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Driving
Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan:
Pleasure in driving
Photos courtesy by Saab
 
 

Scandinavian design always produces solutions that are pleasant, simple and very luxurious; this time we can enjoy these attributes in the 9-3 Sport Sedan designed to provide a unique driving experience which places it at the top of its class for ssporting features and the excellent dynamics of its chassis. Its coupe body shape gives it a strong, sporty silhouette. Altogether the package is designed to convey a sensation of movement even when the vehicle is stationary.

The extensive range of engines includes a 2.8 liter V6 turbo made of aluminum with an output of 250 HP (184 kW); three 2 liter aluminum turbo engines rated at 150 HP (110 kW), 175 HP (129 kW) and 210 HP (147 kW); a 1.8 liter atmospheric four cylinder giving 122 HP (90 kW), and the common rail turbo diesel 1.9 TiD with multiple direct injection giving 120/150 HP (88/110 kW). All models are front wheel drive and 5 and 6 speed manual gear boxes are available. Three levels of finish are available: Linear, Vector, and the top of the range Aero with the 250 CV (184 kW) V6 Turbo engine which is the model with the fastest acceleration ever produced by Saab (0-100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds).

The characteristic style of the 9-3 Sport Sedan makes it very clear that we are dealing with a car that can only have been made by Saab. Its gentle, organic lines are well defined and give the car its sporty character, with sloping windscreens and lights and front and rear and short overhangs, creating the impression of strength and power. The tear shaped side windows; the wedge shaped center line which culminates in the characteristic “hockey stick” C pillar; a unique tooled line that runs along the length of the car; small oval shaped door handles; rear lights in triangle clusters …

This is the first Saab to use a lateral structure pressed in a single piece, for improved stiffness and greater aerodynamic efficiency, due to the reduced lift which gives improved braking performance and greater

stability at high speed. Improved airflow reduces noise levels and prevents dirt from accumulating on the rear windows and lights. As with all Saab models, the 9-3 is designed “from the driver outwards.” This is another way of saying that the ergonomics, instrumentation, controls and driving position are all developed from the perspective of the driver. The spacious compartment provides comfortable accommodation for four adults and the internal appearance reflects the smooth curves and fluid lines of the bodywork. When seated, the experience is that of an aircraft cabin as the main instrument panel is curved around the driver, the controls are logically distributed and give a tactile feeling and the steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach. You can personalize the car according to your preferences in a wide range of functions including automatic climate control, clock/alarm, speedometer illumination, parking assistance, screen wash with rain sensor and antitheft alarm.

This model also has dual zone automatic air conditioning in series which allows different temperature settings to be chosen for the left and right hand sides of the cabin. This also includes automatic air flow adjustment which compensates for temperature differences if one side of the car is facing direct sunlight.

The ComSense function reduces the risk that the driver will be distracted through use of a dynamic driving processor which suppresses warning messages and incoming calls detected by the system through connection to the indicators or when braking, when the driver undertakes any maneuver that requires his full attention. ‘Night Panel’ lowers the intensity of the instrument panel lighting in order not to disturb the driver’s vision. The car’s information and entertainment system includes DVD/GPS satellite navigation with a wide 6.5 inch color screen, integrated telephone system (BPIS) with Bluetooth™ which automatically connects with the sound system which can be controlled by voice commands or using the buttons on the control panel. There is a standard auxiliary connection so that other ‘infotainment’ systems can also be connected.

Thanks to the asymmetric folding rear seat (which divides 60/40) the car also has extra load carrying capability, useful for carrying extra luggage without inconvenience. The only decision that you have to take is which of the three interior specifications to choose: Linear, Vector or top of the range Aero. Each comes with unique interior decoration in soft (parchment) or dark (grey) tones.

 
 
 
 
 
Telephones: (507) 214-4207 / 214-6720
July 2007, www.vivirbien.com