SAAB 9-3 Sport Sedan: the quick swede

Written by: Jan Tuček

While Czech pilots can still only dream about Gripen jets for now, another speedy Swede has appeared on the local scene: the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan.

THE SWEDISH AUTOMAKER is betting on a classically-designed 4.6-m long sedan, but with a markedly sporty spirit. Pleasurable driving, together with an extraordinary level of active and passive safety features, represents the main argument for demanding clients. The front-wheel drive vehicle has a chassis standardly equipped with many electronic achievements: ESP (Electronic Stability Program), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and TCS (Traction Control System). All engines are super-charged with four cylinders, with the top 2-l, 210 hp (147 kW) gas engine, together with six-speed transmission, providing the sedan with a top speed of 235 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is available with three levels of accessories: Linear, Arc and Vector. A car with a 1.8-l gas turbo engine can be purchased for the same price as a car with a 2.2-l modern turbodiesel engine. The version with a 2.0 l engine is always CZK 65 thousand more. The offer starts at CZK 919,000 for the less expensive Linear models, with the Arc models starting from CZK 1,064,000, and the most expensive being the 2-l Vector – CZK 1,154,000. Those who wish not to choose from this offer must wait until the beginning of next year, when the offer will be expanded by a top sporty model with the well-reputed name Aero .