Yesterday, Andy at Malcolm Miles Saab borrowed my Aston Martin to take his daughter to her Prom, I dropped it in, immaculatly clean and looking stunning, and was given the keys to their current loan car; a first generation 9-3 LPT. Obviously a world apart in just about every way you can imagine, but here’s the thing, I enjoyed driving it just as much as the Aston Martin.
A few bits of trim missing, Gorilla tape where the arial should be, paintwork in need of a good machine polish, worn badges and small, dirty alloys, but open the door and you’re welcomed to a familiar interior that, despite it’s age and lack of care, has stood the test of time and genuinely felt fantastic to sit in. Half leather Turbo seats with very little wear, an immaculate but dirty Carbon dashboard, audio and heating units with bright, perfect screens and comforting heated seats. No rattles, no squeaks, just a Saab that belies it’s run down appearance.
Then we get to its real heart, the low pressure turbo, two litre engine was as smooth as any I’ve driven, the gearbox easy and fluid and a lively surge of power that just moved the 9-3 perfectly along with absolutely no fuss whatsoever. The soft, bouncy suspension, small wheels and large tyres, made every bump and surface just fade in to the background and the steering, sharp and accurate.
Its pièce de résistance though, has to be its ability to inspire a complete and utter ‘who cares’ mentality; new road surface and flying shards of gravel, who cares, potholes, dirt, car park dinks, nah, who cares! Just sit back in the comfort of knowing that the Saab you're driving is as solid as a rock, has more individuality than most new cars and might cost you a grand total of £1 - 1,500, there's a real sense of reassurance in that.