2012 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan

The CarCody take

The 2012 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is a compact front-wheel-drive car with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a six-speed manual transmission and gasoline fuel. EPA ratings are 20 MPG city, 32 MPG highway and 24 MPG combined. EPA lists annual fuel cost at $2,800 and tailpipe emissions at 370.29 grams per mile.

Who it suits. Drivers wanting a compact sedan with a manual gearbox Highway-heavy driving Front-wheel-drive shoppers comparing compact cars

What it is

This 2012 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is a compact car with front-wheel drive. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, a six-speed manual transmission and gasoline fuel.

Its defining EPA figure is 24 MPG combined. That rating blends the 20 MPG city figure with the 32 MPG highway figure.

The EPA numbers

Expect 20 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on the highway under the EPA ratings. The combined rating is 24 MPG.

The car is also listed as FFV for alternative fuel type.

What it costs to run

EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $2,800. That is the yearly figure attached to this model's official fuel-economy rating.

Tailpipe emissions are listed at 370.29 grams of CO2 per mile.

How it compares

The 9-3 Sport Sedan is in the EPA Compact Cars class. For side-by-side shopping, use its 24 combined MPG, 20 city MPG and 32 highway MPG as the baseline against other compact cars.

You can also browse other models in the Saab cars list when keeping the make consistent.

Who it suits

This sedan fits a driver who wants a compact body, front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, while placing more weight on highway fuel economy than city economy.

It also suits someone comparing gasoline cars that carry an FFV designation in the EPA listing.

Trade-offs

The 32 MPG highway rating is higher than the 20 MPG city rating, so frequent stop-and-go driving will not match the highway figure.

The turbocharged four-cylinder and six-speed manual define the powertrain, while the $2,800 annual fuel-cost estimate and 370.29 grams-per-mile CO2 figure show the running-cost side of the choice.

Verdict

Choose this Saab when a compact sedan with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive matches how you drive. Its EPA numbers favor open-road travel, with 32 highway MPG against 20 city MPG, and the yearly fuel estimate is $2,800. The FFV listing adds another label to consider, but the available figures still center on gasoline use. It is a straightforward option for buyers comparing compact cars by official fuel economy, emissions and drivetrain rather than equipment or extras.