Saab 9-3 Linear Sport 2008 Review
Offering just two models, the Swedish brand sold just 1862 vehicles last year. A small piece of the market, but not for lack of choice in the range.
Within two model lines - 9-3 and 9-5 - there are diesel, gasoline and ethanol BioPower options, as well as a choice of sedan, station wagon or convertible.
With no definite brand new model on the horizon, the aging 9-3 has recently entered late life. After years of continuity - it was last updated in 2002 - the 9-3 has received bolder styling cues. Inspired by the Aero X concept car, the 9-3 is a bit sportier.
The front end is practically new, with a more prominent grille, new bumper moldings and lights, and the return of the "clamshell" hood.
Elsewhere, some additional changes have been made to give it a fresher look, although the changes are not much different and the Swede still looks a little tatty.
At $50,900, the 9-3 hits the luxury market, but doesn't quite live up to price and performance expectations. The experience of 9-3 is like watching a movie that is not entirely satisfying. Your initial impression: "Will people notice if I leave?"
Stay tuned and there are aspects that might try to win you over, but overall this is a B movie.
Our automotive version of this experience was powered by the 1.9-liter turbodiesel, which accounts for 31 percent of the 9-3's total sales. While mid-range performance was good, the challenge was getting there.
The first thing you'll notice is the massive turbo lag. Put pressure on your foot and you'll have to wait for what seems like age for any meaningful reaction.
Finally, it kicks in at about 2000 rpm, hovering until about 2750 rpm - and you'd better be ready.
With the foot planted, the appearance of all 320 Nm of torque may come as a surprise, as the torque can be managed along with it. Peak power of 110 kW is reached at 4000 rpm.
The automatic transmission was comfortable and efficient in driving mode, but moving into user territory was disappointing.
When shifting to manual, the gearshifts are at your fingertips via paddles located on the steering wheel, but you often have to argue gear selection with the transmission sitter.
Any attempt to shift into fifth gear at 80 km/h resulted in a heated argument and mechanical spitting, with the driver definitely not getting out first.
Aunt Saab knows best, and while you might want to work on the economy gear, the transmission keeps clicking gears.
The same goes for lower gears and slower speeds.
Try the Sport Drive mode and there's just too much tension, just holding the downshifts too long.
And it's not a sporty rev sound, but rather the groan of an expected but non-existent shift.
On the other hand, the ride is comfortable in the city with soft suspension, and it's a fairly easy machine to maneuver, with firm steering and a fairly tight turning radius.
Get past the initial hurdles and the 9-3 becomes a comfortable cruiser. The cabin design feels a bit dull and dated, but still so functional in its very Swedish style, but elevated by the comfortable black leather seats.
The interior is also quiet with minimal road or engine noise intrusion.
Although the diesel is recognizable with the windows down.
In Saab tradition, the ignition is on a console between driver and passenger, and there is ample storage space in the cabin.
You also get the peace of mind with ESP, traction control, adaptive dual-stage front airbags for driver and passenger, front seat-mounted side head and thorax airbags, and active head restraints.
It also comes with some decent equipment, including an electrically adjustable driver's seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, cruise control, a "cool" function in the glove box, a full-size spare tire, and automatic climate control.
But for parking assistance, a sunroof and a rear center headrest will have to pay extra.
The 9-3 claims fuel consumption of 7.0 liters per 100 km, but our test showed it to be slightly higher for city driving, averaging 7.7 liters per 100 km.
Saab has been a scrapper for a while. They are not at the top of the European luxury tree, but they have enough to keep those who love them captivated.
We are not one of them. The time spent at 9-3 was a little empty, as if there was something more, something better, just out of reach.
But there is hope. The new twin-turbo diesel powertrain is expected here next month. The TTiD, a 1.9-liter four-cylinder, two-stage turbocharged engine, will join the lineup and should offer better low-end performance.
The two turbochargers are different sizes and provide instant torque at low speeds as well as higher maximum power at higher revs.
BOTTOM LINE
The Saab 9-3 comes with a decent equipment list, but this diesel's performance hurdles are hard to overcome.
SNAPSHOT
SAAB 9-3 LINEAR SPORT TIME
PRICE: $50,900
ENGINE: 1.9 l / 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 110 kW / 320 Nm
TRANSMISSION: 6 speed auto
ECONOMY: Claimed 7.0 l/100 km, tested 7.7 l/100 km.
RIVALS
AUDI A4 TDI
PRICE: $57,700
ENGINE: 2.0 l / 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 103 kW / 320 Nm
TRANSMISSION: multitronic
ECONOMY: 6.4l / 100km
VOLVO S40 D5
PRICE: $44,950
ENGINE: 2.4 l / 5-cylinder, turbodiesel, 132 kW / 350 Nm
TRANSMISSION: 5 speed auto
ECONOMY: 7.0l / 100km
BMW 320D
PRICE: $56,700
ENGINE: 2.0 l / 4-cylinder, turbodiesel, 115 kW / 330 Nm
TRANSMISSION: 6 speed auto
ECONOMY: 6.7l / 100km
