SUVs are edging out station wagons as family all-rounders. Saab 9-3X reverses the trend.

With a Sport Wagon body, higher stance and all-wheel drive technology, it's a reminder that estates needn't be all about wood paneling and the smell of wet dog.

The 9-3X is available with either Saab?s 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (156kW), combined with the Cross Wheel Drive system (XWD), or the 1.9 TTiD diesel engine (134kW) with front-wheel drive.

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Saab designers have raised the chassis by 35mm (20mm higher on the FWD diesel model) compared to the standard two-wheel drive Sport-Wagon. It is specifically designed for those who frequently use gravel or unpaved roads, without compromising the driving experience on Tarmac.

?The 9-3X is an efficient all-rounder for anyone who doesn?t want or need an SUV-type vehicle,? says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. ?Simply put, we are offering a vehicle that will do what?s required in more comfort and style than a heavier SUV.?

New front and rear bumpers feature a dark grey, grained finish that is also applied to the side sills and the edges of the wheel arches as a protective covering when the terrain becomes loose or muddy. This treatment is complemented by skid panels with a matt aluminum finish, curving up towards the door opening at the rear and adopting a wing form in the lip of the lower front bumper. These are matched by matt, aluminium-coloured lower door strips and roof rails with the same finish. Visible, twin round exhaust tailpipes are standard for both engine options. Front fog lights ringed with a chrome finish add yet another rugged accent.

Inside, the 9-3X interior features a unique trim, adding a dark metallic finish to the door trims, glove box and gearbox surround. The sports seating features grey fabric inserts in the black leather upholstery.

Total traction

At the heart of the 9-3X is Saab?s XWD technology that continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles as needed ? for stability and traction even when conditions change. To optimise traction the system incorporates a pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels which, unlike conventional all-wheel drive systems, eliminates the need to detect front wheel slip before rear drive is activated.

The 2.0 Turbo petrol engine produces 300Nm between 2500 and 4000rpm and can accelerate the 9-3X from 0?100km/h in 8.2 seconds. Both a six speed manual and automatic transmission are available.

The diesel variant, a 1.9 TTiD twin turbo, produces 400Nm of torque through the front wheels, with an emissions figure of 144g/km. This engine, too, will be available with manual and automatic transmission.

Stow and go

The 9-3X wouldn?t be much of a wagon if it didn?t have ample storage space. The rear cargo area with a low floor doesn?t skimp on space, partly thanks to the compact design of the rear suspension that allows a deep box-like space. The rear seat up/down volume is 419/1287 litres (VDA).

The 60/40 split seat-back incorporates a ski-hatch and folds down without having to move the fixed seat cushion. The fully carpeted rear load space is illuminated by two interior lights mounted on the inside of the D-pillars. It is accessed by a lightly-weighted tailgate that opens down to bumper level, its damper rods completely hidden in the roof. The flush-fitted, black moulded floor plate helps to protect against marks or scratches on the bumper during heavy use.

The 9-3X's TwinFloor stowage facility also helps keep luggage and equipment safe and tidy. The middle section of the floor hinges upwards transversely when the handle is pulled so that the front edge fits into two retaining slots.

There is also a 12-volt power socket in the main load area (for a hot or cool box) and a separate storage compartment at either side of the floor, one fitted with a moulded holder for large bottles.

It's the return of the station wagon.