Saab 9-3 SportCombi XWD test

Posted by swade on May 14th, 2008 8 Comments Printer-Friendly

My thanks to Edonis for translating highlights of this test from the original Norwegian for us. Firstly because it’s a great read, and secondly, because I find Norwegian to be even more confusing than my childish attempts at Swedish!!!

——

Regarding the design of the 9-3, they feel it should have gotten a makeover by German designers, as the exterior has a very distinctive feeling of being - cheap - , as they say.

But although they aren’t convinced by the design, they applaud the handling. “It NEVER looses grip”, and “This is one of the safest cars on the road today, because in addition to this, it always has an enormous power-reserve, a sportsbutton for active gearshifts, and roadholding which keeps you on the road in rain, snow, sleet or on a gravel road. It invites you to jump into corners, and you will, if you own a Saab 9-3 Aero Sportcombi with 280hp”

“There isn’t much new inside the Saab. The touchscreen which cost 19,000 NOK (including a 300W Bose sound system, voice recognition and navigation) is fabulous. It is as responsive as an iPhone, and the interface is very easy to live with.

“I like the interior of the Saab. It isn’t entirely new, but it is a really good enviroment to be in. And Saab has without a doubt the best cupholders in the market”

“This car makes every driver grin and makes the passenger nauseous. It is pretty simply a fantastic car to drive on twisty roads, while passengers may become a little car sick of the same reason.

“The car sits like a toad on the road, with it’s low point of gravity, and is a really good car.” They pitch it up against the 330i Touring, A4 Avant 3.2 quattro, Volvo V50 T5 amongst others.

——

High praise, that. Now all we have to do is sell more of the little blighters……

Thanks again, Edonis!

-

Comments (8)
Trackbacks & Pingbacks (0)

Comments

Tompa said:

The design.. First review I´ve read from someone that does not like it. Why should the a Saab have german design? A Saab is a Saab is a Saab. Otherwise thanks to our closest neighbour.
From Sweden to Norway with love.. Atleast if you stop dizzing our design.

-May 14th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Edonis said:

You’re welcome, swade!

Tompa: Maybe they’re just unhappy that Einar Hareide isn’t at Saab anymore?

I for one think it looks fabulous, and I still turn my head around everytime I see one of these lookers!

-May 14th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
SaabFreak said:

…they aren’t convinced by the design…
hmmm…it’s not the first time I heard it but in my opinion Saab has one of the best car design….when you see a saab it says enough….progressive…charisma and sporty and it says enough about the people who are driving it

-May 15th, 2008 at 12:54 am
zippy said:

Nice review but the cheap, albeit a minor detail, is on the inside NOT the outside. The 9-3 is the most beautiful car in its class. PERIOD.

Isnt Einar Hareide responsible for the basic design of the 9-3 with bits added by Mr Mauer and Mr Lo? I think Saab should bring him back - the 9-5 was a beautiful design.

-May 15th, 2008 at 2:25 am
basas88 said:

I really like the desing of the new 9-3 SS, but the SportCombi looks a little bulky on the back, I mean the roof line. Everytime I see it on the street I feel there’s something not right with the design - the car looks ‘heavy’ on the back as if full loaded.
Just my opinion.

-May 15th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Sweeper said:

Reading the article, my impression is that they drove a FWD Aero. Is this correct?

-May 15th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Tompa said:

Mr Hareide was only responsible for the 9-5 as I recall

-May 15th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Beren Erchamion said:

I agree about the nav comments. Having used the Navigation system and comparing it to another really nice one in the 2007 Acura MDX - the Saab’s system wins hands down. Certainly a shock to me, but the combination of the touch screen and the split screen map/audio view is super killer.

-May 16th, 2008 at 11:06 am