2009 SAAB 9-3 Sport Sedan 1.8i 5MT (122 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Saab had to evolve to meet the Euro5 emission standards, so seven years after the 9-3’s introduction, it came with an improved version at the Geneva Motor Show.

While the Swedish carmaker desperately tried to stay alive, in GM’s headquarters, the decision was already made to get rid of their troublemaker premium European brand. For instance, while GM ordered Saab’s officials to make badge-engineered Opel/Vauxhall Vectras, the people from Trollhattam (Saab’s HQ) decided to change the car here and there and made it better. But that led to higher costs in both the development and production. Consequently, the sales stalled. On top of that, Europe was in pain due to the world financial crisis of the late ‘2000s.

From the outside, the car sported a refreshed front fascia, with the introduction of a new bumper that featured side-scoops for cooling the brakes and an A-shaped lower grille. The upper grille was split in three, with the center one with the chromed Saab badge in the middle of a transverse chromed slat. There was not even a single panel that looked like it could fit on any of its siblings. Even the door handles were different. At the back, the carmaker installed clear lenses over the taillights, creating a sportier appearance.

Inside, the dashboard was typical Saab, with the center stack tilted towards the driver. The bucket seats at the front offered small side support for the base trim level, while the top-spec version received high-bolstered seats.

Under the hood, Saab installed a vast engine range. It also made the 9-3 available with front or all-wheel drive.