Test Drive: The Saab 9-3 Aero:
(Photo Source: Yahoo Auto)
This Scandinavian sure can fly
By: Ryan Konko
It’s a beautiful day, clear skies, sunny, warm, perfect for a ride in a jet. Instead of heading over to the airport, I grabbed the keys to a Saab 9-3 Aero to see if it holds true to Saab’s “Born from Jets” heritage.
The exterior styling of the 9-3 Aero is sleek. It looks more like some sort of aircraft inspired machine, ready to take off and break the sound barrier. The light strips located on top of the xenon headlights give the 9-3 both a state of the art and menacing look at night. Overall the 9-3 appears to have been designed by a few aircraft engineers who worked on the Stealth Fighter.
You cannot fly on looks alone however. If this Saab is going to look like a fighter jet, it must have the ability to provide large amounts of thrust as well as housing a full arsenal of weapons. The 9-3 Aero has this in spades. Saab holds true to its roots here with a powerful turbocharged V-6 engine with 280 horsepower. Since the 1970’s Saab has been turbocharging its engines, and this one does not disappoint. Flooring the gas pedal I’m tempted to get on the radio with air traffic control to confirm it is clear for takeoff. On the highway the car accelerates with great ease. Flying from 60mph to 90mph takes only a couple seconds, yes it does have afterburners. There are two downsides with this engine; it achieves poor gas mileage, and there are hints of turbo lag. These drawbacks will be forgotten once the jet like exhaust is heard.
Inside the cockpit you are welcomed by soft leather seats and ample amounts of room. The controls are laid out, easy to read and use for the driver. The cupholder is a unique and quirky design, but is spoiled by cheap plastics and impracticality. The gauges are well laid out, and Saab’s trademark Night Panel is standard, which automatically darkens the entire gauge cluster except for the speedometer for easier night driving. The ignition is still located in the center console, just like a traditional Saab and add’s to its quirkyness. A cooled glovebox is standard along with a Parking Assist system. Build quality seems to be good. There are hints of subpar quality in things such as the cupholder, and center console plastics. You will be left feeling you are in first class, however there are no free peanuts.
Safety is one of Saab’s top priorities. All carry on luggage should be stowed in the trunk behind you before takeoff. Make sure your seatbelt is fastened tightly around your hips, and should be worn at all times. In the event of a water landing, Saab XWD will assist you in staying on the road as well as a traction control and electronic stability control. If a rear end collision occurs Saab Active Head Restraints will prevent whiplash injuries. On Star will assist you in an case of an accident. Thank you for flying Saab airways, sit back and enjoy your flight.
The new Saab 9-3 does have that traditional Saab heritage and feel in some ways. It has an aerodynamic exterior, a strong powertrain, and comfortable and safe cockpit. The gas mileage is subpar, and it comes with a hefty price tag of $44,000. Even so, this 9-3 feels like a jet ready to take off into the clouds.
