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Hi All, I finally had the opportunity to test drive a new 9-3 Vector 6 speed this weekend. This was the first Vector delivered to this dealer and lucky me, I was the first to drive it. I was very impessed. My comments:
1. Interior: I've read a few posts about the low-rent interior. Well, certain pieces, in my opinion, are OK (ie, stalks)but questionable on a car of this price level and some are really poor -- ie, steering column adjustment lever feels like it was pulled of an entry level Saturn. Maybe that's OK as you adjust it infrequently, but items like that can use improvement.
Seats: after sitting on a set of Recaros for the past 10 years (Jetta GLI), the Vector seats are equally comfortable and very supportive.
Various bits of trim (ie, doors). Hard plastic is a bit strange, maybe the intent was a "techno and stark" look; maybe it's a bit chintzy for this price range but it doesn't offend me at all.
2. Engine : marvelous, silky smooth, torquey. I expected less than the torque and smoothness from a friend's Audi TT 225hp, but this engine is right up there. Nice job, Saab.
3. Transmission: shifted very nicely, crisply. No complaints.
4. Chassis: stable, flat, responsive. Ride was very comfortable, and it absorbed some rather large bumps quite well (must have plenty of wheel travel). Some have noted that the car was very stiff, but maybe coming out of my previous rides (aforementioned Jetta GLI and Mazda RX7 Turbo) this car rides very well.
Comparing the interior to the 330i and A4 there are many areas that Saab could have put a bit more money into, but I tend to think they've done a fabulous job with the important stuff -- engine, gearbox, chassis dynamics, etc -- it's not a living room after all!
posted by 65.144.209...
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