NORCROSS, Ga. - The extensive standard safety features in all 2001 Saab 9-3 models include, but are not limited to, next generation OnStar equipment, the Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR), dual-stage head and torso protecting side-impact airbags, and a collision force deflecting pendulum "B" pillar side-impact protection system. These features, together with the high strength steel reinforced safety cage around the passenger compartment and front and rear crumple zones, give the Saab 9-3 a very high level of crashworthiness.
All safety systems in the Saab 9-3 have been developed in line with Saab's Real-life Safety concept - cars must be as safe as possible in accident situations that occur in the real world. Since 1972 Saab has investigated more than 5,000 accidents involving Saabs in Sweden. In addition to providing invaluable information regarding the real-life crash safety properties of Saab cars, this data also helps Saab engineers perform more lifelike crash tests. The Saab 9-3 has been subjected to more than 40 different crash tests, including car-to-car, car-to-truck and car-to-dummy-moose. Saab performs almost four times the number of tests mandated by government standards.
OnStar Technology Provides Additional Safety
For 2001, Saab will provide the next generation OnStar as well as 12 months of premium service as standard equipment on all of its vehicles. This telematics system uses wireless technology and state-of-the-art voice recognition and text-to-speech technology to provide hands-free safety, security and concierge services. OnStar uses Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology and wireless communication to link the driver and vehicle to the 24-hour OnStar Center, where advisors provide real-time, personalized help. Current OnStar safety and security services include automatic air bag notification, stolen vehicle tracking, emergency services, roadside assistance with location and route support. For 2001, these services expand to include voice-activated, hands-free personal calling, in addition to hands-free Internet connectivity for access to e-mail and information like stock quotes and personalized news and sports.
Designed Deformation Helps Protect Occupants
The body structure of the Saab 9-3 is designed to behave in a controlled and consistent manner during a crash, regardless of the accident type. In a frontal or rear-end crash, the collision forces are absorbed by the crumple zones of the body and are then transferred to a reinforced high-strength steel safety cage that surrounds the interior. The front structure of the Saab 9-3 is specifically designed to reduce the energy and force that occurs in a head-on crash. The front chassis members are connected to the wheel arches and the engine subframe in such a manner that the forces will be well distributed over a broad area instead of being concentrated to any one point. Special reinforcements at the rear of the front wheel arches help minimize the risk of front-wheel intrusion into the interior in an offset crash.
A predictable deformation behavior enables the Saab engineers to optimize the design of the seat belts, airbags, dashboard and interior details, further reducing the risk of occupant injuries in a crash.
Pendulum Effect on Side Impact
In the event of a side impact, only very narrow deformation zones are available to absorb the crash energy. The body structure is designed mainly to distribute the impact forces over as large an area as possible. The crash energy is absorbed by the side of the car, where the door pillar is made of high-strength steel, and the reinforcements in the sill and door pillar assist in distributing the impact forces to the safety cage surrounding the interior.
The door pillar of the Saab 9-3 is designed to behave as a pendulum in the event of a side collision. Because crash energy from an impact will take the path of least resistance, Saab's engineers have designed into the "B" pillar a safer path that dissipates the crash energy downward. The center section of the pillar is very stiff to prevent the pillar from deforming and intruding in the middle into the interior. The top of the "B" pillar is designed to perform as a "hinge" and retain its position when the lower half of the pillar is displaced inwards like a pendulum. As a result, it is the most robust parts of the human body (the pelvis area) that will be subjected to most of the crash energy. This reduces the risk of injury to the more fragile parts of the body - the rib cage, head and torso.
Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR)
Real-life accident statistics show that neck injuries are one of the most common results of rear-end collisions, even at relatively low speeds. The Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR), which is standard on all Saab 9-3 models, effectively reduces movements of the occupant's head following a rear-end impact, thereby reducing the risk of whiplash injuries.
The system is entirely mechanical and is based on the lever principal. The padded head restraint is connected to a pressure plate inside the backrest. In most rear-end crashes, the occupant's body will be pressed into the backrest first, pushing the pressure plate rearward. As a result, the head restraint will move up and forward, and will "catch" the occupant's head before the dangerous whiplash motion has started.
The SAHR system needs no repairs to restore it to operational condition after it has been activated. It automatically reverts to its initial position and is immediately ready to operate again.
Convertible noted for lowest injury claims by U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute
The U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) reported that the Saab 900 convertible topped the "midsize sports model" category with the lowest injury claim frequency score. The 9-3 convertible replaced the 900 in the U.S. market in May 1998. The 9-3 builds on the same occupant protection systems and structures established in the 900, with the addition of Saab Active Head Restraints, second-generation driver and passenger front airbags, head and torso protecting side-impact airbags, and a side impact force-deflecting pendulum "B" pillar system. For more information, please visit the HLDI at http://www.carsafety.org.
4-Stars in EuroNCAP collision test The Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 were both awarded four stars in the latest European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) collision test, which evaluates European model variants. Both Saab models were also awarded the highest possible score in the EuroNCAP new side collision test. In the Folksam, a Swedish insurance agency, safety study of cars in the Swedish market, the Saab 900 and 9-3 are the only cars in their class to achieve the 'Gold group', which is what Folksam considers the top five vehicles.
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