THIS Saab can run on petrol or bioethanol, it’s just a shame that the company itself appears to be running on empty.

Yes, while the Swedish marque is continuing with its technical innovations, its parent company, GM, is desperately trying to consign it, if not to the automotive dustbin, then at least to the gutter.

In an effort to steal itself against the full force of the economic downturn, GM has announced it intends to cut its ties with Saab by the end of the year.

Fiat announced last week it was taking over Chrysler in the US, now the Italian giants have declared an interest in taking over GM’s European arm, namely Vauxhall, Opel and Saab.

While this might be good news for Vauxhall, it might not prove such for their Swedish counterparts.

So why buy one if the company is on the verge of going belly up?

Being able to strike a good deal would be one reason, and owning a car that, while not quite reaching the mark set by those in Bavaria, isn’t a million miles away might be another.

Saabs have always had a certain cache. I remember someone down our street owning one when I was growing up.

They were always viewed as upwardly mobile by the neighbours, mainly on account of the set of wheels on their drive.

It’s a perception that lasts to this day. Our 93 received many an admiring glance, some of which was due, I don’t doubt, to the fact that they are a rare sight, relatively speaking, on our roads.

BMWs and Audis are ten a penny, but Saabs are not and, as such, will attract interest from those who don’t want to be just another sheep in the commuter flock.

The exterior has a restrained elegance.

In the laser red get-up of our test car it hints at what lies beneath, but in the main this is a grown-ups car.

On the inside, the 93 is typical Saab. You can tell that the company is also responsible for fighter jets by the way the cockpit is laid out.

There’s a precision about the dials that is very pleasing on the eye. I particularly liked the vertical, clutterfree way the radio and air conditioning unit has been designed.

The only criticism I would have is that some of the switch gear is a little flimsy in nature.

It’s a pleasant environment to be in as well, with extremely comfortable seating and a steering wheel that adjusts enough to suit all but the fussiest of drivers.

There’s plenty of room in the front and enough in the back for three passengers.

Head room and leg room are not an issue.

The deep boot is also capable of swallowing pretty much anything you can throw in it.

I’ve read criticism of the handling and ride but I must admit they didn’t cause me any headaches, moreover, I actually found it quite fun.

On smooth roads the ride is refined, and while you do feel the bumps on less well-maintained surfaces, it really is not bad enough to have you complaining.

One slight regret I had was that I never got to test the advantages or otherwise of bioethanol as the car never actually ran out of fuel during the week it was in my possession, but I guess that proves it is economical, relatively speaking, if nothing else.

The future seems uncertain for Saab, so if you fancy one you had better get one while you still can.

Specifications

Price (on the road): £25,383
Engine: 2.0 litre turbo dual fuel (petrol and bioethanol)
Max power: 197bhp
Max torque: 221lb/ft
Max speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 7.5secs
Avg fuel consumption: 38.5mpg
Equipment (inc options): Dualzone automatic climate control with cooled glove box; cruise control and car computer; Saab information display (outside temperature, fuel consumption and fuel range); 17.5ins alloys; ABS; ESP; front fog lights; Saab Active Head Restraints; side airbags; electric front seats with threeposition memory; BOSE surround sound audio; six-disc CD autochanger; Bluetooth phone integration system; Bi-Xenon cornering headlights with auto levelling and headlight pressure washers.