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Dropped my '01 9-5 Aero off for minor service--and the opportunity to check out the new 9-3. First reaction: this is one great looking car, much better than the pictures (especially in black..... oooh, sweet in black). Talked to the sales guy and next thing you know we're off for a test drive. An automatic, low-end model, but still representative. I was very impressed.
- the overall design is very nice, especially the end. Front end has a nice set of curves on the hood, and the rear is made from one piece, giving it a nice clean look
- the center information console is a vast improvement over the SID in the 9-5. Better location, almost in your line of sight, and the pixels stay readable even as the lighting changes.
- driver settings are easier to do, as there is a menu-based interface for things like starting radio volume and the other setting now done in the SID (some of which are not intuitive)
- the key mechanism has been improved in a number of ways.
- the control for unlocking the back seats is now in the trunk.
- the spare tire storage area has been improved and cleaned up
- the sales guy said the engine is 40% less heavy than before (is that true?) Overall the car is much lighter.
- steering response is great.
- the glove compartment unlock button is on the left - closer to the driver. Typical Saab engineering driver-centric design!! Yay!
- they even, imho, improved on the center cup holder. You'll need to see it to see if you agree. Same butterfly action, more solid result!
- the engine in this is the 170hp that was in our '99 9-5. Powerful enough for most driving. Later models, which won't be here until March next year, will be up to 250hp. Given the car is quite a bit lighter than the previous 9-3, and thus far lighter than the 9-5, this thing should fly! (I've read this is not a Saab engine, but a GM engine. If so, that could have some impact on reliability, etc.)
And the price, at ~25K, is right on. They should have a killer car to compete with the A4s, BMW 3's, even high end Camrys, etc. Unfortunately the dealers won't start getting base models until November, and the higher-end until early next year, so the word won't be getting out onto the streets for a while.
posted by 65.211....
, Thu, 17 Oct 2002 17:31:57, Thu, 17 Oct 2002 21:51:50
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