SecondHandSense:THE SAAB 9-3 may be an iconic car for some, but it is not necessarily a car that has improved with age. Its roots go back a long way – to 1955 – and its modern incarnations have attracted many loyal fans who wanted a car with presence, designed with subtlety.
This they certainly got, but in its latest guise, the 9-3 represents more of a rebadged Opel, its detractors argue. The 9-3 produced between 2002 and 2007 was a good car, though. It had Opel parts, but Saab individuality and that other great Saab attribute – a fine safety record and maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test.
Apart from quirky design, Saab’s record in safety innovation has justifiably served the company well in sales terms, but also in customer loyalty.
Then there is the aeronautical influence. Saab pioneered use of aircraft ergonomics in cars. Touches such as the night panel, which dims all but essential dashboard information at night, make for rewarding driving. The 9-3 is also a fairly practical family car with a decent boot and reasonable space.
The car comes with a choice of engines and has a convertible option. The 1.8 petrol and the 1.9 turbo diesel are the most practical and give very reasonable performance and economy. The diesel will return over 45 miles to the gallon on a good run. The petrol engine is best described as adequate.
The car is based on the old Opel Vectra, and this is where much of the rebadged Opel criticism is directed. The ride is good, but the handling average.
The 9-3 has not been without its problems. Some cars have been recalled for problems with fuel pump pipe retainers and seat belt retraction.
A well-equipped 2005 convertible with 36,000km on the clock is €26,500 with a €5,000 “scrappage allowance”. Does this mean the car is actually €21,500? A 2006 diesel with 69,000km is €23,950, and a 2007 1.8 petrol with only 12,000km is €17,950 (with leather upholstery).
- STAR RATING:6/10