Experimental results on the magnetic saturation effects on the control of a small synchronous reluctance machine (600 W) are presented in this paper. A new model of the machine, including saturation effects and cross magnetization is first developed. An approach based on total and mutual inductances is followed instead of the traditional approach through magnetizing and leakage inductances. All of the electrical and mechanical parameters measurements required for the simulations are given. A rotor-oriented vector control of the synchronous reluctance machine is achieved with a digital-signal-processor (DSP) board (TMS320C31) and experimental results are presented. When the magnetic circuit is saturated, the simulation with the developed model shows good, accurate results when compared to the experimental ones.