What do you think of this new Saab?
The 9-3 is built on GM's global Epsilon platform. The Opel Vectra and new for 2003 9-3 used it initially. In the US, GM uses this platform in the Chevy Malibu and Pontiac G6. Also, many other cars are going to be based on the versatile Epsilon.
The 9-3 also used GM sourced engines now as well. The 2 litre turbo is originated from the Ecotec, even the 2.8 litre of the Aero model is shared with the basic Cadillac CTS, in basic architecture. Saab does strengthen and otherwise modify the engines to handle turbocharging.
Saab has tried where it can to make the car seem like its very distinctive cars from before. The ignition switch is next to the handbrake and the instrument panel has the nightpanel feature which dims all the lights except the speedo.
I enjoyed driving the car and even the auto the engine pulled with authority. The 2.0 turbo makes 210 hp and 221 lb/ft (@5500 and 2500 RPM, respectively). There is no noticeable lag as 90% of max torque is available at 2000 RPM. I didn't push the car hard enough to notice any torque steer but reviews say that a special front sub-frame design has eliminated torque steer that plagued older turbo models.
The seats are more comfortable than the Jetta and the seatign position gives you a nice commanding view, you sit upright and high. The interior has a roomy, airy feel. Mostly having driven my MX-5 for a few years anything is roomier...
The engine is said to be built in Germany but the Saab salesman said that was just because most of the electronics are German, so they labeled it so. The automatic transmission in the model I drove was made in Japan. The car comes with a 4 year/50k miles warranty and 3/36 scheduled maintenance is also covered.
Overall, I like the 9-3 more than I thought I would. It may not have remained completely true to it's Saab heritage but it feels like a nicely designed car. One of things that attracted me to this car is that it isn't as common as the 3-series and A4s. Again, it probably isn't as good a car as those but on the plus side it doesn't have the hyper-competitive image that comes with more popular cars, and it's cheaper...
How is the new Saab seen in Europe, especially the new 9-3? Also, if you've had any experiences with this make/model?
click "specifications" for comprehensive info:
http://www2.saabusa.com/93s/features.asp?start=home