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2009 Saab 9-3 Sedan
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What Changed for 2009:
With its major exterior redesign last year, the Saab 9-3 for 2009 adds a Special Edition Convertible in three metallic colors (expected in dealer showrooms in January 2009), available XWD cross-wheel-drive technology to its 2.0T Sport Sedan and SportCombi models, as well as more power in the form of 280 hp on all V-6 Aero models, new optional Aero-look exterior appearance package for 2.0T Sport models, some interior trim, roof rail and wheel changes, and standard OnStar 8.0 with Turn-by-Turn Navigation (available in late 2008) and Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling. Two new exterior colors are added: Carbon Grey Metallic and Glass Grey Metallic. Grey is also offered as an additional convertible top color choice this year. Saab 9-3 competitors include the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Volvo S60, Volvo V50 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Model Lineup
The 2009 Saab 9-3 lineup includes the 9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-3 SportCombi (wagon) and 9-3 Convertible in 2.0T and Aero models. A Special Edition Convertible bows in early 2009, featuring the 2.0-liter, 210-hp 4-cylinder engine and mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Special Edition droptop comes in three metallic colors: Jet Black, Carbon Grey and Bright Champagne, and includes special content influences from the Turbo X performance model (front bumper design, steering wheel, carbon fiber interior finishes and black floor mats with grey binding). As with the Aero model, the rear of the new Special Edition model sports dual exhaust pipes, an anthracite grey bumper insert, and standard 5-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels.
Other changes to the 9-3 lineup for 2009 include new cross-wheel-drive (XWD) technology standard on Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi models. Standard 9-3 equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control; 8-way power driver’s seat; front side window de-misters; cooled/illuminated glove box; rain-sensing windshield wipers; plush carpeted floor mats; and copious storage space. In the 2.0T, consumers get leather-appointed seats and wood-effect trim and new 17-by-7-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels. The Aero FWD convertible model has 17-by-7.5-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels standard, while 18-inch wheels and performance-rated tires are standard on Aero XWD models. On Aero models, the leather-appointed seats are sport seats with two-tone upholstery. New for 2009, Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi XWD models have the Turbo X-inspired carbon-fiber interior trim.
Options on the 2009 Saab 9-3 include Xenon cornering headlamps (standard on Aero); matte chrome finish roof rails (available on Aero SportCombi); Bose Centerpoint surround sound system (available on 2.0T models); and a 300-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers (available on the Convertible). An Aero-type appearance and performance package, available on 2.0T “Sport” FWD models, includes sport-bolstered seats, metallic interior décor, dual bright-finish tailpipes, sport-tuned chassis, and new 17-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels for a sportier look.
Powertrain
Two turbocharged engines are available for the 2009 Saab 9-3: the 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine on 2.0T models that delivers 210 hp at 5500 rpm and 221 lb.-ft. of torque at 2500 rpm; and the 2.8-liter V-6 Turbo engine on Aero models producing 280 hp at 5500 rpm and 262 lb.-ft. of torque at 2000 rpm for the Aero Convertible and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 2000 rpm for the XWD Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi. All Saab 9-3 models have a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic transmission is available on 2.0T 9-3 FWD models (including Special Edition Convertible) and a 6-speed automatic transmission is available on Aero and 2.0T XWD models.
Saab 9-3 XWD for 2009 features the Haldex Gen 4 XWD technology, a pre-emptive, active-on-demand system that activates only when required, Saab explains. This minimizes the impact on fuel economy while providing a dynamic driving feel, the company says. The system includes two innovative features: pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels to optimize traction at take-off, and an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) permitting variable torque transfer between the rear wheels. The eLSD is standard on Aero XWD and not available on 2.0T models.
Safety
The Saab 9-3 for 2009 includes a long list of standard safety/security features, including: dual adaptive driver and front passenger air bags; torso side-impact air bags in the front seats; Saab Active Head Restraints in the front seats; head/torso side-impact air bags in convertible front seats; front-seat safety belt pre-tensioners and load-limiters; pendulum B-pillar side-impact structure; anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control; electronic stability control; halo remote lighting feature; headlamps with delay (“follow-me-home”) feature; and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. In addition, OnStar 8.0, which includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation (available late 2008), Bluetooth hands-free calling, automatic air bag notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency services, AccidentAssist, roadside assistance and remote door unlock, is standard. Optional Xenon cornering headlamps (standard on Aero) adjust horizontally with the vehicle’s steering for optimum visibility, Saab says.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Saab 9-3 sedan and wagon receive 4 stars in frontal driver and front passenger testing, and in side-impact tests, 5 stars for driver side and 4 stars for rear passenger side testing. The cars received a 4-star rating in the agency’s rollover testing. The Saab 9-3 convertible was not tested. The 2009 Saab 9-3 4-door Sport Sedan, 5-door SportCombi and 2-door Convertible models earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” award in the midsize category. This was the fifth consecutive year the 9-3 family earned that honor.
Technology
A 150-watt, premium 7-speaker audio system with CD player and MP3-compatible auxiliary input jack is standard on 2009 Saab 9-3 2.0T Sedan and Convertible models. On the convertible, a 300-watt, 20-speaker premium audio system is available. A top-of-the-line Bose Centerpoint surround sound system is standard on Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi and available on 2.0T models. XM satellite radio is standard on all models, and comes with a 3-month free trial.
- Special Edition 2.0T Convertible available early 2009
- Saab XWD “cross-wheel-drive” system available on 2.0T models
- Aero models get more powerful 280-hp engine
- Standard electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential on Aero V-6 XWD
- Aero-type appearance/performance package optional on 2.0T “Sport” FWD models
- Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi get carbon-fiber interior finish trim
- Optional matte chrome finish roof rails on Aero SportCombi
- SportCombi receives sleeker roof rail design
- New 17-inch wheels
- Two new exterior colors and one additional convertible top color
- OnStar 8.0 with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Bluetooth hands-free calling
With its major exterior redesign last year, the Saab 9-3 for 2009 adds a Special Edition Convertible in three metallic colors (expected in dealer showrooms in January 2009), available XWD cross-wheel-drive technology to its 2.0T Sport Sedan and SportCombi models, as well as more power in the form of 280 hp on all V-6 Aero models, new optional Aero-look exterior appearance package for 2.0T Sport models, some interior trim, roof rail and wheel changes, and standard OnStar 8.0 with Turn-by-Turn Navigation (available in late 2008) and Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling. Two new exterior colors are added: Carbon Grey Metallic and Glass Grey Metallic. Grey is also offered as an additional convertible top color choice this year. Saab 9-3 competitors include the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Volvo S60, Volvo V50 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Model Lineup
The 2009 Saab 9-3 lineup includes the 9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-3 SportCombi (wagon) and 9-3 Convertible in 2.0T and Aero models. A Special Edition Convertible bows in early 2009, featuring the 2.0-liter, 210-hp 4-cylinder engine and mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Special Edition droptop comes in three metallic colors: Jet Black, Carbon Grey and Bright Champagne, and includes special content influences from the Turbo X performance model (front bumper design, steering wheel, carbon fiber interior finishes and black floor mats with grey binding). As with the Aero model, the rear of the new Special Edition model sports dual exhaust pipes, an anthracite grey bumper insert, and standard 5-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels.
Other changes to the 9-3 lineup for 2009 include new cross-wheel-drive (XWD) technology standard on Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi models. Standard 9-3 equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control; 8-way power driver’s seat; front side window de-misters; cooled/illuminated glove box; rain-sensing windshield wipers; plush carpeted floor mats; and copious storage space. In the 2.0T, consumers get leather-appointed seats and wood-effect trim and new 17-by-7-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels. The Aero FWD convertible model has 17-by-7.5-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels standard, while 18-inch wheels and performance-rated tires are standard on Aero XWD models. On Aero models, the leather-appointed seats are sport seats with two-tone upholstery. New for 2009, Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi XWD models have the Turbo X-inspired carbon-fiber interior trim.
Options on the 2009 Saab 9-3 include Xenon cornering headlamps (standard on Aero); matte chrome finish roof rails (available on Aero SportCombi); Bose Centerpoint surround sound system (available on 2.0T models); and a 300-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers (available on the Convertible). An Aero-type appearance and performance package, available on 2.0T “Sport” FWD models, includes sport-bolstered seats, metallic interior décor, dual bright-finish tailpipes, sport-tuned chassis, and new 17-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels for a sportier look.
Powertrain
Two turbocharged engines are available for the 2009 Saab 9-3: the 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine on 2.0T models that delivers 210 hp at 5500 rpm and 221 lb.-ft. of torque at 2500 rpm; and the 2.8-liter V-6 Turbo engine on Aero models producing 280 hp at 5500 rpm and 262 lb.-ft. of torque at 2000 rpm for the Aero Convertible and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 2000 rpm for the XWD Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi. All Saab 9-3 models have a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic transmission is available on 2.0T 9-3 FWD models (including Special Edition Convertible) and a 6-speed automatic transmission is available on Aero and 2.0T XWD models.
Saab 9-3 XWD for 2009 features the Haldex Gen 4 XWD technology, a pre-emptive, active-on-demand system that activates only when required, Saab explains. This minimizes the impact on fuel economy while providing a dynamic driving feel, the company says. The system includes two innovative features: pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels to optimize traction at take-off, and an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) permitting variable torque transfer between the rear wheels. The eLSD is standard on Aero XWD and not available on 2.0T models.
Safety
The Saab 9-3 for 2009 includes a long list of standard safety/security features, including: dual adaptive driver and front passenger air bags; torso side-impact air bags in the front seats; Saab Active Head Restraints in the front seats; head/torso side-impact air bags in convertible front seats; front-seat safety belt pre-tensioners and load-limiters; pendulum B-pillar side-impact structure; anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control; electronic stability control; halo remote lighting feature; headlamps with delay (“follow-me-home”) feature; and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. In addition, OnStar 8.0, which includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation (available late 2008), Bluetooth hands-free calling, automatic air bag notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency services, AccidentAssist, roadside assistance and remote door unlock, is standard. Optional Xenon cornering headlamps (standard on Aero) adjust horizontally with the vehicle’s steering for optimum visibility, Saab says.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Saab 9-3 sedan and wagon receive 4 stars in frontal driver and front passenger testing, and in side-impact tests, 5 stars for driver side and 4 stars for rear passenger side testing. The cars received a 4-star rating in the agency’s rollover testing. The Saab 9-3 convertible was not tested. The 2009 Saab 9-3 4-door Sport Sedan, 5-door SportCombi and 2-door Convertible models earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” award in the midsize category. This was the fifth consecutive year the 9-3 family earned that honor.
Technology
A 150-watt, premium 7-speaker audio system with CD player and MP3-compatible auxiliary input jack is standard on 2009 Saab 9-3 2.0T Sedan and Convertible models. On the convertible, a 300-watt, 20-speaker premium audio system is available. A top-of-the-line Bose Centerpoint surround sound system is standard on Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi and available on 2.0T models. XM satellite radio is standard on all models, and comes with a 3-month free trial.
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