Once the key is slotted into place the 9-3 Vector's driving position is just about perfect for my frame, with a fairly upright position offering a good view of the road ahead and surrounding aspects. The seat material is high grade leather, stitched into what looks to be a customized pattern when the parchment color scheme is chosen. Even the rear seats are comfortable, offering adequate leg, hip, shoulder and headroom unless three adults try to squeeze across. Keep in mind the 9-3 is a smallish midsize sedan, with the 9-5 a better choice if transporting larger groups is a common occurrence.
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| Even the rear seats of the 9-3 are comfortable, offering adequate leg, hip, shoulder and headroom. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Its trunk is big though, at 425 L (15.0 cu ft) with additional access for narrow items such as skis via a pass-through behind the rear seat flip-down armrest or alternatively, foldable 60/40 split rear seatbacks.
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| A subtle spoiler is just one of the aerodynamic add-ons of the Vector that help it achieve a 0.29 coefficient of drag. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
At the rearmost tip of the trunklid is a very subtle spoiler, applying a modicum of downforce while at the same time sprucing up the 9-3's exterior styling. Other aerodynamic add-ons include a front lip spoiler, rocker panel effects and a rear diffuser-style valance. The door handles are matt-black, odd that they're not color-keyed considering the Vector's highest level of trim, but maybe due to a certain sporty styling effect Saab is going after. The lack of paint certainly hasn't negatively affected the 9-3 Vector's coefficient of drag though, a slippery 0.29 Cd.
All in all, the 9-3 Vector is an extremely attractive sedan. The GM division has done an excellent job integrating Saab styling details into what is a much more conventional 4-door sedan than the previous 5-door hatchback configuration. Personally I miss the more convenient liftgate, with its sizable storage and sporty coupe-like styling, but it's hard to argue with the new car's flowing sheetmetal, aggressive stance, and much stiffer design.