Saab’s redesigned 9-3 sports ‘hip feel’
TEST DRIVE
By Greg Zyla
Syndicated Columnistt
This week we test drive the redesigned 2008 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, a turbo-charged six-speed with plenty of new aesthetic appeal that complements the Swedish automaker’s strong performance legacy.
This Saab, in fact, has a more “hip feel,” giving it needed ammunition in a tough market segment that includes Acura TSX, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. The five-passenger Sport Sedan is offered in even sportier Aero trim, which starts $7,000 higher. Rounding out the model offerings are a convertible and a SportCombi wagon.
Working off of its aircraft heritage, Saab tags the new 9-3 as “more jet-inspired than ever.” Certainly, it has desirable new technological features, but as for “jet power,” let’s start here.
The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, high-output turbo produces 210 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Although power output is noteworthy for a sedan this size, we don’t feel the turbo provides the zip expected of a $30,000 turbo sedan. At the same time, however, we note that second gear in the standard six-speed manual will tighten your grip on the steering wheel. For those who don’t like shifting, a five-speed Sentronic automatic is optional.
Other 9-3 performance highlights include standard Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control System, which work in tandem to identify and help control wheel slippage and skidding; power assist rack-and-pinion steering, and the Saab Trionic Engine Management System. New for 2008 are rain-sensing wipers and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
Saab is most proud of its exterior and interior redesigns on the new 9-3. Highlights outside include a “semi-overwrap” hood, a styling cue taken from Saab’s Aero X concept car. Essentially, the hood has a slight ledge that tastefully meets the front grille and headlights, rather than blending into a single slope. The grille, too, is more prominent in this new generation. At the rear of the car is another design change, with “Nordic Iceblock-inspired” tail lamps. The eye-catching design speaks to Saab’s icy Scandinavian heritage.
Inside, Saab is a pleasure in all respects. It is comfortable, roomy and as quiet as any car we’ve driven. Noteworthy are leather-appointed seating, a touch of wood grain and an audio control panel that is efficient yet simple to operate. A long list of features include OnStar, three months of XM Satellite Radio, dual-zone automatic climate control with cabin air filter, cruise, all the powers, power-heated outside mirrors, wide-angle passenger-side mirror, leather steering wheel with audio controls, rake- and reach-adjustable steering wheel, eight-way power driver’s seat and 60/40 folding rear seat with pass-through. As for more simplistic touches, there are spacious pouches on the front of each front seat. Overall, the interior is first class.
Safety features are long and comprehensive. Included are driver and front passenger front and torso-side side airbags, front and rear passenger side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, mechanical brake assist, cornering brake control, front and rear crumple zones and safety cage energy management system.
Extras that add nearly $5,000 to our Saab are extensive. A Premium Package ($1,695) includes Xenon cornering headlamps, eight-way power passenger seat, rear park assist, front fog lamps and memory driver’s seat. Another $1,200 buys a moonroof package, including remote open for windows and the moonroof.
The $550 Cold Weather Package adds heated front seats and high-pressure headlamp washers. Titan Gray Metallic paint added another $550, and the final $745 destination charge pushed the final tally to $32,380.
Other important numbers include 19 mpg city and 29 highway fuel-mileage rating (we did a little better at 29.4 on the freeway), 3,230-pound curb weight, 105.3-inch wheelbase, 16.4-gallon fuel tank and 15 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Could it be Saab is stylish enough with its new 9-3 to attract the die-hard domestic buyers, considering they’ve already been softened by the success and aggressiveness of Toyota?
We think so, and the 9-3 will help the cause while it also competes with fellow European sedans on American soil.
We rate Saab 9-3 an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10.
