Car Test
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R0285 | |
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December 2002 |
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| Saab 9-3 | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.8t Vector automatic | |
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Despite support from a loyal band of followers, small-scale Saab has struggled to keep pace with big-budget bruisers like Audi, Alfa and BMW in the sports saloon market. It’s relied on individualism and fiery, turbocharged engines to mask a certain lack of chassis sophistication and refinement.
But that was then. Now, with full General Motors’ backing, a new 9-3 has emerged with a brand-new platform that’s already proved its worth in the latest Vauxhall Vectra. So far so good. Some dedicated Saabists, however, will regret the passing of the hatchback body, but ‘sports saloon’ has that rather rakish ring that lifts it above the humble hatch. Anyway, it makes the smooth, stylish body twice a stiff as its predecessor’s. Such rigidity, combined with a wider track and a longer wheelbase, endows the 9-3 with a sharper feel and improved handling with, in this case with sports suspension that ensures crisp, roll-resistant cornering. It’s a mixed blessing, though, because it does nothing for the ride; it’s hard and harsh on potholed tarmac and doesn’t really mellow much on a motorway. Although giving an impressive 1g best stop, the fade-resistant brakes prove overlight on firm pedal applications, and the rather awkward handbrake is heavy to apply hard. The boot lid badge says 1.8t, but the engine is a torquey, turbocharged two-litre that revs with balancer-shaft smoothness. It’s a really willing performer, too, even though the £1115–extra automatic transmission adds a second or so to the 30-70mph time. That’s a small enough price to pay for a smooth-shifting auto 'box, although the changes don’t have exemplary unobtrusiveness. You can make manual sequential shifts if you like, but the car’s no quicker though the gears that way. It’s only sort of semi-manual, anyway, because it bars or takes over gearshifts if you try to drive outside pre-programmed shift patterns; you can’t select 4th or 5th below 2000rpm, for example. Saab has stamped its mark of individuality on the 9-3’s carefully crafted, climate-controlled cabin with items such as an ignition switch between the front seats, night-panel instrument lighting and a sophisticated ‘infotainment’ system. There are, however, an awful lot of centre console buttons that aren’t easy to prod with precision after dark. A comfortable, multi-adjustable seat and steering wheel give an excellent driving position, but we recommend the optional rear parking sensors – rearward vision isn’t ideal. Rear passengers have less inviting seating (it’s fairly upright) and legroom is modest compared with, say, the (shorter) BMW 318. Foot space and headroom are good, though; there are separate individual roof lights and heating/air-con vents, as well. There’s a prominent rear sill to lift luggage over, but the boot beyond it is a roomy, practical shape. Folding the backrests almost doubles its length. |
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