Mainly good news inside
Mostly, that is. The pop-out cup-holder on the dash borders on useless, and the cruise controls, though simple to use, are somewhat awkward. Wind and road noise are kept in check, the taut ride reminding drivers constantly of the machine's sporty side. On rougher roads, suspension noise can become intrusive- but it's a small price to pay for the rewarding handling.
The soft seats and easygoing driving experience begs owners to relax on long trips, though 9-3 works equally as well when the right foot feels heavy. There's an adequate level of storage for at-hand items and a full alarm to make sure they stay where you parked them. The trunk is adequate, though rear seat accommodations may feel tight for grown-ups. There were no issues with visibility, but a parking radar system is included in case you find some.
2.8 V6 Turbo
The heart of the 9-3 Aero is a 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 which delivers a generous helping of torque across the rev-band once initial turbo-lag is dispensed with. The turbocharger operates with no notable sound, and the smooth, potent mill leaves a mellow and warm exhaust note in its wake. Lots of power is available when needed, as is quiet and efficient operation when it's not. Mileage averaged around 10.5L / 100km. Premium gasoline, of course.
A six-speed automatic with manual mode offered a pair of small shift buttons mounted to the steering wheel for thumb-operated gear changes. Things work best left in drive- as the manual mode is somewhat sluggish to react and doesn't rev-match its downshifts like most competitors. Driven gently, you'd be hard pressed to feel a shift- although the drivetrain can shudder and lurch if geared down hard in manual mode.
Saab? Infiniti? BMW? Mercedes? Lexus? Acura? Audi? Lincoln?
This isn't the fastest, most powerful or largest all wheel drive sedan you'll find for the price- and a slew of worthy German and Japanese products call out for your fifty-plus grand just as loudly. Thing is, the Swedish contender comes with sportier looks and less pretentious bling than the majority of them. It's available in a wagon too- so it represents a fantastic choice for the active buyer who doesn't want to call off their plans when the weather turns bad. There are better ways to look like you spent big bucks on a premium sedan, though 9-3 is tops if you'd rather fly under the radar and not lose your ride in the Longo's parking lot.
photo:Justin Pritchard, Saab
Mostly, that is. The pop-out cup-holder on the dash borders on useless, and the cruise controls, though simple to use, are somewhat awkward. Wind and road noise are kept in check, the taut ride reminding drivers constantly of the machine's sporty side. On rougher roads, suspension noise can become intrusive- but it's a small price to pay for the rewarding handling.
The soft seats and easygoing driving experience begs owners to relax on long trips, though 9-3 works equally as well when the right foot feels heavy. There's an adequate level of storage for at-hand items and a full alarm to make sure they stay where you parked them. The trunk is adequate, though rear seat accommodations may feel tight for grown-ups. There were no issues with visibility, but a parking radar system is included in case you find some.
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| The 9-3 is tops if you'd rather fly under the radar and not lose your ride in the Longo's parking lot. |
2.8 V6 Turbo
The heart of the 9-3 Aero is a 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 which delivers a generous helping of torque across the rev-band once initial turbo-lag is dispensed with. The turbocharger operates with no notable sound, and the smooth, potent mill leaves a mellow and warm exhaust note in its wake. Lots of power is available when needed, as is quiet and efficient operation when it's not. Mileage averaged around 10.5L / 100km. Premium gasoline, of course.
A six-speed automatic with manual mode offered a pair of small shift buttons mounted to the steering wheel for thumb-operated gear changes. Things work best left in drive- as the manual mode is somewhat sluggish to react and doesn't rev-match its downshifts like most competitors. Driven gently, you'd be hard pressed to feel a shift- although the drivetrain can shudder and lurch if geared down hard in manual mode.
Saab? Infiniti? BMW? Mercedes? Lexus? Acura? Audi? Lincoln?
This isn't the fastest, most powerful or largest all wheel drive sedan you'll find for the price- and a slew of worthy German and Japanese products call out for your fifty-plus grand just as loudly. Thing is, the Swedish contender comes with sportier looks and less pretentious bling than the majority of them. It's available in a wagon too- so it represents a fantastic choice for the active buyer who doesn't want to call off their plans when the weather turns bad. There are better ways to look like you spent big bucks on a premium sedan, though 9-3 is tops if you'd rather fly under the radar and not lose your ride in the Longo's parking lot.
photo:Justin Pritchard, Saab
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