GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Car reviews - Saab - 9-3 - S 5-dr hatch

Our Opinion

We like
Smooth turbo power, massive boot, safety features
Room for improvement
Tight rear compartment, below-par handling

8 Feb 2001

OUTWARDLY almost identical to the 900 series, Saab's substantially re-engineered 9-3 was launched in June, 1998, followed by the introduction of an all-turbo engine line-up later in the year.

Much of the update involved the running gear. The Holden Calibra-based chassis (Saab is 50 per cent General Motors owned) received big changes: the 9-3's front suspension featured more travel and retuned spring and damper rates.

The result is far more suppleness in the front end and greater ride comfort.

The 9-3 offers predictable and stable handling. The reworking of the front suspension and a stiffer body structure help by allowing the suspension to better absorb mid-corner bumps.

This is further enhanced by the steering, which also came under the microscope and received new, faster ratios and a revised mounting system to improve sharpness and general feel.

The biggest improvement came at the end of 1998 when the 113kW, 2.0-litre, low pressure turbo engine became the base engine, replacing the previous normally aspirated, 110kW, 2.3-litre engine.

Two other 2.0-litre turbo engines are available in higher level 9-3 models - the 136kW mid-range engine fitted to SE models and the new high power 147kW version in the limited-edition Monte Carlo 9-3 range.

The turbo engine is smooth and responsive once it climbs past 2000rpm and delivers a strong surge of mid-range power that proves handy for swift overtaking.

It is not, however, a low rpm powerhouse like the LPT 2.3-litre engine used in the bigger 9-5 model and must be stirred along to give its best.

That is not surprising because the maximum torque of 219Nm is developed at a highish 3600rpm - the 2.0 LPT develops its maximum torque at just 1800rpm.

Notwithstanding that characteristic, the 9-3 now rates among the fastest in its class.

Shifts through the electronic three-mode, four-speed auto are very smooth with the sport mode working well when you need extra boost. The five-speed manual works just as well with a short throw, stubby lever at your disposal.

Inside, the 9-3 aims to please the driver. Steering wheel radio controls are a nice touch and the car retains its signature centre console ignition switch.

The new heated front seats - which incorporate standard side airbags and Saab's mechanical active head restraint to reduce whiplash injuries - are comfortable and supportive.

Rear passengers have plenty of head and shoulder room but leg room is tight - partly due to the intrusiveness of the bigger front seats that are basically borrowed from the 9-5. The high seat backs also make for a claustrophobic feel.

With a wide opening rear hatch and split-fold rear seat, the 9-3 offers useable, practical luggage space.

Safety improvements include the addition of seat-mounted side airbags in addition to the twin front airbags and redesigned B-pillars that improve side-impact protection.

Though not a front-runner in the fiercely competitive executive class, the classy 9-3 creeps ahead with its turbo engine and is worth serious consideration.

- Automotive NetWorks 23/06/1999

Click to share

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

GoAuto can help you buy a new 9-3

Customer Terms and Conditions – New Car Lead enquires

Agreement

This is an agreement between GoAutoMedia Pty Limited ACN 094 732 457 of PO Box 18, Beach Road, Sandringham, VIC, 3191 (“we/us”), the owner and operator of the GoAuto.com.au website (“the website”) and the person wanting GoAuto.com.au to provide them with a lead for the purchase of a new car (“you”).

By completing a New Car Lead Enquiry, you agree to the terms and conditions and disclaimers and acknowledge the policies set out below.

Terms and Conditions

  • In order for us to effect a lead you must you must complete a New Car Lead Enquiry (“Enquiry”).
  • We will call you as soon as possible after you complete the Enquiry and certainly no later than the next business day. When we call, we will discuss with you your new car requirements.
  • You consent to our passing on the Enquiry and your requirements to an appropriate authorised motor car dealer as a lead.
  • We will contact you again in approximately eight days following your initial enquiry to check on the progress of the Enquiry.
  • While we will provide the dealer with the Enquiry and details of your new car requirements, we take no responsibility for what happens after passing on that material as a lead.
  • You acknowledge that we are a new car information service providing new car editorial information, pictures and prices to our customers as a guide only. Any new car prices published on the website are the manufacturers’ recommended retail prices and do not include delivery charges and on-road costs. Any authorized motor car dealer to which we pass on your Enquiry as a lead will provide you with full details of the price at which the vehicle will be sold to you.
  • You acknowledge that we do not sell motor vehicles. Any sale of a new car to you by a dealer after we have passed on your Enquiry to that dealer as a lead, is a sale by that dealer not by us.

Privacy Policy– New Car Lead Enquires

  • We take privacy very seriously. We understand that you will only complete an Enquiry if you can trust us to protect your personal information and use it appropriately. Our policy is to ensure that the personal information collected when you make an Enquiry is only used for the purposes of connecting you with an authorised motor car dealer.
  • We do not on-sell information collected from you or any other customer.
  • From time to time, we may email you with information or promotions that may be relevant for car buyers. You will continue to receive communications from us unless you tell us that you do not want to receive any advertising or promotional information in the future by unsubscribing from these communications.
close
* Denotes required field
** Australian inquiries only

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here