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In non-northern European countries like Germany Saab is an automobilistic dwarf. Here the Swedish car manufacturer with its special expertise for turbo charged engines sells only a dwindling few thousand vehicles a year. Ironic commentators like to add: Not counting the spare parts for the fighter planes that the Saab company also produces.
So with the new 9-3 SportCombi Saab opened a so far untouched segment for itself hoping to gain a little more weight in a General Motors company that had to take quite few blows in the last months: As a consequence of the 9-3 limousine and the 9-3 cabrio this mid-sized station wagon was built to hunt for car customers in the premium-segment of the BMW 3 series and Audis A4 and additionally turn into Saabs best-selling car pulling the companies sales out of the nose dive.
During first test drives Europe's media were pitifully only presented the petrol-gulping 250 hp top version that will be hard to sell on the continent with oil prices soaring these days. Nevertheless the Swede impressed with his fresh sporty design that luckily has no resemblance with GMs usual standard unit construction system. We also liked the nicely spaced, fast shifting six speed manual gear box and the well balanced chassis.
The boot manages from 419 to 1272 litres of luggage with an additional 20 litres in a hidden deck. The back row is separately foldable at a ratio of 60 to 40.
What we criticise: The steering wheel looks nicely designed with its aluminium apps, but lacks the good feel one would expect from a sport-orientated car. The steering itself is quite a bit nervous (probably because the back forces are too strong) and asks for more concentration than necessary. The direction indicator lever has an unpleasant edgy design to it and the head rests cannot be height adapted (those of Saabs competitors naturally can). Last: the quality of the interior plastics and their make and setting (particularly those of the door handles, the hand brake lever and the central panel) should be better for a car whose diesel version ranges from 27.700 Euro and its petrol versions from 25.450 Euro (both prices in Germany) – including particulate filter.
But we are sure real Saab fans will show their commitment also to this traditionally stylish cult automobile. Available throughout Europe from September 2005.
Engines
PETROL:
1.8i: 4 cylinders with 4 valves each, turbo charger with intercooler, 1796 ccm, 90 kW/122 hp, 167 Nm at 3800 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 12,5 seconds, top speed 195 km/h, average fuel consumption: 8,1 litres.
2.0t: 4 cylinders with 4 valves each, turbo charger with intercooler, 1998 ccm, 110 kW/150 hp, 240 Nm at 2000 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 10,2 seconds, top speed 205 km/h, average fuel consumption: 8,2 litres.
2.0t: 4 cylinders with 4 valves each, turbo charger with intercooler, 1998 ccm, 129 kW/175 hp, 265 Nm at 2500 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 8,6 seconds, top speed 215 km/h, average fuel consumption: 8,3 litres.
2.0T: 4 cylinders with 4 valves each, turbo charger with intercooler, 1998 ccm, 155 kW/210 hp, 300 Nm at 2500 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 7,9 seconds, top speed 230 km/h, average fuel consumption: 8,5 litres.
2.8t V6: 6 cylinders with 4 valves each, turbo charger with intercooler, 2792 ccm, 169 kW/230 hp, 320 Nm at 2000 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 7,8 seconds, top speed 235 km/h, average fuel consumption: 10,2 litres.
2.8T V6: 6 cylinders with 4 valves each, turbo charger with intercooler, 2792 ccm, 184 kW/250 hp, 350 Nm at 2000 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 6,9 seconds, top speed 245 km/h, average fuel consumption: 10,2 litres.
DIESEL:
1.9TiD 8v: 4 cylinders, turbo charger with intercooler, 1910 ccm, 88 kW/120 hp, 280 Nm at 2000 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 12,0 seconds, top speed 195 km/h, average fuel consumption: 5,9 litres.
1.9TiD 16v: 4 cylinders, turbo charger with intercooler, 1910 ccm, 110 kW/150 hp, 320 Nm at 2000/min, 0 – 100 km/h in 10,2 seconds, top speed 200 km/h, average fuel consumption: 6,1 litres.
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