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Saab 9-3 (1998 - 2002)

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BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 107

The Saab 9-3 range is the mainstay of the company's recent commercial success. Aiming to compete head-on with the likes of BMW's 3 Series and Audi's A4 models, the 9-3 represents a slightly quirkier alternative. Since acquiring Saab, parent company General Motors have done an admirable job of improving quality whilst still allowing the cars to retain their inherent 'Saab-ness.' The range consists of three-door coupes, five-door saloons and a very attractive array of convertibles with a number of somewhat complicated engine options and trim levels. For a stylish method of racking up big miles in an effortless manner, a used Saab 9-3 is a good bet.

Modelsword count: 22

Models Covered: (3 dr coupe, 5 dr saloon & 2 dr convertible 2.0, 2.3 petrol, 2.2 diesel [S, SE, Aero, Viggen, Airflow])

Historyword count: 390

The 9-3 marked a completely new philosophy at Saab. It's predecessor, the 900 range was never quite sure what part of the market to target, with a very wide spread of models. The 9-3 was launched just after the bigger 9-5 range, the '3' and '5' designations making it clear which of BMW's ranges Saab were tilting at with the new cars. A fourteen car 9-3 range was launched in March 1998, with three trim levels, base, S and SE, and four engines. These consisted of 2.0i (130bhp), 2.0T (185bhp) and 2.3i (150bhp) petrol installations and the 2.2 TiD (115bhp) diesel unit. Factor in the three body styles of three-door coupe, five-door saloon and two-door convertible with two transmission options and the available permutations start to skyrocket. To try to explain further, all engines are available with all trim levels bar the following. The 2.0 T and 2.3i engines were only available in S and SE guise in fixed roof models, and SE trim only in the convertible. The 2.2 TiD diesel engine was only offered on fixed roof five-door cars. The range was added to in June 1998 with the launch of a light-pressure turbocharged version of the 2.0T engine. Helpfully called the 2.0t, it developed 154bhp and replaced the 2.3i versions. In November 1998 another engine variant was launched, the HOT designation, basically a powerful 2.0 turbocharged unit developing 200bhp. June 1999 saw the launch of the Viggen 2.3i versions, which developed a mighty 225bhp and were available in all three body styles. September 1999 saw the introduction of the Aero models with the 2.0 HOT engine. These models boasted a striking bodykit and a lavish equipment list. The diesel range, which by now also came with three doors, also gained a short-term Airflow edition, which looked sportier and was priced to sit between the S and SE trim designations. In August 2000, the 2.0t engine was improved with extra torque, though outright power dropped to 150bhp. The turbo diesel was also improved. Meanwhile, the Viggen was dropped due to poor sales and the Aero models upgraded. In late 2001 the appeal of the 9-3 range was boosted with some tweaks to standard trim and a rethink of gear ratios resulting in a 5% improvement in economy. Saab also curiously started dubbing the three-door version the 9-3 Coupe.

What You Getword count: 267

It's reassuring to sit in a 9-3 and notice that it is still very much a Saab. Fears that the essentially quirky character of the Swedish manufacturer would be ironed out by General Motors have, thankfully, not materialised. You are still faced with a sheer wall of dashboard, the ignition key still slots home just ahead of the handbrake, and the chrome grille is in the classic wing shape. The 'interesting' styling of Saab's not so distant past has mellowed, and the 9-3's is a far cry from the quirky 900 shape. Perhaps Einar Hareide, Saab's Head of Design, had a moment of clarity, realising that it wasn't compulsory for Saabs to resemble inbred country cousins. The Saab core values of safety and reliability haven't gone amiss either, with the cars still feeling bulletproof and a number of considered safety features being incorporated. These include twin front and side airbags on all models and SAHR, the Saab Active Head Restraint that aims to reduce whiplash injuries. In addition to championing these values, the all-turbocharged 9-3 range also looks to trump its German rivals in terms of value for money. Equipment levels are reassuringly high, but it's only when comparing model for model that Saab's advantage becomes apparent. Whereas a used 154bhp Saab 9-3 2.0t S can be bought for under £13,000 for a 1998 example, an equivalent year BMW 3 Series starts at £16,000 for a weedy 105bhp 316i. These comparisons stand true right across the range, and make the Saab a good way for the used buyer to get a prestigious badge without the brash image.

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Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Luxury Saloons and Estates

Performance
60%
Handling
50%
Comfort
60%
Space
80%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

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