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2008 Saab 9-3 Full Review
Date Published: 6/17/08
Also in the 2008 Saab 9-3 Review:
2008 Saab 9-3 Review
The 2008 Saab 9-3 gets freshened styling and, for the first time, is available with all-wheel drive. This premium compact car seats up to five and is available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door convertible, and SportCombi 4-door wagon. All are offered as the 2.0T with a 210-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and as the Aero with a 255-hp 2.8-liter V6. Aero and 2.0T are front-wheel drive. The new Turbo X trim level marks the debut of all-wheel drive for the 9-3. Offered as a sedan or wagon, the Turbo X has a 280-hp 2.8-liter V6. AWD and the 280-hp engine are also optional on the Aero sedan and wagon. All three engines are turbocharged and come with manual or automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Convertibles have a power-folding soft top with heated glass rear window. Saab is owned by General Motors, and the 9-3 lends its basic design to the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and Saturn Aura.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.
News
Sources expect a redesigned 9-3 in the near future. Little is known about this project except that it will be based on GM's upcoming Epsilon 2 architecture, which will also serve a next-generation Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6. Production shifts to Germany from Saab's own plant in Sweden.
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2008 Saab 9-3 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling/roadholding | Rear-seat foot room |
| Cargo room (SportCombi) | Engine noise (Aero models) |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
2.0T models are fairly quick, but launch response is dulled by turbo lag. Passing reserves are impressive, though. A test convertible with an automatic transmission did 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The Aero's V6 feels stronger from a stop and furnishes better passing response. They have little turbo lag. We've not yet tested a 9-3 with AWD.
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
2.0T models are fairly quick, but launch response is dulled by turbo lag. Passing reserves are impressive, though. A test convertible with an automatic transmission did 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The Aero's V6 feels stronger from a stop and furnishes better passing response. They have little turbo lag. We've not yet tested a 9-3 with AWD.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2.0T sedan with the automatic transmission averaged 23.3 mpg, a wagon averaged 21.8 mpg, and a 2.0T convertible averaged 24.0. Automatic-transmission Aero wagons averaged 20.6 mpg overall and 24.9 in mostly highway use. A manual-transmission Aero sedan averaged 22.3 while a similar convertible averaged 21.7. Saab recommends premium-grade gas for all 9-3s.
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2.0T sedan with the automatic transmission averaged 23.3 mpg, a wagon averaged 21.8 mpg, and a 2.0T convertible averaged 24.0. Automatic-transmission Aero wagons averaged 20.6 mpg overall and 24.9 in mostly highway use. A manual-transmission Aero sedan averaged 22.3 while a similar convertible averaged 21.7. Saab recommends premium-grade gas for all 9-3s.
Ride Quality
All 9-3s are firm and poised, but 2.0Ts are the most compliant over bumps. Their taut sport suspension and low-profile tires cause Aeros to thump and jiggle over larger bumps. The convertible's structure is impressively rigid, with little body flex on uneven surfaces.
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
All 9-3s are firm and poised, but 2.0Ts are the most compliant over bumps. Their taut sport suspension and low-profile tires cause Aeros to thump and jiggle over larger bumps. The convertible's structure is impressively rigid, with little body flex on uneven surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking
All 9-3s feel nimble. The steering is precise, though some drivers might prefer a heavier feel. Aeros have better grip and response in turns than the 2.0T. The convertible's solid body structure means it handles almost as well as the sedan and wagon.
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
All 9-3s feel nimble. The steering is precise, though some drivers might prefer a heavier feel. Aeros have better grip and response in turns than the 2.0T. The convertible's solid body structure means it handles almost as well as the sedan and wagon.
Quietness
Any 9-3 has more tire noise than the class norm. Convertibles and SportCombis have more than the sedan. Engines are always heard but never sound unrefined. Wind rush is apparent at highway speeds but doesn't disturb conversation. Convertibles are not uncomfortably loud, top up or down.
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6.1 |
Any 9-3 has more tire noise than the class norm. Convertibles and SportCombis have more than the sedan. Engines are always heard but never sound unrefined. Wind rush is apparent at highway speeds but doesn't disturb conversation. Convertibles are not uncomfortably loud, top up or down.
Controls
Audio and climate controls are intuitive and easy to operate. All 9-3s have their ignition switch on the center console--a Saab tradition we find unobjectionable. The available navigation system absorbs audio controls, complicating what should be simple adjustments.
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Audio and climate controls are intuitive and easy to operate. All 9-3s have their ignition switch on the center console--a Saab tradition we find unobjectionable. The available navigation system absorbs audio controls, complicating what should be simple adjustments.
Details
Interior materials are assembled with care, but the overall ambiance is more tasteful, sporty simplicity rather than luxurious. Not all cabin plastics have the texturing and tactile feel that match class pacesetters.
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7.3 |
Interior materials are assembled with care, but the overall ambiance is more tasteful, sporty simplicity rather than luxurious. Not all cabin plastics have the texturing and tactile feel that match class pacesetters.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Comfortable seats provide good all-around support. The 9-3's standard tilt and telescopic steering column helps tailor a comfortable driving position, though the tallest drivers might want it to go higher and may wish for more rearward seat travel. The 9-3's rear roof pillars and heavy glass tint obscure aft visibility, particularly with the wagon.
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Comfortable seats provide good all-around support. The 9-3's standard tilt and telescopic steering column helps tailor a comfortable driving position, though the tallest drivers might want it to go higher and may wish for more rearward seat travel. The 9-3's rear roof pillars and heavy glass tint obscure aft visibility, particularly with the wagon.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Good head clearance. Knee space in sedans and wagons is disappointingly tight if the front seats are set far back. The same goes for foot space if the front seats aren't elevated. The seat is also too narrow for comfortable three-abreast travel. Rear legroom is cramped in the convertible, and its 2-door body style taxes entry and exit.
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Good head clearance. Knee space in sedans and wagons is disappointingly tight if the front seats are set far back. The same goes for foot space if the front seats aren't elevated. The seat is also too narrow for comfortable three-abreast travel. Rear legroom is cramped in the convertible, and its 2-door body style taxes entry and exit.
Cargo Room
Sedans have a tall trunk with considerable volume. SportCombi delivers true wagon utility. All have plenty of interior storage space. The convertible's 12.4-cu-ft trunk is among the largest of any ragtop, but shrinks to 8.3 cu ft when the top is stowed.
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 4.3 |
Sedans have a tall trunk with considerable volume. SportCombi delivers true wagon utility. All have plenty of interior storage space. The convertible's 12.4-cu-ft trunk is among the largest of any ragtop, but shrinks to 8.3 cu ft when the top is stowed.
Value within Class
Saab 9-3s are dynamically capable premium compacts that include lots of standard safety and convenience features. The convertible is especially well-engineered. The wagon offers SUV versatility with car-like fuel economy. They aren't quite as refined or sporty as their German rivals, but these Saabs also tend to be less expensive. The availability of all-wheel drive further bolsters the 9-3's Recommended status.
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Saab 9-3s are dynamically capable premium compacts that include lots of standard safety and convenience features. The convertible is especially well-engineered. The wagon offers SUV versatility with car-like fuel economy. They aren't quite as refined or sporty as their German rivals, but these Saabs also tend to be less expensive. The availability of all-wheel drive further bolsters the 9-3's Recommended status.
Total Score
| 2.0T sedan, automatic | 2.0T convertible, automatic | Aero sedan, manual | Aero SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 69 | 61 | 68 | 70 | 65.4 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 59 | |
| Average Score | 65 | |
| High Score | 72 |
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2008 Saab 9-3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/04/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| 2.0T 4-door sedan | $28,080 | $26,760 | $745 |
|
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| 2.0T SportCombi 4-door wagon | $29,250 | $27,875 | $745 |
|
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| 2.0T 2-door convertible | $39,590 | $37,729 | $745 |
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| Aero 4-door sedan | $35,215 | $33,560 | $745 |
|
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| Aero SportCombi 4-door wagon | $36,250 | $34,546 | $745 |
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| Aero 2-door convertible | $45,640 | $43,495 | $745 |
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| TurboX 4-door sedan | $41,765 | $39,802 | $745 |
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| TurboX SportCombi 4-door wagon | $42,565 | $40,564 | $745 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.0T
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags (sedan, wagon), front-seat active head restraints (convertible), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, driver-seat lumbar adjustment (convertible), center console, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through (sedan, wagon), heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, cooled glovebox, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, power convertible top (convertible), automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear fog light, 215/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Aero adds to 2.0T:
Powertrain
2.8-liter turbocharged V6 255-horsepower engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power passenger seat, power sunroof (sedan, wagon), Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, front fog lights, sport suspension, 235/45VR17 tires.
TurboX adds to Aero:
Powertrain
2.8-liter turbocharged 280-horsepower V6 engine, all-wheel drive, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, load-leveling performance suspension, 235/45YR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T
|
$1,695
|
$1,509
|
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system, 8-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), wood interior trim (sedan, wagon), steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, front fog lights.
|
||
|
Moon Roof Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T sedan/wagon
|
$1,200
|
$1,068
|
|
Power sunroof, automatic up/down windows.
|
||
|
Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
Aero, TurboX
|
$895
|
$797
|
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview, compass.
|
||
|
Lynx Yellow Convertible Pkg.
|
||
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2.0T convertible
|
$2,495
|
$2,221
|
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded sound system, rear spoiler, special paint, 235/45VR17 tires.
|
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Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
2.0T, Aero, TurboX
|
$550
|
$490
|
|
Heated front seats and headlight washers.
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|
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Powertrain |
||
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5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
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2.0T
|
$1,350
|
$1,323
|
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6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
Aero, TurboX
|
$1,350
|
$1,323
|
|
All-wheel drive
|
||
|
Aero sedan/wagon
|
$2,645
|
$2,354
|
|
Includes all-wheel drive, 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 280-horsepower engine, load-leveling suspension, 235/50R17 tires.
|
||
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
2.0T, Aero, TurboX
|
$2,145
|
$1,909
|
|
2.0T sedan includes Bose sound system. 2.0T wagon/convertible include upgraded sound system. Aero, TurboX replace in-dash 6-disc CD changer w/single-disc CD player.
|
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
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2.0T
|
$995
|
$886
|
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Sedan includes Bose sound system. Wagon, convertible include upgraded sound system.
|
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Upgraded leather upholstery
|
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2.0T, Aero
|
$1,500
|
$1,335
|
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Special paint
|
||
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2.0T, Aero
|
$550
|
$490
|
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Special convertible top color
|
||
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convertible
|
$600
|
$534
|
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Roof rails
|
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2.0T/Aero wagon
|
$250
|
$223
|
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235/45VR17 tires
|
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2.0T
|
$750
|
$668
|
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||
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Saab 9-3 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Saab 9-3 4-door sedan | Saab 9-3 4-door wagon | Saab 9-3 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.3 | 105.3 | 105.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 182.5 | 183.2 | 182.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.0 | 69.4 | 69.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.4 | 60.6 | 56.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3175 | 3175 | 3480 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.0 | 72.3 | 12.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 | 38.9 | 38.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | 42.3 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.0 | 37.0 | 37.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.1 | 35.1 | 32.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | Turbocharged dohc V6 | Turbocharged dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 2.8 /170 | 2.8 /170 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 210 @ 5500 | 255 @ 5500 | 280 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 221 @ 2500 | 258 @ 2000 | 295 @ 2150 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed manual | 19/29 | 16/26 | NA/NA |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/26 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 15/24 | NA/NA |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Saab 9-3 4-door sedan | Saab 9-3 4-door wagon | Saab 9-3 2-door convertible |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 4 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 3/36,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Sweden
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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