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2003 Saab 9-3 Near Luxury Compact Sports Sedan
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Engine Performance
There are two engine options for the 2003 Saab 9-3. Both are 2.0-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engines.
The 2.0T light-pressure turbo generates 175-horespower. The 9-3 2.0T high-pressure turbo provides an additional 35-horspower for a total of 210. We recommend the 210-horsepower 9-3 2.0T, not because it's fun for racing around, but because it provides very good over all performance. The added horsepower provides better acceleration for getting out of the way of a dangerous situation. And it's just more fun and worth the extra money.
Two transmissions are offered: a Sentronic 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. If you choose the Sentronic you can still change gears yourself. For even more fun get the 9-3 with the optional steering wheel mounted gear change controls.
Ride and Handling
The 2003 9-3 is much more responsive to driver input than the previous model. Its ride is smooth and comfortable without isolating the driver from the road.
Driving the 2003 Saab 9-3 sedan through the valleys and rolling hills of Napa, California's wine country, was a real treat. This is the kind of driving the car was designed for – weekend drives on winding county or mountain roads. In the mountains, the 9-3 becomes as much a toy as transportation. The handling is much improved over the previous 9-3 helped by the car's much lighter weight.
There was plenty of power for good acceleration. Good acceleration from corner to corner in tight turns, and a very advanced braking system, make the vehicle nimble. Passing other cars on the highway was easy. The high-pressure Turbo engine is the best choice in this vehicle if you want near-BMW ride, handling and performance without the BMW price tag.
Safety
The new 9-3 is definitely a Swedish product. With that comes the Swede's attention to safety. And the 9-3 is safer than a lot of vehicles on the market.
The 2003 Saab 9-3 has the company's second generation Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR) system. Whiplash, or soft-tissue neck injuries, occur when the head is thrown forward, then backward, violently in a rear end collision. Ouch! This simple mechanical system helps to prevent that type of injury by keeping the neck and head from moving backward as much as possible. When the occupant's lower back is pushed into the seat during the initial impact of a collision, the head restraint moves forward meeting the head, preventing the neck from hyper extension. The system even helps those people who don't have the head restraint set at the correct height.
The 2003 9-3 comes with the usual array of airbags expected in a European sport sedan. There are dual stage driver- and front-passenger airbags. This is the first Saab sedan to feature a roof-mounted, side, head-curtain airbag protecting both the front and rear passengers in the event of a side impact crash.
The 2003 Saab 9-3 has one of the strongest safety structures, a steel chassis inside the body to reinforce it.
OnStar – GM's concierge service -- is available as an option. When functioning properly, this system features the automatic dispatch of rescue services in crashes where the airbag is deployed. Once engaged an OnStar representative attempts to make contact with the vehicle to ascertain the condition of the driver and passengers so the proper services are dispatched. This provides occupant protection before and after the fact. With OnStar one can also order flowers, locate restaurants and obtain assistance with many other things.
