Though front-wheel drive, Saab's advanced Trionic engine management system neatly cuts in to prevent wheel spin and torque steer, resulting in what is said to be jerk-free driving. Hooked up to the muscular motor is an intelligent Sentronic automatic transmission, letting the driver either select the gear in manual mode or allow the automatic gearbox to take over completely.
Does the 9-3 Sports-Hatch have a future with Saab? Of course! This is Saab's entry to the lucrative small wagon market which is comprised mostly of A4 Avants, BMW 3-Series Tourings and C-Class T-Models. Realistically the car should be on the road for model year 2005, making it roughly one year away. Maybe now Saab has found a medium that will bring them back on track, above their current 135,000 annual sales.
Specifications:
- Body Type: 5-door wagon
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 250 hp, 2.0-L, 16-valve, DOHC, turbocharged I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Potential Competitors: Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3-Series Touring, Jaguar X-Type Estate, Lexus IS 300 SportCross, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wagon, VW Passat Wagon
- Web Site: www.gmcanada.com
