2008 Saab 9-3 Debut: A Good-Looking Swede?

[YSSMAN]

The new Saab 9-3 in all of its various forms (Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible) has been the worst kept car secret of 2007. For weeks engineers and more recently executives have been driving the new 9-3 around Trollhattan, Sweden for all to see. The day has finally come, however, for the actual unveiling of the new 9-3, and it's accompanied with more high-res pics than you can wave a white flag at.

The big news, of course, is the Aero X-inspired front end design. No, not everyone will like it, especially considering the current model's design was considered a sharp execution of Saab's traditional styling elements. Nevertheless, the look has grown on us considerably since we first saw spy photos, and the new clip up front is considerably bolder and more aggressive than the current model's. The clamshell hood adds a nice crease to the car's otherwise soft lines, and the trapezoidal lower air intake flanked by a pair of recessed fog lights really fills out the car's chin nicely.

Saab has added all-wheel drive to the 9-3 Sedan and SportCombi models this year, and it's called XWD. It's only available, however, on top-of-the-line Aero models ordered with the 280-hp 2.8L V6 turbo. Speaking of engines, along with the aforementioned V6 turbo, customers can also choose from a 150-, 175-, or 210-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder; a pair of BioPower engines that can run on E85 (and produce more power and torque when doing so), and a new 1.9TTiD diesel engine producing 180 hp and 295 ft-lbs. of torque thanks to a two-stage turbocharger that's really like a twin-turbo in one housing. The diesel will come in two other, less powerful variants, as well. Finally, one can also choose the base 1.8i engine producing 122 hp. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual to a five-speed adaptive automatic with manual controls on the steering wheel.

Finally, we have the new 9-3 Convertible, which doesn't get the XWD all-wheel drive but is offered with basically the same engine lineup as the Sedan and SportCombi. The new roof self-latches to the windshield and now takes only 20 seconds to deploy.

All 9-3's are as safe as ever thanks to Saab's commitment to stick an airbag in every available square inch of the cockpit, as well as a smattering of electronic nannies, crumple safety zones and rollover protections.

More detailed info here...



















I'd say that this car is shockingly good-looking, particularly for a Saab. I'm uncertain if this is on the Epsilon II or not, as GM canon is unclear here. But, if they can fix a few of the chassis wiggles, the addition of XWD and the turbo engines should produce (hopefully) some impressive performance numbers. Plus, dare I say it? The SportCombi looks the best of the three...

...All we do now is wait for the Epsilon II Saab 9-5...

 

[Sage]

I quite like it, but then I already like the current 9-3, and this just happens to be a pointier version of that. Did they change the interior at all though? It seems like the only thing they did was remove the really cool silver-colored inserts that were on the steering wheel and seats.

 

[Philly]

Meh, I don't really like it. The front just doesn't look right, maybe some of the design elements aren't suptle enough. I would definitly take the outgoing car (which I loved) over this. The rear of the sedan is clean, pretty muscular but it just doesn't seem right.

Maybe it's the angle but the first shot of the front of the convertible looks really nice.

As for engine choices, thos are pretty sweet. Looks like the aero will be one quick car.

 

[YSSMAN]

It seems like the only thing they did was remove the really cool silver-colored inserts that were on the steering wheel and seats.

...Thats because it showed up in the Saturn VUE...

(lol)

If they do it right, it could actually challenge the current Germans in some small way again. I will always fondly remember the old 9-3 Viggen and 900 Turbos of yore, and I have always hoped that they would bring them back at some point.

An all-black SportCombi with the turbo V6 and the manual (preferably with AWD as well) may live up to my old standards, but you never know. Otherwise, I can keep crossing my fingers we get the diesel models sometime soon...

 

[Bram Turismo]

I'd say that this car is shockingly good-looking

Agreed X10.10^566

I've always loved Saab, especially the older 90 and 900 series. The latest 9-5 is one hell of a car, too bad the price tag is so big. But this...wow, just wow 👍

 

[TheCracker]

A 4WD 9-3? - i hope the Saab engineers have dialed in plenty of torque steer for that authentic Saab driving experience.

 

[Hugo Boss]

I also like the current model better. That is a beautiful and elegant car, especially the convertible. This one looks like a drag queen with all that chrome, just as the current 9-5. The white rear lights look ugly too. Ricers (or Sjonnies as well call them here) use to pimp their cars with white or clear rear lights here, so that's probably why I don't like it. The rest of the car looks nice, but those details spoil it for me.

I hope for Saab this model will sell well so they might get green light to develop some Saab exclusive engineering. Saab doesn't deserve to be saddled with Opel technology.

 

[YSSMAN]

I hope for Saab this model will sell well so they might get green light to develop some Saab exclusive engineering. Saab doesn't deserve to be saddled with Opel technology.

I hear ya. I believe the case is becoming a situation in which Saab and Opel will co-develop a lot of the new "premium" parts for the new cars, however, Saab often ends up dialing in their stuff in their own strange way long before the rest of GM gets their hands on whatever may be at hand.

I do know Saab will get the Epsilon II chassis about a year before everyone else, and I believe they will get the new diesels before everyone else as well.

...Otherwise, we may start seeing more Saab-tuned American models, if the rumors about the Sonnet (Kappa car, Saturn Sky/Opel GT) and 9-4X (Theta crossover, Opel Antara/Saturn VUE) are true...

 

[Hugo Boss]

I also read in a Dutch car magazine that Opel wants to go up-market, just as VW did a few years ago. That might be good news for Saab, but I fear that on the long term it will result in a sales drop from Opels and thus harm Saab as well. VW doesn't really have success with it either, apart from the Touareg. And considering VW has a better image than Opel...

If we are going to see more Saab-tuned American models, it will definately mean the end of Saab here in Europe. It would be sad if that became reality

 

[Jim Prower]

I'm still waiting for a Viggen (Gripen?) 3-door hatchback Coupe, but hey, these look good, and still plenty "Saab-ish"

Interesting mention of the end of Saab in Europe making cars...because, apparently, the Gripen fighter plane probably won't be suceeded. Blame JSF.

 

[YSSMAN]

If we are going to see more Saab-tuned American models, it will definately mean the end of Saab here in Europe. It would be sad if that became reality

You guys didn't get the 9-7X, did you?

It was actually shockingly good by comparison to the rest of the GMT360 stable mates, as Saab's reworking of the chassis, steering, suspension turned out outstandingly well by comparison to the "standard" Trailblazer and Envoy.

...There had been a bit of talk about the Sonett returning based on GM's Kappa cars, which were designed and are currently being built in the US...

Saab never officially said anything, but people were pretty sure that they'd do it with the turbocharged V6, easily leaving the current crop of turbo I4 models behind. But, the cars have already turned out exceptionally well for Pontiac, Saturn, and Opel (yes, Opel actually sells an American car now)... And Saab's "magic touch" should transform it further.

...However, I wouldn't be surprised if they wait until 2010 with the Alpha chassis to do anything with RWD...

Otherwise, the only other Saab that I know of that will likely come from German/American origins will be the 9-4X, which will likely be based on the Opel Antara/Saturn VUE.

Its a photochop, but you get the idea...

 

[Jim Prower]

I think Saab's one of those companies that's done almost NOTHING with Rear wheel drive. The Original Sonnet was an FF, correct? I've actually seen a guy who had one at the Illinois State Fair...

 

[Tornado]

The new front end looks even worse on the 9-3 than it did on the 9-5, mostly because it is ruining a good car and not a horrible car.

 

[JCE]

The center grille emblem thing is horrendous. Everything else looks pretty damn good. And if Saab is putting an AWD drivetrain they better slightly tilt the differential to the rear. *cough*

 

[Dave A]

I quite like it, but then I already like the current 9-3, and this just happens to be a pointier version of that. Did they change the interior at all though? It seems like the only thing they did was remove the really cool silver-colored inserts that were on the steering wheel and seats.

It is pretty similar to the current model, it just looks clearner and more focused now imo and that's to it's advatage.

 

[Sage]

That’s such a cool steering wheel.

Take away the silver inserts, and suddenly it becomes way less cool.

 

[Hugo Boss]

You guys didn't get the 9-7X, did you?

Well, it was possible to order one, but only a handful were sold here. It isn't a real Saab and it's equipped with a chassis that was already outdated in the Stone Age. The good looks, price and comfort couldn't change people's minds. I've never seen one...

Otherwise, the only other Saab that I know of that will likely come from German/American origins will be the 9-4X, which will likely be based on the Opel Antara/Saturn VUE.

We already have the Chevrolet Captiva/Opel Antara. A Saab version will definately be the best looking, but also a terrible decision I think. Saab became famous because of their unique cars and the safety gadgets. Simple brand badging makes Saab obsolete, because it will scare off 75% of the customers that are pure Saab lovers.

A new Saab Sonett would be great though. Front wheel drive and the 2.0T engine should be good for a little success!

 

[High-Test]

The Old 9-3 had silver inserts? Mine has only black plastic on the steering wheel.


The new 9-3 is even better looking than the old one. All in all, one of the prettier cars that GM sells. (or tries to) I just wish mine was a little more reliable.

 

[Keef]

I agree with Sage. Old steering wheel FTW. Also, I hope the display on top the dash is an option, because it was a nifty design feature of the old interior, even if it was completely useless (I'm not saying it was).

Also, I think it's hilarious that the shifter is straight from a Cobalt SS (maybe even the regular Cobalt?). My cousin replaced his with a B&M because the stock one wasn't even good enough for a Cobalt, much less a Saab.

 

[YSSMAN]

I agree with Sage. Old steering wheel FTW. Also, I hope the display on top the dash is an option, because it was a nifty design feature of the old interior, even if it was completely useless (I'm not saying it was).

Its still there... I thought I saw a photograph of it, but I could have been wrong...

 

[Azuremen]

That’s such a cool steering wheel.
Take away the silver inserts, and suddenly it becomes way less cool.

Agreed. Looks way awesome with the inserts.

My overall thought on the cars is they look good, but chrome and the clear/white tail lights are a bit much. Drop those and its classy again.

 

[Tornado]

My overall thought on the cars is they look good, but chrome and the clear/white tail lights are a bit much. Drop those and its classy again.

Your in luck: U.S. regulations says they can't sell it with those on the car.