Saab test drive 9-3 1998-2002 sedan

We need such Sport

New Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan - for those who are used to being the first
 
I sincerely sympathize with Swedish men. They learned to make beautiful and very Scandinavian cars - swift, functional, safe, but are deprived of the opportunity to use their potential on their native roads. They force themselves to ride more slowly than they want and carefully than required. Such came up with the rules. Therefore, Saab is, in a sense, an unrealized dream of a dashing, to dizziness, a trip unrealized at the place of residence. It’s not without reason that about 80% of Trolhatten cars (there, in the city of trolls, and make Saab) are exported.
 
Stolen speed!
 
Saab and Swedish roads are incompatible.
 
Almost every test drive, if it takes place in Sweden, begins with the same thing: gentlemen! Yesterday, after the first group of journalists, many peasants turned to our company and the police, through the villages of which the route passes, with complaints about a defiantly fast and dangerous driving on our cars. Therefore, we convincingly ask to observe the speed limit. This time something new sounded: the police warned that in many places that you have to pass, duty posts were exhibited. We very much do not recommend exceeding the speed. And without posts there are a lot of hunters to follow the order on the roads. This is absolutely normal when a law -abiding and God -fearing Samaritan calls the police, reporting a violation of traffic rules and dictating the number of a guilty car.
 
With a colleague, a well-known radio and television journalist, we passed the settlements quite correctly, and not out of fear of paying a fine, but out of respect for local residents, being convinced that there is absolutely no need to scare them. And not only in Sweden, but in general - nowhere. But on wide tracks and forest tracks they allowed themselves. Because they did not notice any special police posts, and, most importantly, because the Saab 9-3 was created for speedy movement from point A to point B along any - straight or winding roads. Everything is subordinated to this in the car, and the word Sport in its name is not by chance. And the fact that our car caused a couple of calls to the police - alas, this is likely to take calls to costs.
 
Going to Saab is too restrained - it’s like plowing on an Arabic horse. Not for that, it is intended. Take at least new engines with turbocharged for 9-3. All of them are clockwork, all give out 90% of the maximum torque at less than 2000 rpm. And they provide the maximum moment at 2500. In real life, jumps of 500 revolutions occupy an elusively small fraction of a second. The engine provokes to press the trigger. We are already on the highway behind Stockholm, so I press, providing explosive acceleration. A sign flashes on the right, on which there is a restriction - 110 km/h. Well, why does it need it on a wide highway?! My colleague impassively records the first violation: we have 170 on the speedometer, and the pickup is far from exhausted. At the same time, the swiftness with which Saab flies on asphalt due to excellent aerodynamics and sound insulation in the cabin is practically not felt. So the speed given to us in the sensations stole the designers at first, and only then the police. However, this should be in the luxury car. But here, having made the so -called rearrangement when overtaking the next slow -gun, we both note that the car nodded too much to the side. And in general, at high speeds it requires steering.
 
I hasten to calm the reader: the design of the car has nothing to do with it. On the contrary, pendants (back - four -leaf) are excellent. By themselves, they allow you to confidently control SAAB at any speed and in any turns. I would venture to argue that the whole thing is in the rubber established on the 175 -horsepower version, with which we started getting an acquaintance with the novelty. A wide profile, a low high -speed coefficient, adhesion properties and other, not at all outstanding qualities - this, in my opinion, is not at all what such a car is required. Perhaps this is a test, not standard equipment. But to see when buying in the correctness of the tire will not hurt. Without calling the producer of tires, I will say that he is famous for just another - sports rubber. In the fairness of these statements, we were very convinced very soon, moving to the Aero version.
 
Aero differs from other modifications and configurations (Linear, ARC and Vector) nine or third, like diamond from a diamond. All the qualities that this sports sedan endowed with Aero are honed, and together they are able to give a genuine enjoyment to a lover of active ride. We can safely say that this is a completely different Saab 9-3. A 210-horsepower engine provides a hurricane acceleration to a compact car, sports low-profile tires on alloy 17-inch (and even 18-inch, if desired) discs cling to asphalt, like a straw, no body rolls in corners. He stands hard and confidently on the road, regardless of what shows the speedometer. But still Aero can be different.
 
The rest of the day we were happy to devote this version with a 5-speed automatic transmission Saab Sentronic. Of all the advantages of the new automatic transmission, we distinguish two: adaptability, that is, the ability to adapt to the driving style, and the possibility of gaming manually. Moreover, it is possible to cross from one gear to another in two ways: either by swinging the hilt of the box up and down, or with the help of small keys located under the thumbs on the steering wheel. By the way, with the advent of such a transmission, the need for sports and winter modes disappeared. I switched to manual control, and choose the degree of sports that you wish. If you want to get smoke from under the wheels, turn off the ESP dynamic stabilization system, and at the same time the anti -wings - TCS, which will reliably help, say, on a slippery road.
 
Let us pay attention: when moving in a straight line, on the highway, to use the possibility of manual gear shifts at all. It is worth a couple of times to press the accelerator pedal sharply, and the car will perfectly understand what is required of it. The turbocharger arrow will constantly be at the beginning of the red zone, and the engine speed when switching to increased gear will not fall below 4,500. If, of course, the driver dares not to remove the leg from the gas pedal. By manipulating it, you can constantly spur Saab - it is very responsive to the slightest touch. But the gas is in no hurry to slow down. If there is a need to slow down, know that you can stop the car as quickly as you disperse. In addition, 9-3 is equipped with a demotion system and a fairly effective braking control system in CBC. Acting with ABS, it will prevent skidding.
 
Meanwhile, we turn off the highway to a narrow, winding and, moreover, hilly road. Here just right use the capabilities of manual gear shifts. Now it all depends on the driver and how carefully he relates to the car. If desired, you can ensure the constant operation of the power unit in maximum modes, enjoying the perfectly configured sound of the exhaust system. This sound alone is able to make the blood run faster. Here is a gentle descent, and you can go to the fourth, then the rise is the third, I brake to a steep turn - the second. The automatic transmission and the latest Trionic 8 engine control system allow you to switch to low gear even at high speeds, which is popularly called the motor. Of course, not as effective as with mechanics, and yet. The only thing - switching occurs with a small, but delay. This must be adopted, proacting the slowness of electronics. Nevertheless, in everyday Moscow life, I personally would prefer a machine gun.
 
Carried away by the speed and gearboxes on the steering wheel (very convenient!), I created an emergency. On a deceptively empty road, in a closed turn, a oncoming car suddenly formed, the driver of which did not particularly bother himself closer to the side of the road. In general, Saab flew to the side of the car. Then everything happened in a split second, the reader will need much more time to read the next sentence alone. The steering wheel - sharply to the right, without reducing the gas in order to have time to change the trajectory and win the time and meters remaining to the oncoming. Saab indignantly squeales rubber, but obeys implicitly, and the red PEUGOT 307 and I have (when did I manage to notice this?) We move out centimeters from each other. The same impassive voice on the right states: the call to the police is provided. And I give praise to the engineers and designers Saab Automobile AB.
 
Firstly, champagne from me for a superbly acute steering. Secondly, dessert - for the passive system of backbone of the rear wheels Rexs. Finally, delegist - for the ESP stabilization system, which I did not have time to turn off, but which was frightened not earlier, but later than me, and agreed to complete the task. At the same time, Aero shook slightly to the side, but there was not even a hint of demolition. In my opinion, this unexpected exam Sport Sedan passed brilliantly.
 
The evening, however, is perhaps enough for me today. Let us leave an uncompromising Aero with a mechanical checkpoint for tomorrow morning, but for now we will look at the new model and its prospects in the market.
 
Form and content
 
If evil languages \u200b\u200bwill inspire you, dear reader, that Saab, who has passed under the wing of General Motors, is now a Swedish Opel, do not believe. Despite the natural unification of a number of components, for example, suspension levers, cars of two brands are completely different in many respects, from appearance, and ending with their purpose. I have to repent: even briefly listed all the features of the car and innovations laid down in the new SAAB 9-3, there is no way. In front of me, a press release of 64 pages dedicated to this! So I will limit myself only to some stingy strokes to the portrait of this sports sedan.
 
First of all, earlier 9-3 were offered only with a body of hatchback. Marketing studies forced to make a sedan. In my opinion, it turned out great: a characteristic corporate identity is preserved, the machine attracts laconicism and aggressiveness of forms. It, of course, is similar to model 9-5, but a number of details, including spoilers and, in particular, the design of the rear make it original. Compared to the predecessor, the new Saab 9-3 became wider than 55 mm, and its wheelbase increased by 71 mm. However, shortened front and rear overhangs allowed to maintain the previous length. Road clearance also decreased by 10 mm.
 
The cabin became undoubtedly more spacious than in the previous 9-3 of the previous generation. It is also obvious that the car was built around the driver's seat. Therefore, he is distinguished by magnificent ergonomics. I liked the three -spoke steering wheel, seats with almost unlimited adjustment opportunities and with developed lateral support in the Aero version, the convenient location of all levers and switches.
And the handle of a hand brake is just a sophistication: it is semicircular and disguised as one of two decorative elements between the front seats. A symmetrical handle element next to the passenger can be used as a scraper for cleaning hoarfrost, a bracket for a 6-disk player or a retractable cup holder. In general, by preserving the aviation style of the interior, the designers found the opportunity to organically fit into it the screen of the navigation system and the new, more compact control panel of the climate control system and the audio system. At the base of the windshield, under an elegant visor, now there is another small display on which the main parameters of the engine or navigation from the on -board computer are displayed. As for finishing materials, there is a choice for the buyer: leather, wood or aluminum, high -quality fabric - what to deign.
 
In the cabin - many compartments for storing small things. A spacious glove can be used as a refrigerator for soft drinks. Despite the fact that we are talking about a sports sedan, the trunk has a volume of 425 liters. The back of the rear seat can be folded in a ratio of 60/40. There is a special hatch for loading skis and other long items.
 
Literally a few words about security. Saab 9-3 promises to be almost the best in its class car in terms of protection of both passengers, and the car itself from theft and penetration. In addition to numerous electronic devices, the safety of the driver and passengers is provided by active head restraints, pillows and the so -called window curtains. Theft of the car will prevent special devices, from immobilizer to many special devices. It is not for nothing that Saab even according to Russian statistics is much less common than other cars.
 
When and how much
 
“The new Saab 9-3 will enter the Russian market at the end of September - early October,” says General Motors CIS Hidie McCormak, General Director of the company. - It all depends on how quickly the car passes certification in Russia, and on the capabilities of the Swedish factory. One thing I can say for sure: all versions will be available to the buyer in Russia, including a diesel with a new engine of 2.2 liters, and any configuration of this sports sedan.
 
- At what price?
 
- We still have time to think about this, so I can’t name the exact numbers yet. However, prices will be competitive in the market of compact luxury sedans, such as the BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-class, Volvo S60.
 
- It is known that in many large cities the company creates special Saab centers. Are there such plans for Moscow?
 
- We seriously consider this issue, linking it with the general work to promote the SAAB brand in the market. I think that this is a matter, if not the next year, then the next perspective. On the other hand, many megacities would like to get such centers, so it all depends on the capabilities of the company.
 
Although the head of the GM in Russia and the CIS did not name specific numbers, it can still be assumed that prices for 9-3 will fluctuate from 27 to 33 thousand dollars - depending on the modification and the level of equipment of the car.
 
One cannot but say one more. The Swedes are considered by the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan as the first of the series of new models that will appear in the coming years. As far as it became known, it is also planned to release the most charged version - Viggen.
 
Instead of the afterword
 
It was the morning of the next day, there was Aero with a 6 -speed manual gearbox, and also an airfield on which we managed to drive a couple of hours and take a few more pictures. One thing I will say: this version is delight, it is for people who are used to working at the wheel, and are not inclined to compromises. Informative, moderately tight clutch, short strokes of the gearbox, pendants, rubber - everything is designed for aggressive riding.
 
By noon, regretfully leaving the airfield and heading for the airport, I still envied the Swedish men. I was waiting for the flight, and they, according to legend, are a Swedish massage. They cannot afford to go too fast, but they will safely get home and get their ...
 
Oleg Osipov
 

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 13 (16), 2002]