The Saab 9-3 is completely redesigned and reengineered for 2003. Instead of a quirky-looking hatchback, it's now a sports sedan.
Saab has always dared to be different. Influenced by its aeronautical background, Saab cars have traditionally featured wraparound vertical windshields and aircraft-style dashboards with instrument lighting that could be switched off at night. Small map lights looked like they came from a cockpit. When buyers stopped wanting hatchbacks, Saab continued making them.
Now that Saab is a wholly owned division of General Motors the Swedish car company has more funds for developing new cars. By the same token, Saab is now expected to sell more cars, which means its cars need to appeal to a wider audience.
That's why the new Saab 9-3 is only available as a four-door sedan, initially anyway. Fortunately, Saab has managed to maintain some of its character even though the newest 9-3 sedan is far more mainstream than previous models.
Saab's line of 9-3 models is a little confusing for the first half of the 2003 model year. The 9-3 convertible continues to be based on the old 9-3 model.
The all-new Saab 9-3 is initially available in Linear trim, powered by a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 175 horsepower. The 9-3 Arc and Vector models will midway through the model year with a more powerful 210-hp version of the same engine and an optional six-speed manual gearbox.
To compensate, Saab is selling a special "launch package" that includes many of the features, with the notable exception of the more powerful engine, that will be included as standard on the Arc model. So if you want a Linear model, these early loaded versions may be the hot ticket.
The Linear model starts at $25,990, which is a really competitive price and $2,000 less expensive than the outgoing 9-3 hatchback. The Arc model will sell for $29,995, while the Vector will be priced at $32,495.
From the front three-quarter view, there is no mistaking the new 9-3 for anything but a Saab. It looks like a baby Saab 9-5. The windshield on the new 9-3 is steeply raked, unlike Saabs of old, but the sloping wedge-like profile, the shape of the windows, the sleek integrated headlights, and the distinctive grille are all unmistakably Saab.
From the rear, the 9-3 looks like many other cars on the road, which is a shame as it does not have as much of a presence as previous models. Nonetheless it's a perfectly pleasing look that should offend nobody.
The side profile shows a surprising wedge shape with the lower edge of the side windows picking up the slope of the hood and following it through to the high trunk line at the rear. It makes the car look more like a coupe than a regular three-box sedan. Black trim around the windows as well as black rubber bump strips along the doors and bumpers help make the car look sleeker. Big oval-shaped door handles are an integral part of the design.
Another unique feature of the 9-3 is a lack of key holes in those door handles. Yes that's right, Saab has done away with a key for entering the car. Instead one has to rely on the remote key fob. But don't worry, if it ceases to function there is a back up key buried in the key fob and a hidden keyhole in the driver's door only.
Okay, the most important thing about a Saab is the location of the ignition key. Saab fans need not worry as it's still located down on the center console behind the gearshift. Those who have not experienced this unique placement of the ignition key don't know what they are missing. It is really sensible as it avoids the dangling mass of keys so many of us have on our key chains. It's also safer as it prevents the possibility of getting keys jammed in ones knees in a severe accident.
Beyond that the Saab 9-3's interior is pretty much what one would expect in a near-luxury sedan, although certain other Saab styling cues remain. The instruments are laid out in an easy-to-view layout with a big speedometer in a sweeping instrument panel that blends into the center console. It's still a relatively high dashboard compared to that in other cars but it's long been a signature styling cue of Saab cars so it's nice to see it retained. The buttons and switches are smaller than in many cars. Nonetheless they are all well placed for the driver to reach while driving.
