Part 9 of an 11-part series
It's called a premium compact by some consumer advocacy publications and an entry level luxury sedan by other industry experts. By any name, the newly designed Saab 9-3 confidently joins an increasingly visible vehicle segment.
Matched primarily against the Acura TSX, Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series, the Saab showcases high-end features with unique Scandinavian styling and at a less-than-exorbitant price.
My test car was the Aero, one of three 9-3 configurations (sedan, wagon, convertible) and six total available models. It featured a 2.8-liter, 24-valve turbocharged V6 with 250 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability.
With the exception of slight turbo lag, the Saab 9-3 performs well, accelerating strongly at all speed ranges (the manufacturer rates it at 6.6 seconds in the standard 0-60 mph test with its automatic transmission). It also has a taut suspension and a firm, poised ride.
But it's the Saab's exterior design and color (Fusion Blue Metallic) that prompted a good share of attention. Saab is owned by General Motors (since 2000) and the 9-3 shares its basic construction with the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6. The new owners have softened the Saab look, but it still has its signature — an appealing, but perhaps oxymoronic combination of refinement and ruggedness.
With its comfortable but secure configuration, front-seat Saab occupants may feel like they're sitting in an airplane, and the design of the instrumentation panel is reminiscent, as Saab slogans suggest, of an airplane cockpit.
The 9-3 includes a varied list of standard features, projector beam Xenon headlamps and front and rear flog lights and leather seats and steering wheel to the full spectrum of power functions.
The Saab 9-3 has a manual transmission as standard equipment and the automatic transmission ($1,350) is the starting point for several available, proption packages.
TheSaab 9-3 isn't a bargain. But considering the vehicle's new styling and improved turbo-charged-infused performance, it could provide strong competition against the more well-known stalwarts offered by BMW and Audi in the entry level luxury car division.
Facts & Figures: Safety — Driver and front-seat passenger dual front, torso side and side curtain airbags; Fuel Mileage (estimates) — 17 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway); Warranty — Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Free Scheduled Maintenance, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/100,000 miles, Corrosion, 6 years/unlimited miles; Roadside (24-hour) assistance program, 4 years/50,000 miles; Base Price — $32,625.00.
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