Saab - the other Swedish car company - replaced its 900 Series in 1999 with the 9-3, which it considers to be an entry-level executive sedan. The 9-3 was a two-door hatchback until 2003 when the four-door version debuted.
Modern styling retains some of the original character
Saabs have always exhibited a touch of quirkiness that makes this brand quite lovable. Perhaps most recognized is the odd location of the ignition slot; it's situated in the centre console between the front seats.
The cabin holds another long-serving distinction, and that's its broad, flat instrument panel encompassing large air vent outlets affixed with joystick directional controls. All switchgear is logically laid-out and intuitive to operate while the gauges in the primary cluster are straightforward and easily interpreted.
An aircraft-inspired feature that I wish other manufacturers would adopt is Saab's Night Panel function. Rather than illuminating the entire instrument panel and dashboard when night driving, all but essential lighting can be instantly extinguished with the push of a button.
Night lighting may seem gimmicky, that is until its experienced for oneself on a dark, unlit road. The removal of extraneous instrument panel lighting darkens the cab, improving the driver's night vision by eliminating unwanted reflection and distracting brilliance.
Overall I find the 9-3's exterior and interior styling interesting and appealing. Despite cosmetic changes for 2008 though, including an aggressive nose adapted from the Aero X concept, the look of the 9-3 is fast becoming stale-dated.
And that's too bad. I like the idea of Saab resisting change to simply garner mass appeal through dilution of their distinctiveness. Hopefully some stylistic balance can be found that'll allow them to ride a design wave of individuality for years to come.
Same sweet power as last year
The turbocharged DOHC 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder mill invigorating the 9-3 is unchanged from last year, and I imagine that's largely because it doesn't need changing. This turbine-smooth powerplant whirls effortless to its redline while delivering a broad, firm torque curve that isn't dependent on frenetic rpm levels.
Modern styling retains some of the original character
Saabs have always exhibited a touch of quirkiness that makes this brand quite lovable. Perhaps most recognized is the odd location of the ignition slot; it's situated in the centre console between the front seats.
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| Overall I find the 9-3's exterior and interior styling interesting and appealing. |
The cabin holds another long-serving distinction, and that's its broad, flat instrument panel encompassing large air vent outlets affixed with joystick directional controls. All switchgear is logically laid-out and intuitive to operate while the gauges in the primary cluster are straightforward and easily interpreted.
An aircraft-inspired feature that I wish other manufacturers would adopt is Saab's Night Panel function. Rather than illuminating the entire instrument panel and dashboard when night driving, all but essential lighting can be instantly extinguished with the push of a button.
Night lighting may seem gimmicky, that is until its experienced for oneself on a dark, unlit road. The removal of extraneous instrument panel lighting darkens the cab, improving the driver's night vision by eliminating unwanted reflection and distracting brilliance.
Overall I find the 9-3's exterior and interior styling interesting and appealing. Despite cosmetic changes for 2008 though, including an aggressive nose adapted from the Aero X concept, the look of the 9-3 is fast becoming stale-dated.
And that's too bad. I like the idea of Saab resisting change to simply garner mass appeal through dilution of their distinctiveness. Hopefully some stylistic balance can be found that'll allow them to ride a design wave of individuality for years to come.
Same sweet power as last year
The turbocharged DOHC 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder mill invigorating the 9-3 is unchanged from last year, and I imagine that's largely because it doesn't need changing. This turbine-smooth powerplant whirls effortless to its redline while delivering a broad, firm torque curve that isn't dependent on frenetic rpm levels.
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| Maximum output ratings reveal 210 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. |