Saab fans, and everyone else for that matter, will appreciate what can't be seen though. Traditionally the maker of extremely rigid, safe cars, Saab adds a bevy of standard protective features such as driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, height-adjustable pre-tensioning front seatbelts plus height-adjustable 3-point rear seatbelts, disc brakes at all four corners plus 4-wheel ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BA), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Traction Control System (TCS). A panic alarm, anti-theft alarm and ignition disable system is also featured.
After a week behind the wheel I must confess to falling for the sleek Swabian. I love the fact that its stealth bodywork doesn't attract envious stares, other than from other Saab drivers who tend to crane their necks prior to grinning enthusiastically. Saab is an exclusive club, easily accessible by the price of entry but for reasons not entirely clear, not too popular. Will the Swedish automaker once again attract the number of buyers it did in the mid-1980s when its high-output 900 Turbo was the envy of its peers? While the new 9-3 is more deserving than any Saab to date, it's much more crowded field of tough competitors will do everything in their collective power to thwart its efforts, making the road ahead a difficult one.
Specifications (9-3 Linear):
- Base Price (MSRP): $34,900 - $42,490
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 175 hp, 195 lb-ft of torque, 2.0-L, 16-valve, DOHC, turbo I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd manual (opt 5-spd auto with manual-mode)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
- Curb Weight: 1,375 kg (3,025 lb)
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 8.5 seconds
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Capacity (trunk): 425 L (15 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 10.7 / 7.1 L/100 km (automatic)
- Warranty: 4-year/80,000 km comprehensive
- Competitors: Acura 3.2 TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus IS 300, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Nissan Maxima, VW Passat
- Web Site: www.gmcanada.com
