Saab 9-3 Vector 1.9 TiDS Steptronic Full Review,Start Up, Engine, and In Depth Tour
With so many entry-level luxury car choices from Germany, Japan and America, it's easy to overlook the Swedish Saab 9-3. But the truth is, the Saab 9-3 could be a great match for buyers looking for a spacious, safe and comfortable automobile with a proven safety record and a distinctly modern attitude.
Today's 9-3 lineup is the latest in Saab's long line of near-luxury cars dating back to the 1970s. Offered in a variety of body styles, with abundant cargo space and frugal yet powerful engines, it has always represented a competitively priced, character-laden alternative to the me-too near-luxury offerings from other manufacturers.
Though the unique and practical 9-3 hatchbacks were discontinued after the 2002 model year, the 9-3 family continues to be offered in multiple body styles: a four-door sedan, two-door convertible and four-door wagon, the latter called "SportCombi." All utilize small-displacement, turbocharged engines that extract big power while salvaging respectable fuel economy. Recent examples have been made available with V6s as a step up from one of Saab's traditionally lively four-cylinders. Furthermore, the Saab 9-3 tends to be priced aggressively, at least in sedan and wagon form. Convertible models have always been a bit less of a bargain.
Among the Saab 9-3's chief shortcomings are its lower performance thresholds and somewhat cut-rate interior in comparison with German and Japanese competitors. Still, it remains a good bet for near-luxury car shoppers seeking something different in a class of look-alikes.
Current Saab 9-3
Today's Saab 9-3 is sold in three body styles: sedan, SportCombi wagon and convertible. Sedan and SportCombi models feel spacious, with low floors, upright windows and seating for five, though three in the rear seat can be tight. Legroom in particular is a sore spot. Convertible models have a rear seat for two adults of small-to-average size. Cargo room in all models is generous.
The 2.0T trim is only available with front-wheel drive and is powered by a turbocharged 210-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with front-wheel drive, the Aero trim comes with a turbocharged, 255-hp 2.8-liter V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, and rides on a sport-tuned suspension. The all-wheel-drive Aero XWD gets a higher-Boost version of the turbo-4, making 280 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. We'd suggest driving enthusiasts opt for this choice. Another option is the turbo X limited edition of the Aero XWD, which features larger wheels, lowered and firmer suspension with self-leveling shock absorbers, larger brakes and sportier trim.Inside, dramatic two-tone color schemes with lots of matte-black finishes create an intense, distinctly Scandinavian ambience. Longstanding Saab-isms remain, including a floor-mounted ignition switch and a "Night Panel" button that darkens all non-essential dashboard lights to reduce eye fatigue. However, the climate and audio controls are now generic, ergonomically friendly GM units.
One of Saab's strongest suits is safety. Thus, the 9-3 offers two-stage side seat-mounted airbags, curtain airbags on sedan and wagon models, whiplash-reducing head restraints, stability control and antilock brakes with Brake Assist.
Editorial reviews have praised the Saab 9-3 as one of the better-handling front-wheel-drive cars on the market, while taking note of its comfortable front seats and cavernous cargo areas, even in the convertible. The Aero in particular, although expensive, has a lightweight, agile feel missing from many of its competitors. Complaints focus on a sometimes harsh ride quality, turbo lag and a sense of quality far short of its German and Japanese competition.Shoppers interested in a used Saab 9-3 should note that the vehicle has changed some since 2003. Originally, the vehicle was available in three trim levels. The base Linear and more luxurious Arc shared a turbocharged 175-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and nearly identical styling. The Vector wore sportier clothes, rode lower and offered a 210-hp version of the same engine, which was also optional on the Arc. The 9-3 Convertible appeared in 2004, followed by the SportCombi wagon in 2006. In 2005, Vector models were renamed Aero.In 2006, the base Linear trim level and its weak motor were dropped, while the Arc was renamed 2.0T and gained the 210-hp engine as standard. The Aero received the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 that year. All 9-3s got an interior freshening for '07, including less bizarre climate and audio controls. The all-wheel-drive Aero sedan and wagon arrived for 2008, along with the limited "turbo X" edition.
Saab 9-3 Vector 1.9 TiDS Steptronic Full Review,Start Up, Engine, and In Depth Tour
The front-wheel-drive 9-3 does not feel state of the art from behind the wheel. It was facelifted in 2007, but as the company points out the 9-3 has a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, there really was no need to change its underpinnings. However, although it is comfortable enough, there's no disputing the fact that rivals offer great handling and better body control. Mechanically though, there is a highlight -- the twin-turbo 1.9-litre TTiD. The smaller turbocharger minimises lag and provides great throttle response, while the larger one helps it produce 400Nm and 178bhp. It's smoother than the single-turbo 1.9-litre TiD, but can still get raucous when pushed hard. As with all Saabs, the manual gearshift is rubbery, too. The four-cylinder petrol alternatives are feeling their age now, but the 2.8-litre V6 turbo is an impressive performer.
Marketplace
The facelifted 9-3 is very much of the nip and tuck variety. The biggest changes came at the front, with a distinctive eyebrow light across the top of the main lamp. Elsewhere, there's a cleaner look, and the new 'ice-white' tail lamps are stylish. Offered in saloon and Sport Wagon estate guises, the Saab offers a less expensive premium alternative to a BMW 3-Series or Audi A3. A line-up of fleet-focused Airflow, Linear SE and Vector Sport models are easy to follow, but while there's a large range of engines, it's the TiD 120 and 150 units that sell most strongly.
Owning
A new interior in 2006 still didn't raise quality levels to the standards of rivals, and while it did reduce the button-count, some of the switchgear still appears dated. The soft seats offer excellent long-distance comfort though, and ergonomically, the safe Saab is intuitive to use. Furthermore, while rear legroom is not particularly generous, the saloon's boot is decent and the Sport Wagon's cargo area is well thought out. Cleverly, the middle section of the floor can be folded upwards and used to prevent shopping bags from sliding around. Equipment levels also impress, and the 1.9-litre diesel variants prove economical -- more so than the slightly thirsty petrol units. Where the Saab's sub-premium status shows is in retained values, though. They're simply not as good as those of its German competitors. With so many entry-level luxury car choices from Germany, Japan and America, it's easy to overlook the Swedish Saab 9-3. But the truth is, the Saab 9-3 could be a great match for buyers looking for a spacious, safe and comfortable automobile with a proven safety record and a distinctly modern attitude.
Today's 9-3 lineup is the latest in Saab's long line of near-luxury cars dating back to the 1970s. Offered in a variety of body styles, with abundant cargo space and frugal yet powerful engines, it has always represented a competitively priced, character-laden alternative to the me-too near-luxury offerings from other manufacturers.
Though the unique and practical 9-3 hatchbacks were discontinued after the 2002 model year, the 9-3 family continues to be offered in multiple body styles: a four-door sedan, two-door convertible and four-door wagon, the latter called "SportCombi." All utilize small-displacement, turbocharged engines that extract big power while salvaging respectable fuel economy. Recent examples have been made available with V6s as a step up from one of Saab's traditionally lively four-cylinders. Furthermore, the Saab 9-3 tends to be priced aggressively, at least in sedan and wagon form. Convertible models have always been a bit less of a bargain.
Among the Saab 9-3's chief shortcomings are its lower performance thresholds and somewhat cut-rate interior in comparison with German and Japanese competitors. Still, it remains a good bet for near-luxury car shoppers seeking something different in a class of look-alikes.Today's Saab 9-3 is sold in three body styles: sedan, SportCombi wagon and convertible. Sedan and SportCombi models feel spacious, with low floors, upright windows and seating for five, though three in the rear seat can be tight. Legroom in particular is a sore spot. Convertible models have a rear seat for two adults of small-to-average size. Cargo room in all models is generous.
Mathis Mobiler Traum - Saab 9-3 Cabriolet
Der Welt bester Mathis unterwegs im schönen Schweden, standesgemäß mit einem skandinavischen Auto, dem Saab 9-3 Cabriolet.
Fatal high speed police chase - Unmarked SAAB 9-5 Aero vs Kawasaki ZX-10R *Translated*
***EDIT This video doesn´t show the crash! At 47:57 the chopper report the bike has wrecked. There is no pics of the bike after the crash in this video. Subtitles is only availible first 20 minutes.
This guy did only have license to drive cars, caught riding a bike can result in a 6 month ban. Speeding at 81 km/h over the limit (and more) will revoke your license for 8 month. Bottom line, many riders going fast on 1000cc sportbikes will run. Choppers are used rarely to catch speeders***
Stockholm, Sweden.
A Kawasaki ZX-10R fly by an unmarked SAAB. The biker has no mirrors and ain´t aware of he is being followed by the police.
At 14.30 the bike starts to pick up the pace.
At 17.10 he looks back and guns it. Soon he is gone and this unit doesn´t have the bike insight again. Although the bike is far away this unit continues to chase him for 30 minutes. More than 20 unites including a chopper were involved in this chase.
A heating debate started in Sweden if police acting appropriate due to the fact this was only a traffic violation. The biker died in the end when he slammed into a road barrier, the passenger didn´t suffer any injuries. The rider was just a regular chap going out for a ride on his ZX-10R equipped with a Racefit Growler
Nothing happens in the last 20 minutes, just radio traffic
Saab 9-3 Epic Race Preview
This is a preview of an upcoming film by my friends and I. A Saab 9-3 Vector faces off against a Haro Sonix LT mountain bike in an epic, Top Gear style race. The car travels a windy road route, while the bike rides on a more direct trail across the desert. Stay tuned for the full race... here is the preview to get you excited!
2006 Saab 9-3 SID and Audio System
This Saab has the 1st generation dashboard. It has the Saab Information Display (SID) on top of the dashboard. The radio has a different interface and the HVAC controls are full of buttons. I demonstrate some unique features such as Traffic Program, Automatic Station tuning mode, and how to use the control knob for the trip computer.
2003 Saab 9-3 Seattle WA
We are proud to present this 2003 Saab 9-3 2.0T. Please visit our website at http://www.toyotaofkirkland.com and if you have any questions you can always call us at 800.313.9329.
We've been honored to serve the Kirkland WA area, we promise that your experience at our dealership will exceed your expectations!
Year: 2003
Make: Saab
Model: 9-3
Engine: 2.0L I4 turbo
Trans.: 5 Spd Manual
Exterior: Black
Miles: 42,023
Interior: Beige
Toyota of Kirkland
800.313.9329
http://www.toyotaofkirkland.com
12612 NE 124th Street
Kirkland, WA 98034
Used 2003 Saab 9-3 Seattle WA
Saab 9-3 2003-2006 AWESOME cars
None of these cars are mine, and most of the pictures are taken from Garaget.org. Please enjoy the pictures and the music.
LINK to the car at 0:29 and 0:34 = http://www.garaget.org/?car=209998
Please comment and like my video :)
Music: Pendulum - Encoder
2004 Saab 9-3 Aero SS 0-60
Another 0-60 test on my 2004 Saab 9-3 Aero SS. This is the 2.0 Liter DOHC turbo 4 cylinder. This time I brake torqued vehicle to 2400 rpm to help improve launch. Car all stock besides a BSR Optiflow Intake. Ran it all the way to 75 as that's my typical highway cruising speed. Looks to be in the 6.9-7.2 sec range to 60 which is exactly where my car should be. Doing this test to see how my car will do stock and how compare it to a run with a BSR stage 1 PPC.
Saab 9-3 2.0 Turbo 240hp In Taiwan
Saab 2.0 turbo渦輪增壓引擎,一直是汽車史上最傑出耐用,性能效率最高的汽車引擎,在現代化科技的精密突破下,締造出時下最強240匹馬力的空前水準,大大超越所有高級豪華車的性能。這部全新2010年式Saab性能勁駒9-3 Vector 2.0 turbo,馬力由原先210匹提高到240匹,扭力則從30.6公斤米,大幅躍進到35.7公斤米,為當今最強性能王。
2007 Saab 9-3 Aero: 13.404 @ 107.950
Brian Blair (VTuner), Engine: 2.8T, Supercharger: NA Turbos: MHI TD04-HLB Super 19T Tires: General Exclaim UHPs 235/45-17s