2010 Saab 9-3: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Saab 9-3 should see no major changes, though the Swedish brand is planning to introduce a new all-wheel-drive wagon called the 9-3X (see separate report). Saab's entry-level car should reprise its three body styles: A 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon called SportCombi, and 2-door convertible with a power soft top. All should continue to use a turbocharged engine. The 9-3 2.0T sedan, wagon, and convertible would use a 210-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Aero models, which should also include sedan, wagon, and convertible body styles, would have a 280-hp 2.8-liter V6. All 2.0T models and the Aero convertible should remain front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive should remain standard on Aero sedans and wagons. AWD would remain optional on the 2.0T sedan and wagon. All 9-3s should have a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic should be optional on front-drive 2.0T versions. A 6-speed automatic should be optional on all other 9-3 and 9-3X models. Available safety features should include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Saab is owned by General Motors, and the 9-3 lends its basic design to the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and Saturn Aura. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Saab 9-3.