2003 Saab 9-3 Vector Sport Sedan Review
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SEE ALSO: Saab Buyer's Guide
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS
Have Saab cars changed since the car-making portion of the
company was absorbed by General Motors a few years ago? Yes.
Has it been a change for the worse, with Saabs, previously known
for their unique character and quirkiness, made into little more than
badge-engineered Opels?
Not a chance. While there are quite a few parts from the vast GM
parts bin in the new Saab 9-3, and it is a more mainstream design
than earlier 900 or 9-3 models, the 2003 Saab 9-3 sedan is a car that
could be built only by Saab. It is also the first fruit of an ambitious
development program by the Swedish manufacturer, which hopes to
use the 9-3 and derivatives, including an all-wheel drive crossover
vehicle, to double its sales volume.
Three distinct varieties, given architectural names, of Saab 9-3 are
currently offered. The well-equipped Linear starts the line, powered
by a 175-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine.
It is expected to be the high-volume model. The Arc satisfies a need
for more luxury and performance, with more convenience features
and a higher-boost version of the 2.0-liter engine with 210
horsepower. The Vector is the performance model, with the 210-
horse engine, a sport-tuned suspensions, and interior and exterior
sport styling cues.
I had the chance to spend a day driving the Linear with a five-
speed automatic when it was introduced to the press last Fall, and
I've been driving a Vector with the standard six-speed manual
gearbox for the past week. In either form, the newest 9-3 is a fitting
heir to the line that started with the first Saab Turbo 25 years ago,
with a great balance between performance, efficiency, handling, and
comfort. Saab is covering the market well with the 9-3 choices, too.
The Linear is priced and equipped to appeal to people who want to
step up from a the more common domestic and Japanese sporty
family sedans, while the Arc adds luxury touches. And the Vector is,
so far, the ultimate Saab Turbo for the faithful.
APPEARANCE: One look at the 9-3 and there will be no doubt as
to the manufacturer. The aerodynamically-rounded front, with its
three-port grille flanked by covered headlights, is classic Saab but
leaner and sleeker than the previous 9-3 or the 9-5. It states the car's
sports mission well, particularly in the Vector, which has a lower
ride height and deeper air dam than other models, and more
pronounced side sills. The bulge in the hood and slope of the
windshield reinforce the 9-3's performance mission, aided by its
rounded-wedge profile and high, well-defined shoulder line. The
alloy wheels, shod with ultra-low profile 45-series performance tires,
fill the wheel arches. The 9-3 Vector is a mature sports sedan, so
there is no lurid wing at the back, only a discreet ducktail spoiler.
COMFORT: As outside, the interior of the new 9-3 is similar to that
of its predecessor but leaner and more contemporary. It's also a
touch larger. The Saab faithful will feel right at home, while
newcomers will quickly appreciate the logic behind the design. And,
yes, the ``key'' (now an electronic device) still goes into the center
console, so as not to cause knee damage in the event of an accident.
In the Saab manner, the instrument panel has a large face that wraps
around the driver, cockpit-style, to present gauges and controls in
clear, logical groupings. Adjustability of the front seats, a tilt and
reach adjustable steering wheel, and the close position of the
gearshift lever allow nearly any driver to easily find the perfect
driving position. Although the three trim levels have slightly different
interior appointments, all have leather seating. Befitting its sports
mission, the Vector features more-bolstered sport seats, chrome-
bezeled instruments, and matte-chrome trim on the doors and
console.
SAFETY: Saabs are designed for real-world safety, and have been
since long before any government requirements. The 9-3 has the
strongest safety cage of any Saab, ever, surrounding the passenger
cabin, with front and rear crumple zones, side protection, active
head restraints, and more passive safety features. Good handling and
brakes help active safety, while several advanced antitheft systems
discourage thieves.
ROADABILITY: The new 9-3 is slightly longer, wider, and lower
than the car it replaces, which helps stability at speed. But increased
chassis rigidity is the main benefit of the new platform, and Saab's
engineers have taken advantage of this with a new suspension that
features modified MacPherson struts in front and the ``ReAxs''
multilink rear suspension that is designed to give a small amount of
passive rear-wheel steering to reduce the front-wheel drive car's
tendency to understeer. The result is top-notch front-wheel drive
sports sedan handling, especially with the firmer springs and shocks
in the Vector.
PERFORMANCE: Saab has been a leader in turbocharging
technology since the first Turbo model in the late 1970s. The 9-3's
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine puts those years of expertise to good
use. Although the aluminum alloy engine block is (more or less) the
standard GM L850, just about everything else - the cylinder head,
cams, pistons, rods, and crankshaft - is strictly Saab. Saab's
``Trionic'' series of engine management systems have always been at
the forefront of electronic technology, and the Trionic 8 is no
exception. It helps both versions of the engine make smooth,
efficient power, with good driveability characteristics. The ``2.0t'' in
the Linear has 10.2 psi of boost, for 175 horsepower at 5500 rpm
and 195 lb-ft of torque from 2500 to 4000 rpm. It matches well with
the five-speed automatic transmission. The Arc and Vector get 12.3
psi of boost, for 210 hp at 5500 rpm, with 221 lb-ft of torque from
2300 to 4000 rpm. The excellent six-speed manual gearbox shines
here, with smooth, precise linkage. Power is good at any engine
speed above 2500 rpm, with an immediate turbo rush above 3500. A
high 9.5:1 compression ratio makes the transition to and from turbo
boost smooth and civilized, with no sudden ``light switch'' power
spike to upset the car in a corner.
CONCLUSIONS: The 2003 9-3 should please both longtime Saab
fans and newcomers to the brand.
SPECIFICATIONS
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector Sport Sedan
Base Price $ 32,495
Price As Tested $ 35,910
Engine Type turbocharged and intercooled dual
overhead cam 16-valve inline 4-cylinder
Engine Size 2.0 liters / 121 cu. in.
Horsepower 210 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 221 @ 2,300-4,000 rpm
Transmission 6-speed manual
Wheelbase / Length 105.3 in. / 182.2 in.
Curb Weight 3,285 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 15.6
Fuel Capacity 16.4 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium
Tires P225/45 WR17 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / vented disc,
antilock, brake assist, and stability
control standard
Suspension, front/rear independent MacPherson strut /
independent multilink with coil springs
Drivetrain front engine, front-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 22 / 31 / 23
0 to 60 mph 7.3 sec
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.28
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Touring Package - includes:
rain-sensing wipers, parking assist, bi-xenon
headlights, in-dash 6-CD changer $ 1,195
Power glass sunroof $ 1,100
Front heated seats $ 495
Destination charge $ 625
