1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
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Have yet to drive the 9-3SS, but did get to go to the pre-launch party for it out here in Oz - well there was free champers! The car isn't officially launched out here until the Sydney Motor Show this Thursday, but have put my name down for a drive a soon as we get some cars out here. There were two cars at the launch party – an Arc and a Vector. First impressions of them were very, very good. Exterior look very aggressive, especially the sports kit on the Vector. Must admit that I wasn’t a huge fan of the two-tone seats on the Vector, but did like really like the colour of the interior of the Arc (beige leather with lighter colour carpet). The car feels a lot wider that the old 9-3 and makes use of the space very well – especially in the center console.
IMO the interior is miles better than my current 9-3 and liked the little touches like the handbrake and the key (thank god it is in the right place!). The butterfly cup holder looks good from the clips I have seen of it, but for some reason Saab didn’t bother putting in either of the demo cars - I know it is an option, but would surely have impressed some people? Spec looks very impressive and certainly up there with the Germans. One little thing I didn’t like is the lack of carpet or fabric on the underside of the back shelf (the roof of the rear of the book if you like). Having only every had hatchback Saabs not sure if the 9-5 or old 900’s had any covers there or not?
My one real dislike is the shape of the center of the steering wheel. I love the current 9-3’s (smooth and fit in well), but the new one looks too triangular and the buttons look out of place. Maybe it will need getting used to, I mean you will be sat in front of it all the time, but at the moment it just doesn’t do it for me. I do like the sound of the entry level pricing, but checking out the USA web-site can see a lot of extra’s that I’d want that will bump up the price.
Overall I can’t wait to drive it – especially the Vector – and I just hope it lives up to some of the reviews I’ve read of it. My problem is that I really want one, but don’t want to get an early model, as I’d rather wait for Saab to get any problems ironed out. I also tend to get second-hand cars and take advantage of the depreciation so might have to wait 3 years before I can get one ;-(
posted by 203.13.12...
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