2003 Saab 9-3 - READ ONLY

185 messages, Last post on Nov 04, 2002 at 6:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Saab 9-3, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Sedan

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#61 of 185 by logic1 Sep 05, 2002 (2:01 pm)
I tried to find an article to link you to, but it is gone. I believe the Nav system will be available on the Arc and Vectra level 9-3s which will come to NA next Spring and Summer respectively. It will not be an option on the Linear which is set to hit the stores soon. With luck you will be able to wait until next Spring. The Arc sounds as though it will be quite a nice package. While I am not necessarily a Nav fan, I really like how well Saab integrated the Nav screen with the rest of the dash.
#62 of 185 SAAB NAV - No Go 4 '03 by larryjor Sep 06, 2002 (11:27 am)
I've contacted SAAB USA twice and, unfortunately, their NAV system will not be available for '03. Too bad because it does look very well integrated in the dash. Ciao, Larry
#63 of 185 a little help here... by beartrax79 Sep 08, 2002 (8:16 pm)
So, what exactly is going to be difference in the 9-3 SptSdn's Arc and Vector models..? I'm having trouble figuring it out. Thanks ahead of time out there...
#64 of 185 Arc vs Vector by rghessel Sep 09, 2002 (6:32 am)
Both the Arc and Vector have the bigger engine (220 HP). My understanding of the differences(which are largely cosmetic) are these: The Arc is more "luxury" oriented, with wood on the dash, leather seats and different wheels. The Vector is more "sport"oriented, with alluminum (probably fake) on the dash, "sport leather seats", different wheels and wider tires.
#65 of 185 then where... by beartrax79 Sep 09, 2002 (2:16 pm)
Then where is the $3K cost increase? If the Arc has a better interior than the Vector, and the only other remaining difference is the 16" to 17" wheels and seats, where does that price increase come from? Is there a suspension change as well?
#66 of 185 by logic1 Sep 09, 2002 (5:32 pm)
I had some trouble getting the SaabUSA build your own function to work correctly. It appears the Vector will have the sports chasis, an 1800 dollar option on the Linear, and the larger wheels. There also appear to be some cosmetic body and interior differences as well.
#67 of 185 okay... by beartrax79 Sep 10, 2002 (5:54 am)
okay... now correct me if I'm wrong here, but the new 9-3 is labeled as a "Sports Sedan", yes? So, why the different sports chassis on the Vector? I also can't get the "view all standard features" window to come up...
#68 of 185 Update on the Navigation system by rghessel Sep 10, 2002 (6:34 am)
Evidently, the Navigation system, which is so frequently pictured in images of the new 2003 Saab 9-3 interior, will not be available until the 2004 model year, in which all the "electronic communications" (like hands-free phone using Bluetooth technology) will be rolled out. I'm bummed, cuz I want all this stuff now!
#69 of 185 beartrax79 by logic1 Sep 10, 2002 (9:30 am)
I agree with the sentiment, but of course the answer is sales volume. A significant number of the buyers want a car that looks and sort of acts like a sports sedan, but would be uncomfortable with one that rides and handles like one. Not unlike an base 3 or C series really. This is one area where maybe Lexus has the better idea. The ES300 is for people who do not really like to drive, the IS300 is for people who do. Saab does not have the $s to have two sedans, so it will need to rely on variations on the theme.
#70 of 185 by magnetophone Sep 10, 2002 (10:34 am)
logic, beartrax, I think it's something else... I was under the impression the reason they are calling it a "Sports Sedan" is to invoke a type of image, not an issue with the suspension. The last Saab 9-3 was not known for being sporty and the name is similar to the Mercedes C-coupe, in that the name is sort of an explanation of what the car is supposed to mean. It's called a "sports sedan" even in England, where it should be called a "sports saloon" if it were an actual type and not a name. Also, it would have to be like "la berlina sportiva" in Italy, and so on... It's more to differentiate the old model than anything. I think the way to look at it is "sporty" and "sportier"