2011 Saab 9-3 Preview
Highlights:
The Saab 9-3 succeeded the Saab 900 for the 1999 model year. Touted as the "new-generation" model, the automaker claimed more than one thousand changes had been made for the new 9-3. Compared to the outgoing 900, the first-generation 9-3 featured a new suspension and sleek, upgraded styling, but it continued to offer the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine from its predecessor.
The second-generation model debuted for the 2003 model year. It gave up its prominent 5-door hatchback design in favor of a more traditional 4-door sedan configuration. The engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, was sourced from General Motors (Saab's parent company). Saab added a convertible 9-3 model in 2003 and followed up with a "SportCombi" (station wagon) in 2005.
In an effort to return it to the retro-classic appearance of the Saab 900 dashboard, the automaker updated the 9-3's cockpit in 2007 and made changes to improve the model's suspension and interior sound quality. In 2008, the 9-3 received a significant facelift. The styling was updated, the hood and doors were changed, and new engines debuted.
On the heels of an all-new, third-generation Saab 9-3 (expected for the 2012 model year), Saab has made several enhancements to the model for 2011. In addition to a minor facelift, small interior improvements, and new wheels, the engines are upgraded with direct injection (although they continue with a 2.0-liter displacement).
For More Information:
Next Page
- Refreshed for the 2011 model year
- New wheel design
- New front fascia
- Two new trim choices: Vector Griffin and Griffin Aero
- New direct-injected 2.0-liter engines
- Replacement due in 2012
The Saab 9-3 succeeded the Saab 900 for the 1999 model year. Touted as the "new-generation" model, the automaker claimed more than one thousand changes had been made for the new 9-3. Compared to the outgoing 900, the first-generation 9-3 featured a new suspension and sleek, upgraded styling, but it continued to offer the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine from its predecessor.
The second-generation model debuted for the 2003 model year. It gave up its prominent 5-door hatchback design in favor of a more traditional 4-door sedan configuration. The engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, was sourced from General Motors (Saab's parent company). Saab added a convertible 9-3 model in 2003 and followed up with a "SportCombi" (station wagon) in 2005.
In an effort to return it to the retro-classic appearance of the Saab 900 dashboard, the automaker updated the 9-3's cockpit in 2007 and made changes to improve the model's suspension and interior sound quality. In 2008, the 9-3 received a significant facelift. The styling was updated, the hood and doors were changed, and new engines debuted.
On the heels of an all-new, third-generation Saab 9-3 (expected for the 2012 model year), Saab has made several enhancements to the model for 2011. In addition to a minor facelift, small interior improvements, and new wheels, the engines are upgraded with direct injection (although they continue with a 2.0-liter displacement).
For More Information:
- Informationand Ratings for the 2010 Saab 9-3
- Information and Ratings on All SaabModels
- Read More Articles
- View PhotoGalleries
- View Ratings
- FollowJ.D. Power on Twitter
Page 1 of 2
Post a Comment