First Drive: 2008 Saab 9-3, Saab 9-7X Aero

Saab surprised us at last week’s event, not with tremendous new offerings, but with slightly altered versions of existing models. Even more surprising was the fact that we were impressed by the cosmetically altered 9-3 sedan and wagon, and not so much by the powerful V-8 engine that was added to the new 9-7X Aero SUV.

2008 Saab 9-3

The 9-3’s svelte exterior and Euro-cockpit dashboard are all business, with plenty of straightforward controls and, improbably, an SUV-sized glove compartment. GM had a couple versions to test out; even with the base turbo four-cylinder and an automatic, the car moves about as quickly as an Acura TSX. The SportCombi wagon with the turbo V-6 and a manual transmission proved entertainingly quick, though the stick shift is a bit clunky for an entry-luxury car. Then again, you can’t have everything when your car starts five grand less than most competitors. — Kelsey Mays, Cars.com reviewer                     

2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan, SportCombi, Convertible Revealed

Last month we got a glimpse of the new Saab 9-3. Now, the Swedish automaker has revealed a slew of new images of all three models (a full gallery is linked below) in advance of a late-summer on-sale date. The biggest change is a more aggressive front end, centered around a new grille that’s based on the futuristic Aero X concept from last year’s auto show circuit. Check out the huge trapezoids around those fog lights!

Around back, the sedan and convertible have new, darkly outlined taillights that are unique/unusual depending on your taste. The sedan and SportCombi also sport new doors and body-colored door handles. There are also new wheels. Most remains the same inside, except the color palette has gotten darker, changing from gray to black.

Under the hood, the V-6 turbo gets a boost of power, to 255 hp from 250 hp. The base turbo four-cylinder remains the same; it’s still rated at 210 hp. 2008 mileage figures were not released. A revised all-wheel-drive system will be available later this year called XWD. The V-6 turbo in the Aero XWD models will get 280 hp.

Updated: The new 9-3 line will be in showrooms this September with the 9-3 Aero XWD arriving in calendar year 2008.

2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan, SportCombi Photo Gallery
2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Photo Gallery

Volvo C70 and Saab 9-3 Earn First-Ever Top Safety Pick Designation for Convertibles

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its first crash tests of convertible models. Two of the 10 cars tested earned the organization’s Top Safety Pick designation: the Volvo C70 and the Saab 9-3. What was on the opposite side of the spectrum? The Pontiac G6 convertible scored only an Acceptable grade in frontal crashes and Marginal in side- and rear-impact tests.

Most surprising were the low side-impact scores registered by the all-new BMW 3 Series convertible and the Audi A4 Cabriolet (convertible). Both cars received marginal side-impact scores even though they’re both equipped with seat-mounted head and torso airbags. They also received poor grades in rear crash tests. For a full chart of the results, click below. 

2008 Saab 9-3 Gets Aero X Face-Lift

It seems everyone loved last year’s Saab Aero X concept car so much that the company is adding elements of its design to current products, including the 2008 9-3 lineup. The Saab 9-3 sedan, wagon — called the SportCombi — and convertible will all receive the new, aggressive front-end treatment along with minor door and rear-end tweaks.

The new 9-3s go on sale this fall. The company says there will be improved performance but has offered no details of what’s changed underneath the skin.

Source: GM

More 2008 Saab 9-3 Photos