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2003 Saab 9-3 Near Luxury Compact Sports Sedan
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Changes Over the Previous Model
The Saab 9-3 Sedan is an all new vehicle for 2003. It is the first in a series of new cars to be based on the 9-3 platform. Although the 9-3 is longer, wider and roomier than its predecessor, it is lighter, has dramatically improved handling and better performance than the model it replaces.
Saab has moved the 9-3 upscale with these changes in order to compete with entry-level sport sedan segment leaders such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS and ES 300, Jaguar X Type, Volvo S40 and S60 and the Infiniti G35.
The 2003 9-3 is available in three trim levels, or 'themes' as Saab calls them. Linear is the entry level version. The Arc is the luxury version. The Vector is the 'higher' performance model providing a sportier and more responsive ride and hip styling.
Vehicle Exterior
Saab design has always been interesting, to say the least. People tend to love them, or hate them, with the former being passionately enthusiastic about the styling.
Saabs have distinctive design cues. The grill, with its two small side and single, large split center air intakes, and the shape of the headlights are two such cues.
The downward sweeping rear deck and tailights are also trademark Saab designs. The difference is now it has been refined into a flowing wedge shape with a steeply raked windshield and tapering rear deck. Because of this the 9-3 looks more like a sport coupe than a sedan. This among is the best designs we have seen from Saab, and bodes well for the next redesign of 9-5.
Vehicle Interior
The 9-3's interior design began with the driver. 'Driver focused' design in this case means making the driver feel connected to the vehicle and ready for twisty roads – Saab wanted drivers to have fun when they drove the car. The dashboard has the feel of an airplane cockpit. It wraps around the driver and flows downward to form the center console. The controls are angled so the driver can easily see them. The exception is the Saab Information Display on top of the dashboard, just below the windshield. The display shows information about the entertainment system, heating and air conditioning and data from the trip computer. These controls are all conveniently placed for front passenger use. The steering wheel adjusts for both height and reach.
Located in the center console are the parking brake and gear selector for either the 5-speed automatic, or 6 -speed manual transmissions. The 9-3 includes Saab's trademark center console mounted ignition switch, which is also a feature of the 9-5.
Saab has always had good supportive seats, necessary in a sporty car. All 2003 9-3 models come standard with leather seating surfaces. The entry level Linear has cloth door panels, while the luxury Arc, and sportier Vector, have leather inserts in the doors. The driver and front passenger have a good amount of seat bolstering to keep them in place during spirited driving. However Saab seats are wide enough so that most people will be very comfortable on long drives.
Rear seat passengers have their own heating and air conditioning vents, reading lamps, cup holders and a fold down center armrest with storage. There is a trunk pass-through for skis or other long cargo.
