Pros: Utility, Drivetrain performance, Steering and handling

Cons: Clutch pedal action

Performance station wagons. A trend we can’t help but love. In an era of heavy, thirsty, rollover-happy SUVs, vehicles that combine excellent road manners with a large measure of utility in a package that gets decent fuel economy must be recognized and appreciated. SportCombi seems like a great name for this kind of vehicle as it successfully combines these virtues.

A functional interior devoid of flash greets passengers. They can easily understand and access controls for audio and climate. No crazy computer interfaces for the get-down-to-business Saab. The moderate-sized wagon seats four comfortably, five in a pinch. The cargo area’s utility is enhanced by fold-down rear seats. On the roof, tiny covers hide attachment points for a rack that could carry skis or cargo.

On the road the Saab accelerates more quickly than you’d think a two-liter engine should. A high-output turbocharger helps immeasurably. A slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission aids acceleration runs and makes driving fun. Steering responds well and has no apparent torque steer, a common trait on powerful front wheel drive cars. The car grips the road very well in turns, but make sure the cargo in the back is securely tied down before attacking the corners. Strong brakes haul the car down from speed quickly while maintaining excellent directional stability.

The only major flaw we found in the car was a clutch that engaged too high in the pedal’s travel. Most of the clutch’s movement was wasted leg action, though this could be something solved with an adjustment.

A nice, solid station wagon that’s a very good family vehicle, especially for one that has a parent who’s a serious driver.