Saab 9-3

By: CAR magazine

GMSA has unveiled the eight-model strong 2008 Saab 9-3 range, in Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible body styles. The Swedish cousin to the Cadillac BLS is powered by a range of petrol and diesel turbocharged and intercooled all-aluminium units.The Saab SportCombi is a five-door wagon that is powered by a 2,0-litre turbocharged petrol unit capable of delivering 129 kW of power at 5 500 r/min and 265 N.m torque at 2 500 r/min. Dubbed the SportCombi 2,0 Linear, this vehicle comes fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission. This engine derivative is also the driving force under the bonnet of the 9-3 2,0 Linear convertible, where drive comes courtesy of a five-speed manual transmission, while auto’ is an optional extra.

Other engines in the 9-3 line-up include the entry-level 110 kW 2,0-litre unit that can be found in the 9-3 LPT Linear model. Peak torque for the model stands at 240 N.m at 2 000 r/min, and drive is sent to the wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

The 9-3 2.0 TS Vector Sedan features an enhanced version on the 2,0-litre four-cylinder in the other models. Mated with a five-speed automatic transmission, this unit has a maximum output of 154 kW at 5 300 r/min and 300 N.m at 2 500 r/min.

The top-of-the-range Aero Sedan and Convertible models play host to a 2,8-litre turbocharged all-aluminium quad-cam 24-valve V6 powerplant that pushes out 184 kW at 5 500 and has a peak torque output of 350 N.m at 2 000 r/min. The unit comes equipped with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission.

Diesel power comes in the form of a 1,9-litre common rail direct injection unit that sits under the bonnet of the 9-3 TiD Linear Sedan. Fitted with a variable nozzle turbocharger and mated with a six-speed manual transmission, the TiD delivers 110 kW and maximum torque of 320 N.m is said to be reached at 2 000 r/min.
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Satellite controls for the audio system, integrated mobile phone and voice activation programmes can be found on the steering wheel of the new 9-3, which also comes equipped with an infotainment system.

Safety features of the range comprise Saab’s Active Head Restraint system that provides protection against neck injuries to front seat occupants in the event of a rear end collision impact. Front-, curtain- and side airbags on the front seats and chassis electronic systems such as ESP, EBD, cornering brake control and traction control.

Prices:

2,0 LPT Linear Sedan R227 500

1,9 TiD Linear Sedan R252 500

2,0 TS Vector Sedan A/T R296 300

2,8 V6 Aero A/T R360 500

2,0 T Linear SportCombi A/T R262 500

2,0 T Linear Convertible R406 500

2,0 T Linear Convertible A/T R420 000

2,8 V6 Aero Convertible A/T R460 000

A 5 year/100 000 km maintenance plan is included in the price. Warranty is 3 years/100 000 kilometres.

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