5. Saab 9-3X

Saab might be filing for bankruptcy protection, but it's not all doom and gloom at its Geneva motor show stand - where the 9-3X is the main draw.

The new high-riding estate is powered by a turbocharged 207bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a four-wheel-drive system, or a 177bhp 1.9-litre diesel linked to front-wheel drive.

The 2.0-litre unit produces 221lb ft of pulling power, and can accelerate the 9-3X from 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with an automatic gearbox available as an option. Linked to the manual, the petrol 9-3X will return 34mpg and emit 199g/km of CO2. With the automatic it will return 28mpg and emit 242g/km of CO2.

The diesel engine has 295lb ft of pulling power.

It also comes with a manual gearbox as standard, with the option of an automatic 'box. With the manual it returns 51.4mpg and emits 144g/km of CO2, while with the automatic it returns 40.9mpg and emits 182g/km of CO2.

Off-road credentials
To boost ground clearance, the chassis is 35mm higher than the standard 9-3 estate on the four-wheel-drive version, and 20mm higher on the front-wheel-drive model.

Emphasising the car's rugged appeal, the bumpers, side sills and wheelarches are finished in a dark grey protective covering.

'The 9-3X is an efficient all-rounder for anyone who doesn't want or need an SUV-type vehicle,' says Simon Padian, Saab brand design chief.

The interior
Inside, the 9-3X has 419 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, and 1287 litres with them down.

The rear seats fold 60:40 and incorporate a ski hatch that folds down.

The 9-3X has a revised trim from the standard 9-3, including dark metallic detailing and sports seats.

Prices will be released around May, but they're expected to begin at around 28,000.

Why we didn't like it Some will say it's cruel to kick a brand when it's down, but others will agree you have to be cruel to be kind. The 9-3X is bland and uninspired from its best angles, and downright ugly at its worst.