Saab 9-3 MY08

What we liked
>> Updated styling
>> ...especially Aero's
>> Steering

Not so much
>> Diesel sluggish down low
>> Bland dash
>> Still pricey

Overall rating: 3.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.5/5.0
X-factor: 3.5/5.0

OVERVIEW
Saab is finally off probation. Executives admit the company was slow to utilise resources available under GM's governance but the hands-off approach no longer applies.

Four years under 100 per cent GM ownership later and Saab has laid what it believes is a thorough strategy for its future. Stakeholders identified three problem areas preventing the brand from turning out a profitable, premium product: heretofore its portfolio has been too narrow; historically the company has failed to utilise GM, in particular for the "back office"; and while orphaned it lost its unique design direction.

The new focus will be centred on the "desperate for renewal" 9-5 and "return to the original Saab design language" with an invigorated and expanded model range.

The 9-3 accounts for two-thirds of Saab's total volume and recent sales have been down awaiting this update. More than a facelift, the MY08 9-3 line-up includes new engine options and will introduce Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a range-topping V6 Turbo X.

Saab has been a long-time proponent of front-wheel drive, for reasons climatic rather than economic, but recently announced the AWD system will be used for upcoming models including the Turbo X and an SUV for North America called 9-7.

The 9-3 line-up now features Saab's BioPower 'green engine' option and a new twin-turbodiesel offering will arrive early 2007.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
Initially the 9-3 will be offered with 2.0-litre turbo and 2.0-litre high-output turbo engines; 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 and 1.9-litre TiD turbodiesel models. There is also the new BioPower 2.0-litre turbo option.

The BioPower engines are available immediately for the Sport Sedan, Sport Combi and Convertible 9-3s priced at $1000 more than the equivalent petrol-only models.

Saab has simplified trim-level specification for the 9-3, offering Linear, Vector and Aero for all models. The Linear and Vector spec can be matched to the 2.0-litre turbo, BioPower and 1.9-litre turbodiesel options and Aero is relegated to the V6-equipped 9-3s.

All models feature updated styling including more prominent grille, return of the clamshell bonnet and white-accent taillights. The side bumper-strips have been dropped and Saab has introduced updated alloy wheel designs for the new range.

Prices for the 9-3 range start at $43,400 for the Sport Sedan Linear with turbo 2.0-litre (2.0t) and six-speed manual, or $44,400 for the BioPower version.

Sport Sedan with the 1.9-litre TiD turbodiesel starts at $45,900 in Linear spec; $53,400 for the high-output 2.0T model or $70,600 for the 9-3 Aero 2.8T V6.

Entry-level Sport Combi 2.0t is priced at $45,900 or $46,900 for the BioPower version; $48,400 for the TiD; $55,900 for the 2.0T model and the Aero 2.8T V6 Sport Combi starts at $73,100.

The Convertible is still pricey in comparison, starting at $65,500 for the 2.0t (add $1000 for BioPower); $68,000 for the oiler; $73,100 for the 2.0T and $90,800 for the Aero 2.8T V6.

A limited edition Turbo X model for Sport Sedan and Sport Combi with the V6 and all-wheel drive is expected in June next year; a few months after the release of a twin-turbodiesel TTiD option in February.

The Linear spec models can be ordered with a 'Vision' pack, with bi-xenon headlights, auto dimming interior/exterior mirrors, electrically folding side mirrors and park assist or 'Sport' pack with paddle-shift function for the 'Sentronic' auto, foglights, 17-inch alloys, electrically-adjustable driver's seat and upgraded sound system. Both packs are priced at an additional $3000.

The Aero can be further plumped with the abovementioned Y-spoke alloys and electric sunroof for $4500.

MECHANICAL
The MY08 9-3 introduces new engines and the company's recent acquaintanceship with all-wheel drive.

9-3's entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit is rated at 129kW/265Nm and the E85-friendly BioPower version yields 147kW/300Nm. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is also offered as a high-output version using 0.85 bar boost (rather than the 2.0t's 0.7) with 154kW/300Nm.

The 'mid-pressure' 2.0-litre turbo engine replaces the previous 110kW entry-level offering in the outgoing 9-3. The 2.0-litre offerings come standard with Aisin six-speed manual or five-speed auto with Sentronic manual mode and sport function to avail higher revs before shift.

Saab has not released the BioPower unit's consumption and emissions figures. The 2.0t as petrol-only is claimed to use 8.3lt/100km (manual) and emit 197gm/km CO2 while equipped to the volume-selling Sport Sedan model.

The 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, as used by Holden Astra, is rated at 110kW/320Nm and matched to either six-speed manual or six-speed 'Sentronic' automatic transmission.

Until Saab publishes the BioPower's results and releases the two-stage turbodiesel TTiD engine mid-2008, the TiD is the most efficient of the line-up. Saab claims it uses 5.9lt/100km (with manual) and emits 163gm/100km CO2 as fitted to the Sport Sedan.

Aero's Port Melbourne-sourced 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 is kept to 188kW/350Nm for the initial top-flight offering. Engineers upped the ante for the upcoming 9-3 Turbo X model, managing 206kW/400Nm but even the more sedate Aero 9-3 Sport Sedan will do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7sec with manual and not much more (7.5sec) in auto.

The Turbo X 9-3 uses what Saab is calling its 'XWD' all-wheel-drive system which is the latest pre-emptive version from Haldex. The system 'predicts' rather than 'reacts' to traction loss to apportion drive torque to the most appropriate wheel.

The TiD and V6-equipped models are offered with either six-speed manual or six-speed auto with Sentronic and sport mode.

Saab says the suspension has been upgraded for the MY08 9-3s with retuned dampers for benefits to handling and reduction in noise.

The 2.0t, BioPower and TiD models come with 255mm front ventilated and 278mm solid rear brake discs and the high-output 2.0T gets 302mm front and 292mm rear ventilated discs. Aero is fitted with 314mm front and 292mm rear ventilated discs.

The MY08 9-3 line-up introduces an additional turbodiesel option, expected early next year. The 1.9-litre two-stage turbodiesel TTiD uses two small and large turbines working in conjunction to prevent lag and is rated at 132kW and 400Nm, available between 1850-2750rpm. Saab says it will announce more details when the TTiD option, initially for the Sport Sedan and Sport Combi only, is released locally.

PACKAGING
Saab claims over 2000 changes were made to model year 2008 cars. What appears as a moderate facelift, including restyled grille and new head and taillights, is actually a hint of things to come from the brand and is further 'expressed' in the latest 9-5.

The styling direction was introduced in the Aero X concept car, and will be mainstay in Saab's design language for future models, says the maker.

The MY08 9-3s feature "Saab signature" highlights, including day-time running lights as an LED "eyebrow" to the headlights and the return of the clamshell bonnet.

Saab accommodates Scandinavian-specific requirements such as adjustable instrumentation lighting for driving in reduced light with a 'night panel' switch.

The Sport Sedan and Convertible models are fitted with white-accented taillights and Saab has dropped the unfashionable (but practical) side body-bumper strips for the updated 9-3s.

Linear Sport Sedan comes with 16x6.5 alloys; Vector and Aero with 17x7.5 and 18-inch wheels are available as an option for all 9-3 models. Aero Sport Sedan can be ordered with 'V-spoke' design 18-inch wheels. All 9-3s including the Convertible come with a full-size spare.

All models from Linear level include heated front leather seats, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, welcome and leaving lighting function, cooled glovebox and steering wheel-mounted audio/info control. Linear misses out on front fogs though!

Vector and Aero add features such as parking assistance, electrically adjustable driver's seat (and front passenger in Aero), front doorwell lighting and leather trim upgrade. The Aero also comes with bi-xenon headlights.

Aero gets sports-oriented packaging including upgraded suspension and leather-trimmed steering wheel. With its body-coloured sill covers, front and rear body kit and the bigger wheels the range-topper really looks neat.

We're over the same-old Saab styling for the interior's dash, however. While the look will be familiar to loyal buyers, by now it's looking dated and the time-worn layout hasn't been modernised to reveal its simple charms.

The 9-3s also have a similar console-integrated handbrake lever design as Holden's VE Commodore: love it or hate it, senior powertrain engineer for GM Nicklas Lindewald told us it was Saab's idea first.

SAFETY
Saab invented the active headrests that are standard-fit across all 9-3 models and now used by many other manufacturers.

The 9-3 also comes standard with stability control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, cornering brake control and traction control.

All models are fitted with dual-stage front airbags, and the Sport Sedan and Sport Combi come with roof rail airbags extending the length of the vehicle and front head/thorax side airbags.

According to Saab, every 9-3 model including the Convertible was awarded a five-star EuroNCAP rating.

COMPETITORS
Interestingly, Saab Australia didn't list any competitors, as is the wont of some other brands, most likely due to the vast array of engine/spec level comparisons with Euro premium badges and even the well-equipped Japs.

We'll count Alfa Romeo 159, Citroen C5, Renault Laguna, Peugeot 407, VW Passat and Volvo S40 for the Sport Sedan model and V50 against the Sport Combi.

Chrysler Sebring compares on size and fit to the Sport Sedan, as does its upcoming stablemate Sebring Convertible for the open-top option. VW Eos convertible and Alfa Romeo Spider are often shopped against the soft-top Saab. Only the Eos is available in a turbodiesel model.

ON THE ROAD
We tried the TiD-equipped Convertible, Sport Combi and Sport Sedan models; the wagon and sedan fitted with the optional six-speed auto and paddle-shift from the abovementioned Sport pack.

The 1.9-litre turbodiesel is quiet but lacks urge down low, with distinct lag until well after 1500rpm. The diesel is strong at midrange however and smooth when settled at cruising speeds.

All models had the Sentronic six-speed automatic transmission which is orderly when left in control and behaves as you'd expect when in manual mode. Selecting the Sport mode makes a decisive, but at times intrusive, impact to shift timing by hanging on to lower gears much longer than other versions we've sampled.

The auto's sport mode is accessed via a dash-mounted button. This will be familiar for the likes of new Astra owners but it is rather inconspicuous, located in the right corner of the dashboard nearby the stereo controls. The start/stop switch is located in the centre console: another Saab signature. Both oddities will be quickly remembered and tolerated by owners, however.

The 9-3 has responsive, well-weighted steering and even the Sport Combi model was nimble when punted through a stint of winding roads to Healesville. The turbodiesel's low-rev rein may hide the front-driver's torque steer but we detected only minimal understeer when pushing hard.

All models we tried had a comfortable ride although the Sport Sedan at least could do with a firmer, sportier behaviour. The Convertible betrayed little disturbance or 'scuttle shake' over the rural roads and is one of the better soft-tops we've tried recently. That makes it markedly improved over earlier Saab softies.

Interior appointment at either Linear or Vector level is decent with attractive tones for the leather trim and generous seating. Even the Convertible model has good-sized rear pews for two and front heated seats are particularly worthwhile in an opentop.

Saab says we can now expect "bolder, more assertive" products and the 9-3's mid-life makeover goes some way to helping at least the volume-seller's cause. With new 'green' options and AWD-equipped models in the offing, premium shoppers might have more reason to remember the brand.

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