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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#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"
#71 of 185 New 9-3 by onboost91 Sep 10, 2002 (11:06 am)
I was playing around on the 9-3 build site and I made up a Steel Gray Vector and I gotta say...I love the styling! I really can't wait to see one in person. Is Saab planning on releasing an AWD version in the future? The Infiniti G35 is rumoured to be getting AWD at some point and if they price out the same it'll be interesting to compare the two. -Finn
#72 of 185 by magnetophone Sep 10, 2002 (1:20 pm)
onboost, I believe so. It would be a logical choice, because the Epsilon platform it was based on was designed to take AWD easily. My guess it that this capability was designed for Saab and Alfa more so than Chevy and Opel.
#73 of 185 by logic1 Sep 10, 2002 (6:20 pm)
Oh, I think every version of the 9-3 will be sporty compared to most cars. But I would pop the 1.8k for the sports chassis. I believe the awd will be reserved for the 9-3x.
#74 of 185 by onboost91 Sep 11, 2002 (5:02 am)
"I believe the awd will be reserved for the 9-3x." That would be a shame in my opinion. For the money it seems that the new 9-3 would be an excellent choice over the Audi. From the pictures I've seen the 9-3x is a totally different class of vehicle and probably not going to appeal to those looking for stylish, sporty sedan with all weather capabilities (I live in the Northeast and my wife is an awful winter driver).
#75 of 185 Re: Hatchback by dudleyr Sep 11, 2002 (6:20 am)
SAAB could have had their cake and eaten it too. The could have used the exact same body style they have now and still made it a hatchback. Just put the hinges at the top of the rear window instead of the bottom. Sure there may be some reinforcing necessary, but that would be no problem.
#76 of 185 is it so hard? by beartrax79 Sep 11, 2002 (9:58 am)
I have to agree on the sadness over the lack of AWD on the new 9-3. I'd love the sportier pseudo-luxury car with that option. I'm not a big fan of Audi overall (especially with the new booty on the A4 line - it's just hard to look at). A friend of mine has an IS300 that he swears by in winter driving here in Colorado, but I'm just not convinced that RWD will do any good here. Thus, I've began looking at this new 9-3. I've played with the manumatics before and I like it alot (please spare the manual/automatic debate), especially with paddles. So, this leaves the Passat (almost an Audi anyway), the BMWs (too darn expensive), and now the 9-3 in my sights... which is why I'm so curious on the Vector chassis. Is it so hard to ask for a good handling luxury sports sedan that's also good in the snow? Onboost, any clue as to the release of the AWD G35?
#77 of 185 by onboost91 Sep 11, 2002 (10:27 am)
I've been lurking around on the G35 boards in various places and it sounds like the sedan might get AWD in the spring of 2003, around the same time that the 6 speed manual comes out for it. I _really_ like the looks of the Saab, but it might be hard to beat an AWD equipped G35 as an all-weather luxury sport cruiser.