For such a young company, in motoring terms, Saab has seen some interesting times.

Created just over 70 years ago as Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company) it was a further decade before the firm came down to earth with its first aircraft-inspired car prototype. It then built a solid reputation for sporty cars aimed at buyers looking for something individual.

Lately in the hands of General Motors, the company is in the process of being taken over by a consortium led by Koenigsegg Automotive, makers of some of the most expensive and powerful sports cars on the planet, which ought to be good news for Saab.

Even better news is that Koenigsegg promises to retain Saab’s ‘distinctly Swedish character’.

And it is that distinctive sporty, yet sure-footed quality that has always embodied Saab’s appeal.

For the same money you could just as easily be behind the wheel of a BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, or Mercedes C-class, but Saab drivers want something a little bit different and Saab certainly delivers.

Some of the odder quirks, like the gearlever that had to be locked in reverse before you could remove the key, are thankfully long gone, but the solidity and driver appeal remains.

Right at the top of the 9-3 SportWagon range sits the Aero, with an active all-wheel-drive system that delivers a taut, responsive ‘fun to drive’ experience.

That’s not to say the car is anything but practical, with a large loadspace, free from intrusions, which is ideal for owners with active sports and leisure pursuits.

As well as 60:40 split-fold rear seats with a ski hatch, the loadspace has innovative so-called ‘TwinFloor’ stowage. After pulling an aircraft-shaped handle, the middle section of cargo floor hinges upwards and slots in place. This provides support for shopping bags or other items in the recessed sub-floor, easily secured by a cargo net. An optional folding front passenger seat-back offers further interior space.

The SportWagon’s compact proportions, with a raked rear screen and short rear overhang, with a small glass area behind the C-pillar distinguish it from traditional estate formats and Saab says the SportWagon, like its other models, has been designed ‘from the driver outwards’. That means the cabin ergonomics, the instrumentation, the controls and the seating position are all developed from the driver’s perspective.

It seems to work. The main instrument panel arcs around the driver, with all the switchgear and controls logically laid out and the steering wheel is adjustable for both rake and reach.

A wide range of functions can be pre-set according to personal preference, including automatic climate control, clock/alarm, speed scale illumination, parking assistance, rain sensitive wipers and anti-theft alarm.

Dual-zone automatic climate control is fitted as standard, allowing different temperature settings for the left or right-hand side of the interior, which includes an automatic airflow balance to compensate for temperature changes if one side of the car is in direct sunlight.

The powertrain line-up offers a choice of powerful petrol, diesel or bioethanol E85-powered engines.

Saab has a long tradition of successful work with car safety and its cars consistently show well in real-life accident surveys, often being ranked best in their segment. In EuroNCAP crash tests, the 9-3 Saloon and 9-3 Convertible have achieved a maximum five-star rating.

Let’s hope the company finds its future in similarly safe hands.

Auto facts Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T XWD Sportwagon

Price: £28,751

Insurance group: 15

Fuel consumption (Combined): 34.9mpg

Top speed: 143mph

Length: 467cm/183.8in

Width: 176.2cm/69.4in

Luggage capacity: 14.8cu ft

Fuel tank capacity: 13.4 gallons/61 litres

CO2 emissions: 194g/km

Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles