Saab's 9-3 wagon, called SportCombi in Saab's marketing speak, offers a surprising amount of space in a small package, a trait shared with virtually every Saab before it. The 9-3 SportCombi, introduced for the 2006 model year, was the first station wagon for Saab's entry-level 9-3 range. It was designed to return sales lost when the 9-3 became a sedan (rather than a versatile hatchback) in 2003.

For 2008, the SportCombi gets freshened styling up front and out back. The edgier front end combines with clear tail lamps to give the wagon a new look for 2008, though the basic design dates to the 2005 model year. The clear tail lamps were standard on 9-3 SportCombis in Europe, but not in North America, where they were red.

The SportCombi comes in two flavors - base 2.0T and higher-performance Aero. The 2.0T features, as its name suggests, a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 210 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque. The Aero's clamshell hood hides a 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 engine that puts out 255 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. Both models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The 2.0T offers a five-speed automatic and the Aero offers a six-speed automatic. Both automatics include a manual shift lever and the Aero's six-speed comes with paddle-style levers on the steering wheel.

Standard equipment on all models includes leather upholstery, OnStar, a trip computer and alloy wheels (16" for 2.0Ts, 17" for Aeros).

The 2.0T offers an optional Premium Package, which adds rear obstacle-detection, a power passenger seat, a memory system, wood interior trim and Xenon headlamps with fog lamps. Additional options include a moonroof, heated seats, navigation, roof rails, 17" wheels and - new for 2008 - premium leather trim to cover every surface of the seats.

The Aero adds a unique bodykit with dual visible exhaust outlets,, more aggressive two-tone seats, aluminum interior trim, 17" alloy wheels and a lowered, stiffened sport suspension. It also includes a Bose audio system with a CD changer, a power passenger seat, a power moonroof and Xenon headlamps.

Options for the Aero include a Touring Package, which includes a rear obstacle-detection system, memory seats and mirrors, HomeLink and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass. It also offers the navigation system, roof rails and upgraded leather upholstery of the 2.0T.