In 2004, a nifty convertible model made its appearance, and this year brings the advent of a SportCombi wagon, featuring an available 250-hp turbocharged V-6.
With the addition the new engine, the Saab 9-3 has become a real presence among the sports sedans, convertibles and sport wagons in its class. Saab has also added an improved 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 35 more horsepower than last year's engine.
More importantly for the comparison shopper, Saab has deeply restructured all of its models, packages and prices, leaving the new models an average of several thousand dollars cheaper than comparably equipped 2005 models. No doubt Saab had its eye on its popular competitors including the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Volvo S60 and S40, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Saab's stylish exteriors continue in this model year. The 9-3 models boast a coupe like silhouette, provided by an integrated grille and headlights, short front and rear overhangs, and a steeply tilted windshield and back window, evidence of Saab's storied aeronautic roots. Saab claims that negative wheel camber adds to the 9-3's sporty stance and wedge-shaped profile.
As would be expected, the 9-3 models have an impressively low coefficient of drag at 0.28. Low lift forces on the rear axle will likely improve high-speed stability.
Inside, the 9-3s comfortably accommodate 5 people, featuring a 60/40 –split folding rear seat. The instrument panel is designed to illuminate an attractive jetfighter-green, and there's an available Night Panel, which suppresses all but essential instruments. Red walnut trim is available in sedan and wagon models, and the sedan's trunk boasts 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Base models come with 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven-speaker sound system and a power driver's seat. The convertible model comes standard with leather seats.
Saab's usual lengthy list of standard safety equipment includes seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side curtain-type airbags, Active Head Restraints, traction control, and an electronic stability system with all-disc antilock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution. Convertible models come standard with side-impact airbag head extensions in place of the curtain airbags. Across all configurations, Aero models come equipped with slightly larger disc brakes.
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