BASED on the 900, which is based on the old Opel Vectra/Calibra, the 9-3 inherits a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension system which is not in the top echelons of the prestige car category. Consistent efforts have been made to improve things however, such as increasing front suspension travel. Numerous changes including a faster steering ratio and new steering gear mountings made the 9-3 a better riding, better handling car. Wider standard tyres also helped.