| Manufacturer | Saab Automobile |
|---|---|
| Production | 1998–2011 |
| Predecessor | Saab 900 |
| Class | Compact executive car, Hot hatch, Sports sedan[1] |
The Saab 9-3 was a compact executive car produced by the automaker Saab in Trollhättan, Sweden from 1998. The convertible (cabriolet) version was manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr until 2010, when it was moved to Trollhättan. The 9-3 shares its GM Epsilon platform with the Opel Vectra, and with the Cadillac BLS, which was made on the same assembly line up until 2009 in Sweden. The 9-3 is currently Saab's entry-level model; between 2005 and 2006 in North America, the Subaru Impreza-based Saab 9-2X was its entry-level model.
Contents |
The car was badged as 93 starting in the 1999 model year, when they revised the naming strategy of their small car to match that of the larger 95 . Saab consistently advertises it as 9-3, pronounced as "nine three". The Saab 9-3 was launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year essentially as a rebadged 2nd Generation Saab 900 (1994-1998 model), and succeeded by a redesigned 9-3 for the 2003 model year. It is not to be confused with the Saab 93, pronounced "ninety three", which was a car produced by Saab from 1955 to 1960.
| Production | 1998–2002 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Trollhättan, Sweden (3-door Coupé and 5-door hatchback) Uusikaupunki, Finland (Valmet Automotive) (1999-2003 convertible and Viggen) |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 3-door coupé 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | GM2900 platform |
| Engine | 2.0 L B204 I4 2.0 L B205 I4 2.0 L B205R I4 2.3 L B235R I4 2.2 L Turbodiesel I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,605 mm (102.6 in) |
| Length | 1999-2000 Viggen & 2001-02: 4,630 mm (182.3 in) 1999-2000: 4,628 mm (182.2 in) 2001-02 Viggen: 4,640 mm (182.7 in) |
| Width | 1,712 mm (67.4 in) |
| Height | 5-door: 1,427 mm (56.2 in) Convertible: 1,422 mm (56.0 in) 2001-02 Viggen Hatchback: 1,415 mm (55.7 in) 2001-02 Viggen Convertible: 1,410 mm (55.5 in) |
| Related | Opel Vectra Saab 9-5 Saturn L-Series |
The first generation 9-3, a substantially improved 'new-generation' Saab 900 was launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year. Saab claimed that 1,100 changes were made, including a revised suspension in an attempt to tighten up the handling characteristics of its predecessor, the Saab 900 (1994-1998 model).[2] It featured slightly sleeker styling with some models sporting a black rear spoiler and removed Saab's trademark centrally-mounted "snow flap". It was available as a three or five-door hatchback, and as a two-door convertible. It was the last small Saab to use the company's H engine. Notable improvements over the Saab 900 were improved ride and handling and substantially improved crash-worthiness with standard side impact airbags with head protection and active headrests. The Saab 9-3 along with the Saab 9-5 and the Volvo S70 were the first cars in the world to earn the maximum score in a side impact augmented by a pole test based on Euro NCAP testing. The 9-3 continued the Saab safety tradition of performing a Moose Test.
The 9-3 was available with a new variant of the B204 engine (B204E, 154 hp (115 kW)), a low pressure turbo (LPT) engine based on the B204L used in the last generation Saab 900. For the U.S. market, all 9-3s were turbocharged petrol engines with the "full pressure turbo" (B204L, 185 hp (138 kW)) as the standard offering, and a "HOT" (B204R, 200 hp) variant in the SE models for the 1999 model year. The 2000 model year saw a revision from SAAB's Trionic 5 to Trionic 7 engine management system. The first generation 9-3 was also the first Saab available with a diesel engine, an Opel sourced engine shared with the Opel Vectra.
A Saab innovation is the 'Night Panel', carried over from the Saab 900, which permits dousing of the instrument panel lighting, except for essential information, for less distraction when night driving.
A total of 326,370 first generation 9-3s were built.
1999-2002 Saab 9-3 Consumer Guide Expert Rating Summary[3]
| Category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Performance | 7 |
| Fuel Economy | 5 |
| Ride Quality | 5 |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 |
| Quietness | 5 |
| Controls/Materials | 6 |
| Interior Room | 7 |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 |
| Value within Class | 4 |
| Total Score | 58 |
Competitor scores out of 100 (from about the same years):
A high-powered version of the Saab 9-3 was the 'Viggen' (English: Thunderbolt). It was named after the Saab 37 Viggen aircraft. It is no longer in production due to the 9-3 hatchback body style ending after 2002.
It came with a turbocharged 2.3 L engine, (B235R) giving 225 bhp (168 kW; 228 PS) later 230 bhp (172 kW; 233 PS) on 20 psi (1.4 bar) of boost from its Mitsubishi TD04-HL15-5 turbocharger. Acceleration from 0–62 mph could be reached in 6.4 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (249 km/h). To handle the high power and performance the following elements were changed/modified:
To enable the front tires to cope with the amount of torque available, the maximum torque was electronically limited.
4600 Viggens were manufactured, of which only 500 units were produced for the UK market.
Production summary
Total: 4600 cars
Complements of SAAB USA:
These numbers represent the total number of each body style Viggen imported into the USA:
In 1999, the Viggen was the first 9-3 to use Saab's Trionic 7 engine management system, which processes 2 million calculations every second analysing combustion temperature, boost control, variable torque curves and many other critical engine processes. In addition, the 2001 model year introduced a Traction Control System (TCS) to the Viggen.
In addition to extra power and torque, it also featured a special rear wing (increasing the downforce by 50%) requiring relocation of the radio antenna, aerodynamically designed bumpers and side skirts reducing the drag coefficient by 8%, specially bolstered and colored leather seats (available in four colors: black with black inserts (charcoal), black with blue inserts (deep blue), black with orange inserts (flame ochre), and tan with tan inserts), sportier suspension, bigger wheels, upgraded brakes, and other upgraded parts.
The Viggen was only available with a five speed manual transmission, CD player, power moonroof, and (what were initially) Viggen-specific motorised and heated leather seats with the Viggen delta logo embossed in the backrest; these were later also available in the Aero model (U.S. market 'SE' model) without the embossed Viggen logo. Some colors featured carbon-fibre interior trim from its introduction to the middle of the 2001 model year, when Saab substituted a less expensive printed gray pattern for the dash and standard trim for everything else.
New Viggen buyers in the USA were treated to two days of advanced driving instruction at Road Atlanta and dined with Saab USA executives from nearby Norcross, Georgia. This programme, operated by Saab and Panoz, was called Viggen Flight Academy and later transformed into the current SAAB Aero Academy.
Some motoring journalists were critical of untamed torque steer in low gears.[4] Although the torque steer can be nearly eliminated through the use of a steering rack brace, also called a "Viggen Rescue Kit" available through a few aftermarket vendors.
Other than the diesel engines, all the first generation engines were versions of the Saab H engine. Other than the Saab 9-5, the first generation 9-3 was the last to utilise this all Saab engine design. All versions of this engine feature a DOHC 16-valve design with Saab's Saab Direct Ignition. All turbocharged engines utilise Saab's Trionic engine management system which works hand in hand with the Direct Ignition's IDM module (mounted to the top of the engine, directly engaging the sparkplugs). The later two technologies were migrated into other GM products during the ten years that GM controlled Saab. All of the engines, other than the normally aspirated version and the low-pressure turbo, had high specific power outputs. The B205R generated 102.5 horsepower (76.4 kW) per litre, which exceeds the specific output of the 32-valve V8 engine in an Audi RS4, which generates 100 horsepower (75 kW)/l. The B235R from the Viggen generated 252 lb·ft (342 N·m) of torque, which is only 10 lb·ft (14 N·m) less than an E46 BMW M3. Saab's 'EcoPower' philosophy incorporates high power and torque output when it is needed, while also delivering good fuel economy and low emissions.
| Engine | Torque | Power | Compression ratio | Boost pressure | Model Years Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B204i: | 177 N·m (131 lb·ft) @ 4300 rpm | 130 hp (97 kW) @ 5500 rpm | 10.1:1 | - | 1999 |
| B204E: | 219 N·m (162 lb·ft) @ 3600 rpm | 154 hp (115 kW) @ 5500 rpm | 9.2:1 | 0.40 bar (5.8 psi) | 1999 |
| B204L: | 263 N·m (194 lb·ft) @ 2100 rpm | 185 hp (138 kW) @ 5500 rpm | 9.2:1 | 0.73 bar (10.6 psi) | 1999 |
| B204R: | 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 2200 rpm | 200 hp (150 kW) @ 5500 rpm | 9.2:1 | 1.00 bar (14.5 psi) | 1999 |
| B235R: | 342 N·m (252 lb·ft) @ 1950 rpm | 225 hp (168 kW) @ 5500 rpm | 9.25:1 | 1.08 bar (15.7 psi) | 1999–2002 |
| B205E: | 240 N·m (180 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm | 150 hp (110 kW) @ 5500 rpm | 9.2:1 | 0.40 bar (5.8 psi) | 2000–2002 |
| B205L: | 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm | 185 hp (138 kW) @ 5500 rpm | 9.2:1 | 1.00 bar (14.5 psi) | 2000–2002 |
| B205R: | 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm | 205 hp (153 kW) @ 5500 rpm | 9.2:1 | 1.00 bar (14.5 psi) | 2000–2002 |
| 2.2TiD: | 150 hp (110 kW) | ||||
| 2.2TiD: | 125 hp (93 kW) |
Notes:
| Production | 2002–2011 |
|---|---|
| Assembly |
Trollhättan, Sweden (sedan 2002-, wagon 2005- and convertible 2010-) |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FF layout (2002-) F4 layout (2008-) |
| Platform | GM Epsilon platform |
| Engine | 1.8L Ecotec I4 16 valve 2.0L Ecotec I4 Turbocharged 2.8L LP9 V6 24 valve Turbocharged 1.9L I4 Turbodiesel 8 & 16 valve 2.2L I4 Turbodiesel 16 valve |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed "sentronic" automatic 6-speed "sentronic" automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,675 mm (105.3 in) |
| Length | 2003-07 Sedan: 4,635 mm (182.5 in) 2008-Present Sedan: 4,646 mm (182.9 in) 2003-07 Convertible: 4,633 mm (182.4 in) 2008-2009 Convertible: 182.9 in (4,646 mm) 2003-09 Turbo X & Wagon: 4,653 mm (183.2 in) 2010-Present Wagon: 183.9 in (4,671 mm) & 184.6 in (4,689 mm) |
| Width | 2010-Present: 70.9 in (1,801 mm) 2008-09 Sedan: 1,753 mm (69.0 in) 2010-Present Convertible: 70.1 in (1,781 mm) 2008-09 Convertible: 1,760 mm (69.3 in) Turbo X & Wagon: 1,763 mm (69.4 in) |
| Height | 2003-07 Sedan: 1,443 mm (56.8 in) 2008-Present Sedan: 1,450 mm (57.1 in) 2003-07 Convertible: 1,433 mm (56.4 in) 2008-present Convertible: 56.6 in (1,438 mm) 2003-07 Wagon: 1,540 mm (60.6 in) 2008-Present Turbo X & Wagon: 1,496 mm (58.9 in) 2010-Present Wagon: 60.2 in (1,529 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2008-2009: 1,410 to 1,690 kg (3,109 to 3,726 lb)[5] |
| Related | BAW C60 Fiat Croma Cadillac BLS Chevrolet Malibu Opel Signum Opel Vectra Saturn Aura |
The second-generation model was launched at the North American International Auto Show in early 2002 for the 2003 model year. The new 9-3, like all Saabs, remained a front-wheel drive car. The most drastic change from the former generation was the elimination of the hatchback design. The second-generation 9-3 is available as a four-door sedan, a wagon (introduced late in 2005, known as the SportCombi, SportWagon or Sport-Hatch depending on the markets), and a two-door convertible. It includes a number of safety features, including innovations such as Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR II) to reduce whiplash and ReAxs, a passive rear wheel steering design and passive toe-in to help reduce understeer under heavy braking.
The new 9-3 departed from the EcoPower engine used previously for a new 2.0 L straight-4 engine derived from General Motors' Ecotec family for the petrol powered models. There are three different versions of the turbocharged I4, with the amount of turbo boost determining the power output. The 150 hp (110 kW) version (though two litre, it is called 1.8t) was standard in the non-U.S. market Linear form (trim-level). The 175 horsepower (130 kW) version (2.0t) was standard in U.S. market Linear or non-U.S. market Vector form, mated with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed 'Sentronic' which is a traditional automatic, not to be confused with SAAB's earlier 'Sensonic' which was a manual transmission which allowed for shifting without a clutch pedal. The 210 horsepower 2.0T (B207R engine) was available in both the Arc and Vector forms, (and Aero in the UK), and the automatic transmission was available, though in the Vector, paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel were added. In 2003 Arcs and Vectors, the manual transmission was a 6-speed.
The 9-3 and the Opel Vectra were the first of the global GM Epsilon platform, which was then lengthened to accommodate four new cousins, the Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, the Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura. A proprietary fiber-optic electric/electronic system, the possibility of AWD (exploited from 2008 on, dubbed Saab XWD), and ReAxs as described above, are just a few of the features exclusive to the 9-3.
Supposedly due to a request from Vector Aeromotive, the Vector form was replaced with the Aero in the United States. In addition, the Arc received the 5-speed manual in place of the 6-speed.
United States versions were sold with 16" wheels standard (17" for the Aero) unlike the 15" wheels which were previously found in the Linear version. In the United States, but not in most countries, the 2005 was the last year of the Linear and Arc versions.
A special "20 Years Edition Aero Convertible" for the American market was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006 to celebrate 20 years since the introduction of the Saab 900 convertible. For 2006, the two optional engines were a 2.0 litre turbo 4 cylinder and a new 2.8 litre turbo 6 cylinder. The 4 cylinder option had 12.3 psi maximum turbo boost pressure and turned out 210 hp (160 kW), while the 6 cylinder had 8.7 psi boost and turned out 250 hp (190 kW). The 2.0 litre 16 valve turbo 4 cylinder model was marketed in the United States as the 2.0T, replacing the Linear and Arc models sold until the 2005 model year. The United States 2.0T version was similar to the 2005 Arc except for U.S. Linear wheels were used. The Linear and Arc versions continued to be sold in most other countries. In the middle of the 2006 model year, at least for cars made for the United States market, the trunk release button on the driver's door was eliminated, possibly to save costs. Cars made in the first half of 2006 have the trunk release mechanism mounted on the driver's door. After it was eliminated, the only way to open the trunk is to use the key fob (and the emergency release located inside the trunk for use by people who climb into the trunk ).
The dashboard was completely revamped for 2007, with the Saab Information Display moved from its high mounted position to the main instrument binnacle, and a return to the look of the classic Saab 900 dash. The button-heavy climate control system disappeared, replaced by the Saab 9-5 climate control system, OnStar was re-introduced and required when Nav was ordered in North America, and the corporate GM head unit debuted, which allowed for satellite radio and MP3 CD capability. While the 2008 model is touted as all-new, the majority of under skin enhancements occurred for the 2007 model year. The suspension went from borderline harsh to firm, and the cabin was quieted considerably. Steel Gray was also replaced with Titan Gray as an exterior color choice. In the U.S. market, only the 210 hp 2.0 litre 16 valve turbo engine and the 250 hp 2.8 litre V-6 turbo were available. The manual transmission in the 2.0 model was changed from a 5-speed to a 6-speed.
Saab claims over 2000 changes were made to model year 2008 cars. The 2008 range, first presented at the Saab Festival in Trollhättan, Sweden (June 10, 2007) included new frontal styling inspired by the Saab Aero-X, new door panels, a new clamshell hood, and frosted rear lamps. Slight exterior modifications are available on the limited-edition XWD 280 horsepower (210 kW) 9-3 Turbo X, presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show (9/07).[6] The Turbo X made its North American debut at the New England Auto show in late November.[7] Saab also released an all-wheel drive version of the Aero, with the system dubbed "XWD", in March 2008.
The 2009 9-3 series expands the trim levels while dropping the limited-edition Turbo X[8] sedan and wagon from the lineup. The 2.0T and Aero sedan and wagon models are now available with Saab's all-wheel drive(XWD). The convertible range continues to lack the all-wheel-drive option because of limited under-body space for the necessary componentry due to added structural bracing to compensate for the rigidity lost when eliminating the hard roof from the design of a car. The new Saab 9-3 is virtually unchanged from the 2008 model, which underwent subtle design and performance enhancements.[9] During 2009 the 9-3X was launched at the Geneva auto show. The 9-3X is a four wheel drive XUV version of the 9-3 SportCombi.[10]
The 9-3 received some revisions in 2011 for the 2012 model year before a new 9-3 arrives in late 2012 as a 2013 model. Changes will be in the engine range with a overall reduction in diesel and petrol engine fuel consumption of 12% and 7% respectively.[11] In addition there will be:
Note: diesel engines are not available in North America. Starting from late 2004 diesel engines are Fiat sourced common rail units.
| Model | Years | Engine and type | Displ. | Power | Torque | Turbocharger | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8i | 2004–2009 | I4 16V | Ecotec | 1796 cc | 90 kW (122 PS; 121 hp) @ 5800 rpm | 167 N·m (123 lb·ft) @ 3800 rpm | None |
| 1.8t | 2002–present | I4 16V | Ecotec | 1998 cc | 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) @ 5500 rpm | 240 N·m (180 lb·ft) @ 2000–3500 rpm | Low-pressure |
| 2.0t | 2002–present | I4 16V | Ecotec | 1998 cc | 129 kW (175 PS; 173 hp) @ 5500 rpm | 265 N·m (195 lb·ft) @ 2500–4000 rpm | Mid-pressure |
| 2.0T | 2002–present | I4 16V | Ecotec | 1998 cc | 154 kW (209 PS; 207 hp) @ 5300 rpm | 300 N·m (220 lb·ft) @ 2500–4000 rpm | High-pressure |
| 2.8t V6 | 2005–2007 | V6 24V | LP9 | 2792 cc | 169 kW (230 PS; 227 hp) @ 5500 rpm | 320 N·m (240 lb·ft) @ 1800–4500 rpm | Low-pressure |
| 2.8T V6 | 2005–2007 | V6 24V | LP9 | 2792 cc | 184 kW (250 PS; 247 hp) @ 5500 rpm | 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @ 1800–4500 rpm | High-pressure |
| 2.8T V6 | 2007–2008 | V6 24V | LP9 | 2792 cc | 188 kW (256 PS; 252 hp) @ 5500 rpm | 355 N·m (262 lb·ft) @ 1800–4500 rpm | High-pressure |
| 2.8T V6 | 2008–2010 | V6 24V | LP9 | 2792 cc | 206 kW (280 PS; 276 hp) @ 5500 rpm | 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 2150 rpm | High-pressure |
| 1.8t BioPower | 2007–present | I4 16V | Ecotec | 1998 cc | 129 kW (175 PS; 173 hp) @ 5500 rpm | 265 N·m (195 lb·ft) @ 2500–4000 rpm | Mid-pressure |
| 2.0t BioPower | 2007–present | I4 16V | Ecotec | 1998 cc | 147 kW (200 PS; 197 hp) @ 5500 rpm | 300 N·m (220 lb·ft) @ 2500–4000 rpm | High-pressure |
| 1.9 TiD | 2004–present | I4 8V | Z19DT | 1910 cc | 88 kW (120 PS; 118 hp) @ 4000 rpm | 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 2000–2750 rpm | High-pressure |
| 1.9 TiDS | 2004–present | I4 16V | Z19DTH | 1910 cc | 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) @ 4000 rpm | 320 N·m (240 lb·ft) @ 2000–2750 rpm | High-pressure |
| 1.9 TTiD | 2007–present | I4 16V | Z19DTR | 1910 cc | 132 kW (179 PS; 177 hp) @ 4000 rpm | 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 2000–2500 rpm*1 370 N·m (270 lb·ft) @ 2000–2500 rpm*2 |
High-pressure twin turbo |
| 2.2 TiD | 2002–2004 | I4 16V | D223L | 2171 cc | 92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp) @ 4000 rpm | 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 1500 rpm | High-pressure |
| *1 For vehicles with manual transmission *2 For vehicles with automatic transmission |
|||||||
Saab Turbo X debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. It was made to celebrate SAAB's 30 years of turbocharging. All Turbo X were offered in metallic jet black with matte grey trim. The Turbo X is SAAB's first production car with the XWD all-wheel drive system from Haldex Traction and eLSD. It is powered by a 2.8 litre V6 producing 280 PS (210 kW)mated to a six speed manual or automatic gearbox. It also has larger brakes as well as stiffer springs and shocks. The dash, shift lever and door panels have carbon fiber look and the turbo boost gauge draws its inspiration from the Saab 900.[6]
The Saab 9-3 ePower electric car was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Auto Show and became Saab's first electric vehicle. The ePower concept car is based on the 9-3 SportCombi wagon, has a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a top speed of 93 miles per hour (150 km/h), and an estimated driving range of 125 mi (201 km).[19] Saab has scheduled to run a two-year trial with 70 ePower demonstrators in Sweden by late 2011.[20]
In February 2011, Spyker announced that a new version of the 9-3 will be launched in 2012 as a 2013 model[21] based on the Saab Phoenix platform employed in the Saab PhoeniX concept car.[22] The car will also feature the new Saab IQon infotainment system as standard. The car will be designed by Jason Castriota. It will be available as a combi coupé/hatchback, convertible and crossover. Due to the Saab brand going bankrupt there will be no third generation 9-3.[23]
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009
2006
2004
2002
1999
1998
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | |
| Compact | 600* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 99 | 90 | 9-2X | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact executive | 900 | 900 | 9-3 | 9-3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible | 900 | 900 | 9-3 | 9-3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive | 9000 | 9-5 | 9-5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | 9-7X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CUV | 9-3X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9-4X | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||