2007 Saab 9-3 Sedan

What's New?
With the demise of the 9-2X, the 9-3 is now the entry-level Saab offering. A redesigned interior features new stereo and climate controls, and a 6-speed manual replaces the 5-speed as the standard transmission on 4-cylinder models. OnStar and XM Satellite Radio both join the features list, as do several new exterior colors.

Overview
For years, "quirky" was the adjective most commonly associated with Saabs, though years of General Motors ownership have seen the Swedish automaker becoming more and more mainstream. Today's Saab 9-3 shares its Epsilon platform with several other GM products, including the European-market Opel Vectra and U.S.-market Saturn Aura and Pontiac G6. Still, Saab's reputation for advanced safety features and turbocharged power remain intact in the 9-3. And yes, the ignition switch is still located between the front seats.

The 9-3 is available as a 4-door sedan, a 2-door convertible, and a 5-door "SportCombi" wagon. All three are available in two trim levels: the 2.0T, with a 210-hp, turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine; and the Aero, with a 250-hp, 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6. The 6-speed manual transmission, standard on last year's Aero model, now comes with both engines; the 2.0T offers an optional 5-speed automatic while the Aero's available automatic gearbox has 6 speeds. Saab has been touting the benefits of front-wheel drive for decades, and here the 9-3 follows tradition.

Standard 9-3 features include alloy wheels, leather seats, automatic climate control (with a chilled glovebox), as well as a host of safety features including front, side, and side curtain air bags; anti-lock brakes; and electronic stability control. Along with the bigger engine, the Aero adds larger (17-inch) alloy wheels, more aggressive body trim, unique seats, XM Satellite Radio, and a pass to attend Saab's two-day Aero Academy performance-driving program at the Road Atlanta racetrack in Georgia.

In addition to the 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage with roadside assistance, Saab features no-cost scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Saab also has a European delivery program whereby owners can pick up their new 9-3 at the factory in Trollhättan, Sweden, or one of 15 other European cities.

The Competition
The Saab 9-3 competes in the Compact Premium Conventional segment, which consists of 15 models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, exterior styling, and quality, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the BMW 3 Series (120,180 units sold), Acura TL (71,348), and Infiniti G35 (60,741). The Saab 9-3 sold 24,133 units in 2006, an increase of 0.1 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Compact Premium Conventional segment include the Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, and Acura TSX. Joining the segment in 2007 is the Lincoln MKZ .