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2006 Saab 9-3 Review
More power, new SportCombi wagon.
2006 9-3 Review Summary & Specifications
The Saab 9-3 is a delight to drive. The SportCombi is a nice combination of sportiness and hauling function in a pretty, modern wrapper that offers nearly 60 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat flopped out of the way. The high-output V6 engine is a hoot to drive, with plenty of low-down torque, and highway mileage across the line varies from 27 to 31 miles per gallon. The current 9-3 manages to remain a Saab yet has no really bad manners or habits.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from Dearborn, Michigan.
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| Vehicle Category | Luxury Cars |
| Editor | Jim McCraw |
| Model Lineup | Saab 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan ($25,900); Aero Sport Sedan ($31,900); 2.0T Convertible ($36,500); Aero Convertible ($41,900); 2.0T SportCombi ($26,900); Aero SportCombi ($32,900) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.8-liter dohc 24v turbocharged V-6 |
| Engines (optional) | 210-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16v turbocharged inline-4; 250-hp 2.8-liter dohc 24v turbocharged V-6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | ABS, electronic traction control (TCS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), mechanical Brake Assist, dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints, automatic front seatbelt pre-tensioners, OnStar telematics |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | automatic pop-up rear roll bar on convertible |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Trollhattan, Sweden; Graz, Austria |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-955-9007 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.saabusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 26620 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi ($32,900) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic climate control; leather-appointed seats; height-adjustable, telescoping and leather-wrapped steering wheel; power windows; remote central locking, heated power outside mirrors; interval wipers; cruise control; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; automatic climate control; dual powered front seats with driver memory; dashboard Night Panel feature; rear-window defogger; Saab Car Computer, AM/FM/CD 13-speaker stereo; anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, front fog lights |
| Destination Charge | 720 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | automatic transmission ($1350); Cold Weather Package ($550) includes heated front seats and headlamp washers; navigation system ($1995); metallic paint ($550) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 40615 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 250 @ 5500 |
| Torque | 258 @ 2000 |
| Fuel Economy | 18/28 |
| Wheelbase | 105.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 183.2/69.4/60.6 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.9/56.3/42.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.0/55.1/35.1 |
| Trunk Volume | 59.6 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent MacPherson strut, gas-pressurized shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent four-link, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 5.9 |
| Curb Weight | 3285 |
| Stock Tires | P235/45R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc w ABS, EBD, traction control, ESP, CBC, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.4 |
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