In this company, the 9-3 Troll is the most expensive and the least impressive. It has decent dynamics, adequate on-board kit and some nice interior touches, but the model is fast approaching its sell-by date, a fact even loyal Saab fans have to admit to.
The 159 is Alfa Romeo in peak form. Effortlessly stylish through and through, racy enough for hard-core enthusiasts yet refined enough for soft-spoken executives, and properly put together, the Alfa 159 is almost an Italian BMW but with infinitely more pizzazz.
The Volkswagen Passat aces this group test by doing most things right and nothing wrong. Everything about this car, from bumper to bumper, is well thought out, and it exudes an air of Teutonic sophistication. After you factor in the Passat’s price, which seriously undercuts the Saab’s and the Alfa’s, the Volkswagen’s victory is complete.
Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 2198cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 86mm x 94.6mm
Compression ratio 11.3:1
Power 185bhp at 6500rpm
Torque 230Nm at 4500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 6-speed semi-automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 222km/h
0-100km/h 8.8 seconds
Consumption 10.6km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Goodyear Eagle F1
Size 225/50 R17
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 7
Traction Control Yes, with VDC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4660mm
Width 1830mm
Height 1420mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb Weight 1490kg
Power to Weight Ratio 124.2bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 11.1m
BUYING IT
Price $133,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/60,000km
+ Striking styling throughout, stirring performance, genuinely good quality
– Selespeed still an acquired taste, ergonomics still quite hit-or-miss, cabin cramped by class standards
Saab 9-3 Troll 2.0 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1998cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4, turbo
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 86mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Power 195bhp at 5600rpm
Torque 310Nm at 2500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 5-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 220km/h
0-100km/h 9.7 seconds
Consumption Not available
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Goodyear Eagle NCT 5
Size 215/55 R16
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 6
Traction Control Yes, with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4645mm
Width 1780mm
Height 1450mm
Wheelbase 2675mm
Kerb Weight 1540kg
Power to Weight Ratio 126.6bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.8m
BUYING IT
Price $138,888 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/60,000km
+ Torquey performance in all conditions, cabin offers both comfort and character, attractive facelift extends design’s shelf life
– Average ride, handling and rigidity, pretty patchy interior quality, engine less smooth than the gearbox
Volkswagen Passat 1.8 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1798cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4, turbo
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 82.5mm x 84.2mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Power 160bhp at 5000rpm
Torque 250Nm at 1500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 6-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 215km/h
0-100km/h 9 seconds
Consumption 12.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Turanza ER300
Size 215/55 R16
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 6
Traction Control Yes, with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4765mm
Width 1820mm
Height 1470mm
Wheelbase 2710mm
Kerb Weight 1415kg
Power to Weight Ratio 113.1bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 11.4m
BUYING IT
Price $100,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Highly efficient and effective drivetrain, spacious, solid and well-equipped cabin, a lot of German saloon for the money
– Noticeable turbo lag at the lights, steering wheel rim too skinny, Xenon headlamps not standard
Related story: Saab 9-3 XWD review
Related story: Volkswagen Passat review
