Saab offers the 2006 9-3 SportCombi in two levels of trim: Standard or performance-oriented Aero. The standard model comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a five-speed manual transmission, and twin five-spoke 16-inch wheels with 215/55 all-season tires. Inside, there’s leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a 150-watt audio system with seven speakers and a CD player, and an auxiliary input jack in the center console for an iPod or other MP3 player. Fake wood trim decorates the dash, and the gigantic glovebox is illuminated and cooled. An automatic climate control system with cabin air filter cools passengers, and the usual suspects such as power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and power exterior mirrors come standard. Those mirrors are heated, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel makes it easier to get comfortable behind the 9-3’s wheel. Traction and stability control, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, and whiplash-reducing front head restraints are included in the $27,600 price of entry (including the $720 destination charge). So is free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Step up to the $33,620 9-3 SportCombi Aero and the $6,000 price premium nets a turbocharged V6 engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and five-spoke 17-inch wheels wearing 235/45R17 all-season tires. The Aero also includes xenon headlights, fog lights, a sport-tuned suspension, a chrome exhaust outlet, and special body trim. Inside, two-tone sport seats hold a body tighter, metallic trim replaces the fake wood on the dash, and a 300-watt audio system with 13 speakers and an in-dash six-disc CD changer keeps occupants drenched in sound. The front passenger gets an eight-way power front passenger seat, and there’s a power sunroof with express open and close. Perhaps best of all, Aero buyers get a free two-day Saab Aero Academy driving school at Road Atlanta in Georgia. You’ve gotta pay for your airfare, hotel, and food, but you get one-on-one instruction about how best to use the 9-3 Aero’s performance – and you don’t need to beat on your own new car.

Both of these 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi models can be equipped with a Cold Weather Package that includes heated front seats and high-pressure headlight washers. Add a Premium Package to the base SportCombi and enjoy many of the Aero model’s upgrades such as xenon headlights, premium 300-watt audio system with 13 speakers and an in-dash six-disc CD changer, a power eight-way front passenger’s seat, red walnut wood trim, and front fog lights. A Convenience Package for the standard version includes a memory system for the driver’s seat and outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear park assist system. The Aero model can be outfitted with a Touring Package that includes rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers, three-position driver’s seat memory, and an auto-dimming mirror with a garage door opener and compass. A DVD navigation system is a stand-alone option on both versions, along with a Sentronic manually-interactive automatic transmission and roof rails. You’ve also gotta pay $550 extra for metallic paint, a ridiculous profit builder common on European vehicles.

Speaking of things European, one interesting option for the 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi buyer is European delivery. Pick up your SportCombi from the factory in Trollhattan, Sweden (or one of 15 other European cities), and enjoy a road trip through the old country in your new car. After your vacation, Saab will ship your car home for you. They’ll even kick in $2,000 to help you out with travel expenses.