Peter Carroll tests a car which may appeal to independently-minded drivers seeking comfort and performance.

Cars with big petrol engines are something of an endangered species these days – but there are still committed drivers who prefer the grunt of a V8, or the bark of a V6, to the more agricultural sound produced by a diesel.

And it is to this small but dedicated band of enthusiasts that Saab is offering its 9-3 Aero V6 2.8 turbo.

Saab turbos have been around for a long time now – and have become far smoother to drive than they were in the 1980s.

Even so, it is only because this latest model has all-wheel drive that it can offer a massive 280hp.

Yet despite its high level of power the Aero V6 is no racer to drive – especially if you opt for the automatic version.

Instead, it turns out to be a rapid executive car cut out for long journeys – which is probably just what Saab intended.

The 9-3 Aero costs more than £30,000 to put on the road, which puts it up against some serious competition, notably various three-litre 3 Series models from BMW and the 3.2 quattro version of the latest Audi A4.

But not everyone wants a German car and Saab has long been able to cater to buyers who want something a little different from their wheels.

The 9-3 has been around for a long time now but still looks distinctive on the road – particularly from the front.

Inside, you get that ‘cockpit’ style driving position associated with Saab and seats that are deservedly renknowned for their comfort.

For the full effect, however, you’ll need to stump up £1,600 for an executive pack which gives you leather, electrically-adjustable and heated seats.

Another extra worth considering on this top end model is the business pack which offers DVD satellite navigation with voice control and a touch screen and and bluetooth mobile phone integration.

I found it awkward to stop the guidance once I had keyed in a destination – perhaps I should have got to grips with the voice command function.

The test car came with an automatic gearbox which adds to the ease of use at the expense of some performance.

I occasionally found it changing gear as I went round a bend – you can always operate the shifts manually, or via the button shifters on the wheel. These are located on the front of the wheel so you can change gear while turning.

Unlike some of the diesel Saabs, the Aero V6 is not going to be a particularly cheap car to run: relatively high emissions mean you cop for the maximum road tax and insurance is a hefty group 19.

But it will go 18,000 miles before it needs servicing and a welcome surprise was 25mpg from a big turbo-charged petrol engine which was not being driven in a particularly economical way.

That’s not bad for a car with this level of performance.

It’s a car for the enthusiast then – and I suspect those tempted to go down this route might be even keener to go the whole hog and take the dramatic-looking Aero X flagship 9-3 for a spin.

By Peter Carroll

FACT FILE:

Model: 9-3 Aero 2.8 V6 XWD

Price: From £31,476

Engine: 2,792cc, V6, petrol

Power: 280PS

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, all wheel drive

Performance: 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds

Top speed: 150mph

Economy: 25mpg on combined cycle

CO2 emissions: 269g/km

Length: 4647mm

Weight: 1,690kg

Insurance group: 19

Servicing: 18,000 miles

Warranty: Three years / 60,000 miles