The 9-3 Aero XWD comes standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but my tester relied on the optional Sentronic autobox ($1,500). This unit offers 6 forward gears and manual shift capability through steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The latter proves quite pleasant and rewarding during aggressive driving on twisty byroads.
A typically Saab interior
The interior layout of this 9-3 is reminiscent of the 900. The massive, cockpit-style, all-black dashboard is literally wrapped around the driver. The ignition switch is still found between the front seats, behind the shifter. Also, Night Panel illumination comes back, allowing owners to turn off all but the most basic instruments, like the speedometer. This function makes nighttime driving easier.
The buckets offer a tall seatback and generous support, which makes them perfect for long trips. What's more, there is no annoying armrest that gets in your way. Drivers who tend to keep both hands on the steering wheel will love it.
During my road test, I came across another Saab 9-3 Aero owner who, much to my surprise, claimed that he was disappointed. According to him, the car has one major shortcoming that ruins the entire experience. It's a "design flaw" that reportedly makes you forget about the incredible handling, clever ergonomics, orthopedic front seats and great build quality: the trunk!
The man argued that four golf bags can't fit in the back of the car. Hum... he must have been talking about some pretty big bags! While the Saab's cargo area is indeed smaller than the trunk of a 3-Series or A4, it's still larger than a C-Class'. Plus, it offers a perfectly-rectangular shape (due to low-profile suspension components that do not intrude on trunk space), a vast opening with a low loading step and 60/40 split-folding rear seats that accommodate larger items (unlike some rivals).
Should I have recommended this golfer to turn to another brand? Perhaps the one that used to have Tiger Woods as a spokesman...
Remember, pal: the Saab 9-3 is not the Average Joe's car!
photo:Luc Gagné
A typically Saab interior
The interior layout of this 9-3 is reminiscent of the 900. The massive, cockpit-style, all-black dashboard is literally wrapped around the driver. The ignition switch is still found between the front seats, behind the shifter. Also, Night Panel illumination comes back, allowing owners to turn off all but the most basic instruments, like the speedometer. This function makes nighttime driving easier.
The buckets offer a tall seatback and generous support, which makes them perfect for long trips. What's more, there is no annoying armrest that gets in your way. Drivers who tend to keep both hands on the steering wheel will love it.
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| The massive, cockpit-style, all-black dashboard is literally wrapped around the driver. |
During my road test, I came across another Saab 9-3 Aero owner who, much to my surprise, claimed that he was disappointed. According to him, the car has one major shortcoming that ruins the entire experience. It's a "design flaw" that reportedly makes you forget about the incredible handling, clever ergonomics, orthopedic front seats and great build quality: the trunk!
The man argued that four golf bags can't fit in the back of the car. Hum... he must have been talking about some pretty big bags! While the Saab's cargo area is indeed smaller than the trunk of a 3-Series or A4, it's still larger than a C-Class'. Plus, it offers a perfectly-rectangular shape (due to low-profile suspension components that do not intrude on trunk space), a vast opening with a low loading step and 60/40 split-folding rear seats that accommodate larger items (unlike some rivals).
Should I have recommended this golfer to turn to another brand? Perhaps the one that used to have Tiger Woods as a spokesman...
Remember, pal: the Saab 9-3 is not the Average Joe's car!
photo:Luc Gagné
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