2008 Saab 9-3

Tougher emissions and fuel economy regulations in Europe and the United States have forced Saab to put the brakes on development of the next-generation 9-3. The current Saab 9-3 is built on GM's Epsilon platform (shared with the Opel Vectra, Chevrolet Malibu, and Pontiac G6). The next-gen model was set to be based on the longer and wider GM Epsilon II platform (used for the 2009 Saab 9-5). However, Saab and parent company General Motors are considering radically downsizing the model to fit GM's upcoming 'Global premium compact' platform - a size rivaling the Audi A3.

GM design sources told Autocar that a smaller chassis would dictate new technologies to maximize interior room. These would include a slim modular roof assembly and slimmer doors with advanced side-impact technology. General Motors has also hinted that the new 9-3 could be manufactured in the United States. Many European automakers are feeling the impact a weak dollar is having on profits and, like BMW, are moving or increasing production in the States.

© Source: autoblog
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2008 SAAB 9-3 Vector Review

Engine: 1910cc four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 110kW @ 4,000rpm
Torque: 320Nm @ 2,000 - 2,750rpm
Transmission: Sentronic Six-Speed Automatic
Driven Wheels: Front
0-100km/h: 11.0 seconds (Claimed)
Top speed: 210km/h (Claimed)
Safety: ESP (with TCS); ABS (with BA, CBC & EBD); Front, Side and Curtain Airbags
NCAP rating: 5 Stars
Turning circle: 10.8 metres
Wheels: Alloy 17″ x 7.5″ (As Tested - Usually 17″ x 7″)
Spare Wheel: Space Saver
Fuel tank: 58 litres
Fuel consumption : 6.8 litre / 100km (ADR Combined Average)
Fuel type: Diesel
Towing Capacity: 1,600kg (Braked)
Weight: 1,509kg (Tare)

Take the 9-3 on face value and the car is quite impressive, rather stunning to look at and surprisingly comfortable to ride in, but start blending the various parts and practicalities together as a whole and you soon realise a few things could have been done a little better. Smooth parallel shoulder and hip lines carry unbroken through the length of the vehicle to a well finished rear end sporting frosted tail lights and high boot line.

Upfront the 110kW 1.9 litre common-rail turbo diesel does a brilliant job of keeping things on the boil once moving and with thanks to a healthy 320Nm, pulls rather strongly mid gear. The down side however is that the performance suffers incredibly from (initial) turbo lag.

Braking though is good, reassuring, and a lot better than the 9-5, but the pedal feel is still somewhat firm and requires far more input than similarly priced European or Japanese rivals. Still the ABS with Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, brings the 9-3 to rest confidently and drew little in the way of messy black dust all over the sporty 17″ alloys which was nice for a change come clean up time.

In all though SAAB 9-3 is a great looker, is cheap to run and is surprisingly comfortable. Whilst it does lack some of the driving finesse you’d expect of a premium brand, and though it could do with a little tweaking to satiate the needs of a fiercely fought price bracket, it’s has one unique thing going for it - people just love to admire it.

© Source: caradvice
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2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible

(from Saab Press Release) 2008 SAAB 9-3 RANGE FEATURES EXTENSIVE EXTERIOR ENHANCEMENTS, POWER UPGRADE and introduction of XWD cross-wheel drive

The 2008 Saab 9-3 range makes its debut in Saab showrooms sporting major exterior enhancements inspired by the acclaimed Aero X Concept.Additionally, in keeping with Saab’s driver focused heritage, the 2008 9-3 range gets a more powerful engine to match the more powerful-looking exterior: The 2.8L V-6 turbo has been modified to produce 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm), a five-horsepower improvement over the 2007 model.

For 2008, the Saab 9-3 range includes the 9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-3 Convertible and 9-3 SportCombi in 2.0T and Aero models. Saab engineers developed the 9-3 Convertible structure concurrently with the Sport Sedan and SportCombi, enabling them to incorporate their demanding requirements for an open-top car frotonewsm the very start. The result is a premium convertible with a level of structural integrity, build quality and driving refinement that positions it at the top of its class.

For 2008, designers made the Convertible interior window frame and A-pillar black, to better coordinate with the instrument panel. The soft top headliner is Parchment, providing a more roomy feeling inside the car when the soft top is up. The 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan and Convertible newly designed 16-inch wheels, a power driver’s seat, body color rocker panels and bumper skirts, 9-3 Aero models have the 255-horsepower (190 kW) 2.8L V-6 Turbo engine and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Facelift: Saab 9-3

In the tried-and-tested fashion of many ageing Scandinavian models desperately seeking a couple more years' shelf life, the Saab 9-3 has had a facelift.

Saab says the 9-3's cosmetic enhancements were inspired by the funky Aero X concept we saw in Geneva last year, but you'd have to squint damn hard to see it.

The 9-3 gets a restyled front end and a new clamshell bonnet harking back to Saabs of old.

There's also a fresh set of door panels and the rear has also been rejigged, although you'd be hard-pushed to spot it.

All of the 9-3 range - including the BioPower variants - will feel the benefit of the nip-and-tuck treatment when the first facelifted models reach the UK this autumn.

© Source: topgear
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