Saab Introduces New 9-3

Fri., Feb. 12, 1999

Saab continues to innovate. Early this year, the new 9-3 came along to replace the 9000, and although the two cars look a lot alike, more than 1,000 new components help give the 9-3 the edge in suspension travel and steering feel over the model it replaces.

Mid-year, the 9-3 received a power up grade for cars equipped with standard transmissions they get a 200-hp version of the base 2-liter turbocharged four, while automatics stick with the standard 185 ponies.

Buy the convertible, and you get a new hydraulically operated top and a larger rear window for improved vision.

In the spring, you can expect to see a high-performance 9-3. Developed by England’s Tom Walkinshaw Racing (they who did such a nice job on Volvo’s C70 coupe), it will get a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, limited-slip differential and, perhaps, 225 horsepower from a 2.3-liter four.

This May, a wagon will join the larger 9-5 lineup. Both the sedan and the wagon receive new two-stage side-impact airbags (they protect both the head and the chest), and seatbelts that have been specially designed to reduce belt-inflicted injury.

All Saab models include the company’s active seats which are designed to reduce whiplash in case of a rear-end accident and, in case you’d forgotten, the 9-5 is the world’s first car with ventilated front seats (yes, tiny little fans blow air through the mesh to cool the posteriors of the occupants).

And while you’re checking out the 9-5, be sure to get a gander at the refrigerated glove box. That’s right it has an insulated door and it’s cooled by a dedicated vent from the air conditioning system. It’ll get right down there to 42 degrees, which is about as cold as the frig at home.

And, finally, here’s one of the benefits of being owned by GM all Saab models are now optionally equipped with the OnStar communications system.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.