New Saab 9-3 at Leng Kee Showroom Today

[Saaber]

The New Saab 9-3 will be in the Trans Eurokar showroom this afternoon.

 

Check it out.

[Andrewkb]

I assume the bodykit is optional rite ?

 

Feel that nowadays Saab rear light too high liao ... like the 9-5

[Saaber]

Even without the body kit, the car is still a beauty.

[Andrewkb]

The car on the photo look like the front is lower ...... is it due to the kit ?

[Saaber]

yes

[Andrewkb]

Somehow from the photo, I imagine, if I remove the side skirt, the front still look lower ... anyway it's cool :-)

[Saaber]

Been to Saab Showroom today to test drive the new Saab 9-3. It is currently selling for S$128K for this pre-launch sale.

 

This is the review below:

 

To look at, though, the 93 is classic Saab. Some might say it's not different enough, but Saab believes incremental changes are what is needed for a company with ambitious long-term aspirations.

 

The most notable change for Saab is the switch from a hatchback to a more conventional sedan. It is a move Saab says will open more doors in terms of potential customers.

 

Inside, the dash and layout is new, though retaining some of the Saab signatures, including the "night panel" button that blacks out all but essential displays at night. It is an individual-looking dash that also happens to be quite functional. And, yes, the key is still in the centre of the car near the handbrake.

 

Safety, as always for Swedish car makers, is a strong suit, with whiplash-reducing headrests and six airbags surrounding occupants. The head airbags down each side of the car remain inflated for three seconds in case of a multiple-impact rollover.

 

Saab also points out that all of the electronic aids, including an electronic stability program, are standard in the 93, unlike some competitors' vehicles in which they are options.

 

For S$128K you get all the gadgets you'd expect, as well as climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, audio buttons on the steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers.

 

The steering is direct and effective, with the passive rear steering setup helping to accurately guide the vehicle through flowing country corners.

 

It is also, thankfully, much easier to use than Saabs of old, lacking the annoying kickback over bumps.

 

Speaking of bumps, the ride feels taut, but not overly so. Grip levels are relatively high, and the car feels composed on all but large imperfections, ensuring a spirited driving experience.

 

Where the 93 does make up ground in its market segment is in performance, largely thanks to the standard turbocharged power.

 

There is a meaty mid-range response that mates well to the five-speed automatic transmission for solid, if not alarming, performance.

 

The sedan is just the beginning for Saab and the 9-3, though.

 

Saab 9-3 Technical Specifications and performance:

 

Engine

150HP, 224Nm, 1988 cc. 4 cylinders. In-line. Aluminium cylinder head and block. Turbocharged, intercooled. DOHC, 16-valve. Balancer shafts. Dual-mass flywheel. Front, transversely-mounted, hydraulically-damped. Front wheel drive.

 

Transmission

5 speed automatic transmission, Saab Sentronic manual selection. Steering wheel buttons selection, automatic (option).

 

Suspension

Front: McPherson struts and gas shock absorbers. Anti-roll bar. Hyrdoformed sub-frame. Rear: Independent, four link, including toe-link. Coil springs. Gas shock absorbers. Anti-roll bar. Sub-frame.

 

Steering

Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assistance. Turning circle: 10,8 m (kerb to kerb) Lock to lock: 2,97 turns

 

Brakes

Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster. ABS,TCS, mech. brake assist. Discs: 283/300/312 mm, ventilated steel (front) 276/290 mm, solid steel (rear)

 

Weights

Kerb:1440 - 1490 kg (EU) Max. gross:1970 - 2020 kg (EU) Max. towing weight: 1600 kg (braked) 750 kg (unbraked) Distribution:60% f /40% r

 

Capacities

Fuel tank:62 liters Trunk:425 dm3 Washer Reservoir: 5.0 liters

 

Anti-Intrusion measures

The front door is fitted with a "freewheeling" lock cylinder, which is designed to immediately disengage from the door unlocking mechanism if any device other than the correct key attempts to force it open. Efficient "shielding" of the locks inside the doors also prevents tampering with specialist tools.

 

Even if a thief were to gain entry, there would be little point in removing any of the car's "infotainment" equipment. Apart from being uniquely designed to fit only a Saab car, they are electronically "married" to their original host car. They could only function in another Saab after being re-programmed at a Saab dealer.

 

Prevention of car theft

To help prevent the car itself being stolen, the immobilizer system uses both an electrical steering column lock and disablement of the engine management system.

 

When the ignition key is inserted in the floor-mounted switch, a remote sends a signal to a control unit, which then communicates with all systems in the car through the central integrated control module. The "start" message is encrypted in a complex, rolling code from the key's transponder, which would take an estimated eight years to "crack" in the unlikely event that a would-be thief could make the correct electronic connections.

Further measures have also been taken to combat the so-called professional thief who may be stealing a car with high technology. Barriers have been put in place to help protect the car's electronic systems from digital intrusion with illegal scanning devices.

 

As the car's original key is such a vital component in the chain of security precautions, confidential measures are put in place at Saab dealers to help ensure there is no fraudulent issue of a replacement or duplicate key.

 

Alarm system

As a further back-up to the car's perimeter security features, an advanced alarm system is standard equipment on U.S.-specification Saabs. This engages a siren and flashing lights to discourage anyone from entering or trying to move the car.

The alarm will be activated if any illegal attempt is made to open the hood, trunk lid or any of the doors. Inside the car, an extremely sensitive ultrasonic beam is designed to detect any movement, including pieces of flying glass or an arm reaching inside following a break-in.

 

For greater personal security, the car's alarm can also be activated by pressing a "panic" button on the car's remote control/ignition key, or by pressing and holding the interior central locking button on each front door.

 

Comfort and convenience

A range of features are designed to enrich the experience of driving and traveling in the new 9-3. Although often small refinements, they can make a significant contribution to developing a rewarding, interactive relationship between the car and its owner.

 

"Smart" door mirrors

A typical Saab innovation is the button for tilting the mirrors down. This function normally operates automatically when reverse gear is engaged. But it can be just as useful to tilt one or other mirror when going forwards, following a curb or low wall, for example. A push of the button gives you the choice in the new 9-3.

 

Remote window and sunroof operation

In many circumstances, it can be useful to remotely close or open the windows, and even the sunroof, after leaving the car. This can now be done simply by holding down the lock/unlock button on the remote control unit.

 

For example, this function makes it possible to close a window or sunroof that has been inadvertently left down, or it can serve as final check that the windows are fully closed. Likewise, the windows and sunroof can be opened, or set to a desired position, to let heat out of the car.

 

Variable speedometer illumination

The Night Panel feature allows all main dashboard illumination ? except for the speedometer - to be switched off when driving at night. The Profiler function also enables the driver to restrict illumination of the speed scale to the range, 0-90 mph. It will, of course, automatically illuminate if these speeds are exceeded.

 

Variable heating for the front seats

The thermostat for the heated front seats can be set at one of three temperatures (91, 98.6 or 107

Edited November 9, 2002 by Eddie

[Andrewkb]

Now that you mentioned, the hatch back is indeed replaced by more sedan look ..more like 9-5

[Turbobrick]

The 9-3 wagon looks cool

[Mondeo]

This new 9-3 with bodykit almost same front height with my mondy. Did agent mention the problem with humps?

[Saaber]

You can clear hump with no problem.

 

The handling of the car is great also.

 

You should test drive the car yourself. Don't forget to try the 250hp Saab Aero when you are there.

[Guyver]

The New Saab 9-3 will be in the Trans Eurokar showroom this afternoon.

 

Check it out.

 

Wow!! nice... both inside & outside... so where does it come from? or manufactured??

[Saaber]

It is from Sweden

[Super7]

Great looking car!!!..... with matching performance i trust..........

 

what's the torque figure??...........0-100???......... dun seem to find them in the writeup........... but i could be too cxxk-eyed and missed it, my faults.....

 

5 year warranty???........ 3 year free servicing???......... free i year road tax??..... sorry hor, me miser type, sure ask questions like that, maybe sales gal will sneer at my questions and say: hmmmm, please walk down the road to Kia showroom

 

cheers

 

will there be a hatchback in the lineup???......... i karang kuni man, need to carry stuff around..........(old parts for old celica mah.......)

Edited November 12, 2002 by Super7

[Zafira18]

9-3 is running on Opel Vectra C (latest version) platform. btw, Vectra C was launch yesterday inconjuction with the offical opening of AutoEurokar. Dont forget to check out the Vectra GTS too!!!

[Fluke]

Tat's my babe and one of my dream cars. Love the Coupe cum Convert. Can't help drooling when one swoosh past me while I was in UK last time.

 

If got the $$$ , sure grab one.....