless, with their lines transcending time gracefully. Regardless of its age, a Saab never fails to turn heads and has made a dreamer out of more than one person. The SportCombi does its part to revive this cherished tradition.

It's just unfortunate that the SportCombi's performance is not up to par with the make's reputation. Its performance can be improved, which will disappoint more than one Saab lover who'd hoped for a Blue Griffin revival. The reliability of recent models has also been relatively questionable. Let's hope GM restores the make's reputation at every level that has made Saabs, Saabs.

Regardless of its age, a Saab never fails to turn heads and has made a dreamer out of more than one person.