Fall and rebirth - that's what they say about the Swedish company Saab. In the article we will consider the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan model, its characteristics, parameters, configuration, cost and photos.
The content of the article:
- Sedan exterior
- Salon
- Specifications
- Vehicle safety
- Configuration and cost
Throughout its history, Saab has experienced more than one fall and rebirth. To date, negotiations are underway for the next revival of the company by a Chinese manufacturer. The financing agreement is positive, so the company's conveyors can start again.
Despite the instability of production, Saab has produced a considerable number of vehicles. Each of the series includes cars of different form factors. The company dates back to 1937 and existed until 2014. Let's take a closer look at the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, specifications and equipment.
Exterior of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan 2008
The first Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan rolled off the assembly line in 1998. The first generation of the Saab sedan is based on the platform from the Opel Vectra A, subsequent generations also use the platform from the Opel Vectra of the corresponding generation. On the Russian market, the car was never officially presented, but you can still find a car from this manufacturer on the roads.
The front end of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan resembles the Chrysler 200 or similar models in many shapes and details. The radiator grille is divided into three sections with an insert in the form of horizontal stripes. Each of the grilles has a chrome edging, but the strips on the inserts can be black or chrome. Like the shape, the emblem on the center grille of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan also resembles that of the Chrysler company of the time.
The optics of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan are based on xenon lamps, which were the most modern at the time of the car's release. Unlike the first generation, the optics have become rounded and are in no way inferior to modern counterparts from other manufacturers. The front bumper of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is distinguished by an additional center grille to improve aerodynamics and engine airflow. The side part of the bumper has acquired directional foglights with chrome edging. Depending on the configuration of the sedan, headlight washers may be located under the optics.
The hood of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan has learned from the unusual, instead of directional lines, a large semicircle runs through the entire part. Instead of two windshield washers, the engineers installed three, which, of course, works many times better than the modern two. In front of the hood of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, the company emblem is placed in the form of the head of a mythical beast with a crown.
Since a financing agreement was signed and the buy-back of Saab assets by the Chinese company, the new owner will not be able to use the latest version of the emblem, so they will have to be content with the letters or change the emblem.
The side section of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is interesting in its own way. If many modern manufacturers take the body shape from one another, then here is its unique design. From the front to the rear optics, the entire lateral part is divided by a horizontal strip, into an upper and a lower one.
Below the line are the usual car door handles, a turn signal on the front fender and a gas filler neck on the rear right fender. Moldings similar to the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan can be installed for an additional fee, but they are not standard. The side mirrors are located in the corner of the front glass and from the basic configuration of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, they will be heated and electric.
The parameters of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan are:
- sedan length - 4647 mm;
- width - 1802 mm (excluding side mirrors);
- width including side mirrors - 2008 mm;
- height - 1473 mm;
- wheelbase - 2675 mm;
- clearance - 155 mm.
The rear end of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan in shape and design immediately reveals the manufacturer. Optics based on halogen lamps, but around the entire perimeter with a black border. Part of the optics is located on the trunk lid, and part on the body of the Saab 9-3 sedan. At the end of the trunk lid there are two nameplates and a company emblem.
It is interesting that there is an inscription 93 on the nameplate, namely "ninety three" you can often find the name of this Saab, although the manufacturer refers to it as "9-3 - nine three". All this beauty and set is emphasized by a large chrome insert. Car enthusiasts say that it was from this car that other manufacturers took a similar style and began to implement it in themselves. On the right side of the trunk lid of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, there is an inscription of the Linear, Vector or Aero equipment.
The body color of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is presented in the following variants:
- black;
- Red;
- Navy blue;
- black metallic;
- snow white;
- gray metallic;
- silver;
- light silver metallic;
- coffee;
- blue;
- dark orange.
The rear bumper of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan at first glance is simple in its shape, but as for that time, it is not inferior to modern ones. The curved shape for the trunk lid and the recess for the rear diffuser are very attractive, together with the diffuser itself. On the latter, engineers have placed two chrome tailpipes and elongated red foglights.
The cover of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is available in two versions: solid or with a sunroof. A shark fin antenna was placed on the back of the roof. By weight, such a Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan weighs about 1440 kg, but depending on the configuration, the weight may vary. The trunk volume of the sedan is 425 liters as standard, and the volume of the fuel tank is 58 liters. The turning circle of such a car is 10.8 meters. As for the disks, depending on the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan submodel, 16 "or 17" alloy wheels are installed, for an additional fee, 18 "wheels can be installed.
Many car enthusiasts will say: it's a pity that this brand has ceased to exist. But there was no final collapse of production. After the signing of the contract with the Chinese company, there are still chances of restoring the cars to the production line, but it is not yet known whether these will be the same cars. The Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan has proven itself well. A high-quality and durable body has shown good results in various tests more than once.
Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan interior
Examining the interior of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, one cannot say that it is super modern, but very thoughtful and comfortable. To complete the Linear, the central part was taken under the large display of the multimedia system, next to the screen are the system control buttons and the tray for music discs. To the left of the display is a vertical row of buttons for controlling the functions of the car. Above the display of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan there is an air duct, the panel itself is raised above the main one, which visually distinguishes it from the general shape. For the Vector and Aero equipment, instead of the display, an audio system with a monochrome display is installed. Below the display are two panels, regardless of the configuration of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. The first is a dual-zone climate control panel with three knobs, an air supply selector and two temperature controls.
Going down below, you can find two compartments or shelves for storing various little things and mobile phones, there is also a cigarette lighter and at the same time a socket for charging from 12V. The gearshift lever of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan can be mechanical or automatic, but the interesting thing is behind the gearshift lever. Here, for unknown reasons, engineers placed the ignition key, yes, not near the steering wheel, but behind the gearshift lever. A roomy armrest with leather upholstery is placed between the front seats.
The driver's seat of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is no different from modern middle class cars. The instrument panel includes a tachometer, speedometer, fuel level and engine temperature gauges. Below the speedometer is a monochrome display to show various information about the state of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and the distance traveled.
Steering wheel Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan on three spokes, with multimedia buttons on two side, the central part stands out with the same company emblem. Regular and perforated leather is used as the material for tight-fitting, and the steering wheel is also heated.The steering wheel can be adjusted in height and depth, behind the wheel there are control knobs for turn signals and some safety systems of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. As already mentioned, you will not find a key hole near the steering wheel, which will be a wonder for our drivers.
For the seat upholstery of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, high-quality leather made using classic technology is used. Maybe someone will say that this is rude, but still the quality of the material in the output is high. In terms of color, the interior will be:
- black;
- beige;
- White;
- Gray;
- parchment;
- combined shades of black and beige;
- at the request of the buyer.
In addition to the interior colors of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, different inserts made of wood, plastic and aluminum will also be available around the perimeter of the interior. The rear row of seats is designed for seating, the seats themselves are soft and made for quality, even with frequent and long-term use, they will not lose their original beauty and quality.
The interior of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, although not crammed to the maximum or the most modern, but the convenient location of the buttons and thoughtful design give additional advantages.
Specifications Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
The set of technical characteristics and configurations with Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan engines can surprise even the most demanding buyer. Most of the engines are turbocharged, and only gasoline options are available for fuel, although diesel versions of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan have been produced for some countries. Only a front-wheel-drive sedan is available by drive type.
For the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan trim levels, the manufacturer supplied five different engines, paired with a manual or automatic transmission. But taking into account three different configurations, two different gearboxes and five engines, it turned out to present 11 different options with different parameters. Consider each of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan options, its characteristics and parameters.
The first is the configuration of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Linear 1.8 with a manual transmission, according to technical data, this is considered the basic version:
- engine volume 1.8 l;
- power - 122 hp;
- mechanical 5-speed gearbox;
- the maximum speed of the sedan is 200 km / h, and acceleration to hundreds takes 11.5 seconds;
- fuel consumption in the city / out of town / combined cycle - 10.6 / 5.9 / 7.7 liters per 100 km.
The second engine for the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Linear - 2.0 LPT:
- unit volume 2 l;
- maximum power 150 hp;
- a 6-speed mechanics or a 5-speed automatic transmission can be installed in a pair;
- acceleration to 100 km / h on an automatic (mechanical) gearbox - 10.7 s. (9.5 s.);
- the maximum speed reaches 210 km / h;
- fuel consumption with automatic transmission in the city / highway / combined cycle - 13.6 / 6.9 / 9.4 liters;
- flow rate with mechanics in the city / highway / mixed cycle - 11.5 / 6.5 / 8.3 liters.
Next on the list is the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Vector. Three different engines and two transmissions are available for this option. The first is a 2.0LPT 2-liter engine. Independent of the gearbox, the maximum power output is 150 HP.
- acceleration to 100 km / h takes 9.5 seconds (complete with automatic transmission - 10.7 seconds);
- maximum speed - 210 km / h;
- gasoline consumption with manual transmission in the city / out of town / mixed cycle - 11.5 / 6.5 / 8.3 liters;
- with automatic transmission in the city / out of town / mixed cycle - 13.6 / 6.9 / 9.4 liters, respectively.
The second option is a 2.0T turbocharged gasoline engine, from the name it is clear that the volume of such a unit is 2 liters. The power of such a unit is 175 hp, which is 25 more than the previous version. Depending on the selected gearbox, the characteristics of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan will also change.
Choosing a manual 6-speed gearbox, we get the following characteristics of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan:
- the maximum speed of the sedan is 225 km / h;
- acceleration to the first hundred is 8.5 seconds;
- gasoline consumption outside the city - 6.3 liters, in the city - 11.5 liters, mixed cycle - 8.3 liters;
Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan with automatic transmission:
- acceleration to 100 km / h - 9.7 seconds, then slower than mechanics by 1.2 seconds;
- maximum speed - 220 km / h;
- fuel consumption is correspondingly higher, in the city - 13.7 liters, outside the city - 7.1 liters, mixed cycle - 9.5 liters;
The last, third engine variant for the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Vector is 2.0TS. The engine displacement is 2 liters, but the power is much more - 210 hp.
As in the previous one, depending on the selected gearbox, there will be different characteristics. Automatic transmission Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan date the following characteristics:
- the maximum speed of the sedan is 230 km / h;
- acceleration to hundreds - 8.8 seconds;
- consumption in the city - 14 seconds, outside the city - 7.1 seconds, mixed cycle - 9.6 liters;
The mechanical six-speed on the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan shows the following specifications:
- acceleration to 100 km / h - 7.9 seconds;
- maximum speed - 235 km / h;
- fuel consumption in the city is 12.8 liters, outside the city - 6.8 liters, and the combined cycle is 9 liters.
There are no more engine options available for the Vector. It is possible that for other countries there were supplies of Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan with other engines, which the manufacturer chose not to put on the list.
The latest configuration is the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Aero and the highest with a 2.8TS engine. Unlike previous trim levels, only one version of the unit is available for this one, but two different gearboxes - automation and mechanics. The power of such an engine is 255 hp. with a volume of 2.8 liters. With a manual transmission, the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan will be able to accelerate to a hundred in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km / h. Fuel consumption in the city is 15.4 liters, outside the city - 7.1 liters, and in the combined cycle - 10.2 liters of gasoline.
Having equipped the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Aero with an automatic transmission, we get the following parameters. Fuel consumption in the city - 16.9 liters, outside the city - 7.2 liters, in the combined cycle - 10.8 liters. It will overcome the first hundred on the speedometer in 7.5 seconds, and the maximum speed is 245 km / h.
There is only one conclusion on the technical parameters of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, the car turned out to be gluttonous, given the weight and characteristics of the engine. Engineers have worked in the direction of safety from the beginning, but not fuel economy. As the owners note, there is plenty of power reserves and the maximum speed mark of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan can be easily overcome by putting the arrow to the maximum mark.
Safety systems Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
Apart from the variety of engines, the engineers did not skimp on the safety of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. As for those years when the sedan began to be produced, it was equipped with a very considerable number of security systems.
At least six airbags are installed around the perimeter of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, these are the front driver, passenger and side curtain airbags. The ABS and ESP systems are installed as standard for better control over the brakes, as well as the standard parking sensors. A rear-view camera and navigation system are available for complete sets with a multimedia system. In terms of comfort, the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan includes passive cruise control, rain and light sensors, adaptive front optics, power seats with memory, Hands Free or Bluetooth.
When the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan started production, there was a lot of features that are hard to find in today's base trims.
Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan price and equipment
Since Saab has stopped producing cars, it is impossible to find a new one in the showroom. For the most part, the pricing policy will depend on the condition and configuration of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan.
The price of such a Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan ranges from $ 5000 to $ 13000, but in view of the expensive service and not cheap spare parts, collectors or fans of this brand prefer to buy the car.
Other photos of Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan:
Saab
