Well I took my Aero to those boys at Hallam & Sutherns after work for a thorough checking over and service, and wasn't sure what they might give me as a courtesy car. They used to be exclusively Saab specialists the last time I used them when I had my 9-5 about 12 years back, but with Saab folding they have diversified into servicing Volvos as well.
Anyway, dropped the Aero there, and was given another 9-3ss as the courtesy car. All I was told was that it was petrol. There was no model identifier on the boot, but it was a 55 plate in reasonably good condition.
When I got in, it was immediately apparent it was a very basic model on the inside. No steering wheel controls, no cruise control, manual cloth seats, no cupholder in the dash, 4 speaker (I think) radio with no display, heater unit with the 3 dials rather than climate unit with the buttons/display.
Not over keen on first impressions!!! However, noticed the reverse gear was in a different place, and the gearshift seemed much lighter than my Aero. Once I got used to the clutch, and filled her up at the garage across the road, we were off towards the M42 once again!
Well, the ride was much better than my Aero, which with sports suspension and 18" wheels, means you feel every bump on the road. This has 16" wheels, and was actually very comfortable to be in. Road noise was also much quieter than my Aero, as you'd probably expect.
On the road though, the car was surprisingly spritely, with good performance. I was wondering if this was a 150bhp car, as it had good acceleration, and seemed to handle quite well.
It has 128,000 miles on the clock, no optional extras, and is a manual - but actually, if it could have it's equipment upgraded, would make a nice everyday car, and comfortable cruiser. The mpg seemed to rise up into the low forties too, so all good.
So what is under the hood of this car, I hear you cry? Well I popped the bonnet and took a pic.....that ain't no 2 litre turbo, is it?
