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Seems like SAAB thinks of the car as the 9-3S (presumably the S is for Sedan) -- take a close look at the URL below, where "9-3S" is referenced twice. Makes sense in light of the upcoming 9-3X as well.
http://www.saab.com/microsites/9-3S/9-3s.xml?market=GLOBAL&language=en
For what it's worth, I am UNPLEASANTLY surprised by this car. I had high hopes (based on the picture that was leaked two weeks ago) that SAAB would get it right.
--Interior--
A confusing rash of BMW-copycat buttons. Unfortunately, all these identical buttons do nothing to enable the user to decipher or use the controls. What happened to SAAB's famous ergonomics? That bulging SID at the top of the dash looks like something out of a cheesy Pontiac. The steering wheel design looks completely out of sync with the rest of the interior. At least it looks like the Aero will have Viggen seats. I'm also not sure how SAAB can make the dash look any better with things like wood or aluminum trim. Right now, the dash is incredibly plain and cheap looking, but there's no room to enhance it with some nicer materials.
To conclude, it looks like a combination of BMW, Pontiac, and SAAB (in that order).
--Exterior--
Even more disappointing. The bold, wedge-shaped character line that has defined the current 9-3 and 9-5 is gone. The rear lip spoiler looks like an afterthought. They made the mistake of not retaining the clamshell, which was a unique and bold SAAB design trait. The front is boring and bland, easily mistakable for any Japanese boredom-mobile. The rear wheel hubs don't stand out enough from the body of the car. Wheels are nice, though.
To conclude, it looks a bit like a bland Volvo S40 with ground effects, a bit of a SAAB wedge, and an Audi rear end.
--Performance--
Disappointing in the first iteration, but I'm patient for higher performing variants. The rear wheel steering is pretty cool.
--Class comparison--
BMW 3-Series: Prettier car, better performance.
Jaguar X-type: Prettier car, awful performance.
Audi A4: About the same in appearance to the SAAB (both bland). Performance is also close.
Volvo S60: Don't like the look personally, but seems more distinctive than the SAAB. Similarly uninspiring performance.
--Conclusion--
Maybe it will grow on me. Stranger things have happened.
Sieglo
2002 9-5 Aero (Cosmic Blue)
posted by 12.11.1...
, Mon, 13 May 2002 16:57:28
, Mon, 13 May 2002 12:40:26
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