Sales in the UK are through the roof, there's a diesel available and a biofuel (ethanol) car is popular in Sweden. Costs are under control, more models are filtering though and the Swedish outfit looks like going into the black soon.
It would be handy tapping into GM "the world" for what you need to produce cars.
The latest Saab 9-3 Aero fully capitalises on this global "blessing".
The chassis is from Opel, engine from Holden, auto gearbox from Aisin in Japan, turbo from Mitsubishi, and the whole box and dice is put together in Sweden. Talk about a hybrid and I don't mean petrol/electric.
In a departure from previous high perform- ance 9-3 Saabs the new Aero runs a V6 engine, not a four pot.
Turbo charging remains part of the equation as does taut dynamics, big wheels and brakes and more than a little luxury.
Two models are offered: a four door sedan and the sexy convertible both with the same powertrain.
The engine is a 2.8-litre version of Holden's Alloytech 3.6 but there the similarity ends. It is a far better mouse-trap than the 3.6 donk offering strident performance, a stirring exhaust note and gratifying response straight out of the blocks.
The six speed auto transmission further improves matters but is let down by misplaced sequential change buttons on the steering wheel. It goes better in D anyway.
A six speed manual is also available.
Drive is through the front wheels, tamed by various electronic systems including electronic stability program (ESP).
The 9-3 has a five star crash test rating including the convertible which was the first drop top to be so highly rated.
Performance is impressive from the 184kW/ 350Nm V6 which features a water cooled, twin scroll turbo charger _ one scroll per cylinder bank. There is no turbo lag and maximum torque comes in at around 2000rpm. The all alloy engine also has variable valve timing.
At 6.7 seconds for the 0-100kmh sprint, this is the fastest accelerating Saab ever.
It is also one of the best mannered thanks to subtle refinements to the chassis, suspension, steering and brakes.
Mindful of the type of person who'd buy an Aero, the new model has high thresholds of electronic intervention. In other words, the ABS for example doesn't intervene too early to over-ride a driver's skill.
The car actually looks similar to the previous model but has wide spaced, big bore dual exhausts and other minor body alterations. It's a good looker and practical too with plenty of room for four adults even in the soft top convertible.
The interior is mildly revised too with a cockpit style console surrounding the driver and comfy seats in leather of course.Creature comforts are extensive and include heated seats, an impressive audio system and park assist, glovebox cooler, rain sensing wipers to name a few.
The new Aero is great from behind the wheel rewarding drivers with pin sharp responses and a feeling of solidity lacking in previous Aeros. It has incredible grip in corners and sits flat while absorbing road irregularities. The steer- ing is quick and the brakes are powerful.
Exterior styling is toned down from Aeros of the past but still looks sporty and classy but where is the rear wing?
Prices start at $69,990 for the manual sedan rising to a heady $92,400 for the auto convertible.
Saab 9-3 2005: Aero
| Engine Type | Turbo V6, 2.8L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 0.0L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 4 |
| Price From | $9,130 - $12,870 |
