2012 Saab 9-3 Sedan AWD

The CarCody take

The 2012 Saab 9-3 Sedan AWD is a compact gasoline car with all-wheel drive, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a six-speed manual. It returns 23 MPG combined, with 20 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. The EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $2,900.

Who it suits. Drivers wanting a compact AWD sedan with a manual gearbox Owners whose driving includes regular highway trips

What it is

This 2012 Saab 9-3 Sedan AWD is a compact car running on gasoline. It uses all-wheel drive, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine and a six-speed manual transmission. See more Saab cars.

The numbers

The headline figure is 23 MPG combined. EPA figures split that into 20 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. The highway number favors steady-speed trips; city driving uses more fuel per mile.

What it costs to run

EPA estimates yearly fuel spending at $2,900. Your actual bill will change with fuel prices, miles driven and how much of your driving is in town.

How it compares

Within this Saab's own figures, highway economy is 10 MPG higher than its city figure, while the combined result is 23 MPG.

Who it suits

It suits a driver who wants a compact sedan with all-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, and whose trips include enough highway miles to benefit from the 30 MPG highway figure.

Trade-offs

All-wheel drive and the turbocharged engine come with a 20 MPG city figure and a $2,900 EPA annual fuel estimate. The six-speed manual gives the driver control but is the only transmission listed for this car.

Verdict

Choose this Saab if a compact body, all-wheel traction and a manual transmission matter more to you than minimizing fuel use in stop-and-go driving. Its 30 MPG highway rating can help on longer runs, but the 20 MPG city result raises the yearly gasoline estimate. With no other powertrain or transmission listed, the decision comes down to whether those drivetrain choices fit your regular routes.