2004
SAAB 9-3
Unique
to Canada
NEW
FOR 2004
- All-new
9-3 Convertible
- Bi-Xenon
headlamps now a stand-alone option
- Rear parking
assistance now a stand-alone option (Sport Sedan only)
- A five-speed
manual transmission now standard on Arc Sport Sedan
- Sport Wheel
Package for Linear and Arc models now includes 17-inch alloy
wheels, 17-inch all-season tires and tire-pressure monitors
- New colors:
Nocturne Blue, Espresso Black, Hazelnut (Sport Sedan only),
Lime Yellow (Convertible only) and Glacier Blue (Convertible
only)
MODEL LINEUP
| |
Engines
|
Transmissions
|
|
2.0L
I-4
Turbo
|
2.0L
I-4
High-Output
Turbo (HOT)
|
5-spd
auto
|
5-spd
man
|
6-spd
man
|
| 9-3
Linear Sport Sedan |
s
|
-
|
o
|
s
|
-
|
| 9-3
Arc Sport Sedan |
-
|
s
|
o
|
s
|
-
|
| 9-3
Aero Sport Sedan |
-
|
s
|
o
|
-
|
s
|
| 9-3
Arc Convertible |
-
|
s
|
o
|
s
|
-
|
| 9-3
Aero Convertible |
-
|
s
|
o
|
-
|
s
|
Key:
Standard s
Optional o
Not Available -
|
CUSTOMER
PROFILE
|
|
The
Saab 9-3 is targeted at young, premium car buyers who place
priority on a rewarding driving experience, but also want
to express their individuality through choosing a distinctive,
less commonplace brand.
|
|
|
|
PRODUCT
HISTORY
|
|
1999
|
Saab
9-3 introduced with 2.0L turbo engine delivering 185-hp
|
|
2000
|
Introduction
of 3-door, 5-door and convertible Viggen models with 230-hp
2.3L HOT engine and manual transmission; SE models receive
Generation IV 2.0L HOT engine with 205-hp and 209 lb.-ft.
of torque; SE models receive exterior sport package standard;
15" x 6.5" ten-spoke alloy wheels standard on
5-door and convertible
|
|
2001
|
Traction
control standard; new Saab Car Computer; standard OnStar
3-button system with a one-year subscription of the premium
service plan; sunroof standard on SE 5-door hatchback; SE
models receive all season tires; 15" x 6.5" five-spoke
alloy wheel on all base models
|
|
2002
|
SE 5-door
renamed "SE Turbo Anniversary"; SE convertible
receives Anniversary leather interior; standard internal
manual trunk entrapment release handle; standard 16"
five-spoke alloy wheels on base convertible
|
|
2003
|
All-new
Saab 9-3 sport sedan, available in Linear, Arc and Vector
models; carryover Saab SE convertible; new models include
lightweight, aluminum turbo engine; new five-speed automatic
transmission and five- and six-speed manual gearbox; second
generation Saab Active Head Restraints; load-limiting seat-belts,
dual stage front air bags, and side curtain air bags; first
North American vehicle off GM's Epsilon architecture
|
|
2004
|
All-new
9-3 convertible introduced
|
ALL-NEW
CONVERTIBLE MODEL JOINS SAAB 9-3 MODEL LINEUP
Hot on the
heels of introducing its 9-3 Sport Sedan, Saab introduces a convertible
companion for 2004.
"The
all-new 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible is poised to reaffirm Saab as
a market leader in the art of building open cars with rugged four-season,
four-seater practicality," Saab Automobile President and
CEO Peter Augustsson said.
More than
a convertible
Saab is convinced that an open-top car should be more than a convertible.
Proof is found in the new 9-3 Convertible - loaded with an array
of innovative features.
"Our
engineers took the chassis dynamics of the new Saab 9-3 Sport
Sedan - widely acclaimed, I might add - to produce a convertible
that delivers high levels of quality and driving dynamics. By
combining its sporty and practical characteristics, the 9-3 Convertible
symbolizes the core appeal of the Saab brand," said Augustsson.
Saab engineers
developed the architecture for the 9-3 Convertible and Sport Sedan
concurrently, enabling them to incorporate their demanding requirements
for an open-top car from the very start. The result is a premium
convertible with a level of structural integrity, build quality
and running refinement that positions it at the top of its class.
The new 9-3
Convertible includes a supplementary "ring of steel"
reinforcement linking the front, rear and side structures. This
helps to compensate for the loss of structural rigidity due to
the absence of a roof. The supplementary ring of steel also improves
ride refinement, handling and crash-impact resistance - the latter
benefiting from a series of new structural and occupant protection
measures.
Safety features
for front seats include new seatbelts integrated into the seat
frames, adaptive dual front air bags, two-stage side-impact air
bags designed to offer protection for both the torso and the head,
and second-generation Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR). Pioneered
by Saab, these innovative restraints help prevent neck injury
for front-seat occupants during rear-end impacts. Integrated into
the seat backs, this safety system is improved for even quicker
responsive action.
Although rollovers
are comparatively rare events, the consequences are quite serious
and Saab has installed an active protection system in the new
9-3 Convertible. Its DynaCage concept combines pop-up rear roll
bars, front seatbelt pre-tensioning and substantial reinforcement
of the A-pillars to help provide an integrated protection system.
The one-touch
soft-top operation requires no manual involvement beyond pressing
a button. The roof is hydraulically powered, with automatic self-latching
to the header rail, and deploys fully in just 20 seconds while
the engine is running. This is partly achieved by the Convertible's
tonneau, which has a unique two-step cycle. It rises to a full
horizontal position, then moves rearward, parallel to the top
of the trunk.
Raising the
soft top of the Saab 9-3 Convertible automatically increases trunk
capacity. The CargoSET (Self-Expanding Trunk) directly links the
soft-top's rearmost hinge mechanism to the flexible, "accordion"
storage well in the trunk. When the roof is in position, the well
is fully retracted, releasing useful storage space.
Setting
new standards
The 9-3 Sport Sedan and 9-3 Convertible are the first steps in
the biggest product development program in Saab's history. They
spearhead the arrival of an entirely new family of cars, each
focused on meeting the specific requirements of a distinct niche
in the market.
Both models
are dedicated to delivering a unique, fun-to-drive experience
that promises to set new standards for the class.
"Our
9-3 models are designed to appeal to young, premium-car buyers
who place a priority on a rewarding driving experience, but who
also want to express their individuality through choosing a distinctive,
less commonplace brand," said Augustsson.
Dynamic
styling
With their steeply raked windshield, wedge-like profile and short
front and rear overhangs, the 9-3 Sport Sedan and Convertible
convey a sense of movement even while standing still. The shape
of the windows combines with the sleek integrated headlights and
grille to establish a distinguishing Saab identity.
The 9-3 Sport
Sedan is available with a choice of two 2.0L all-aluminum turbocharged
engines, ranging in power from 175 to 210 horsepower (131 to 157
kw). The 9-3 Convertible, meanwhile, is equipped exclusively with
the 210-horsepower (157-kw) engine. The front-wheel-drive transmissions
include five- and six-speed manual gearboxes and a five-speed
automatic with Saab Sentronic manual selection and the option
of steering-wheel shift controls.
Driver
involvement
The 9-3 lineup is the product of the most exhaustive development
program in chassis dynamics undertaken by Saab. The handling of
both the Convertible and the Sport Sedan, their sensitivity to
driver inputs and a high degree of feedback all combine to deliver
a level of driving involvement and pleasure that challenges the
class benchmark.
The kinetics
of the rear suspension are tuned for a unique rear-wheel-steer
response to attain optimum handling and stability. The four-link
independent rear suspension with high lateral stiffness adds stability
and grip; longitudinal compliance enhances ride comfort.
The front
suspension system of both 9-3 models features MacPherson struts
with lower A-arms mounted on a hydroformed, rubber-isolated sub-frame.
A cadre of
safety and handling systems achieves optimal vehicle control:
ESP (electronic stability program), ABS (anti-lock braking system),
EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), CBC (cornering brake
control), MBA (mechanical brake assist) and TCS (traction control
system). All are standard.
High-performance
Aero
The highest performance model in the 9-3 lineup is now the Aero.
It features a six-speed manual transmission or steering-wheel-mounted
controls for the Sentronic automatic transmission.
The lowered
sport chassis and twin five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels shod with
17-inch performance tires provide an athletic stance that's further
accentuated by a body kit that is unique to the 9-3 lineup and
features front and rear spoilers.
Metal-finish
trim on center console and doors, a tire-pressure monitor and
sport leather seats complete the Aero model.
Driver
adaptability
In addition to its driver-focused chassis dynamics and powertrain
performance, the 9-3 Sport Sedan and Convertible are designed
to adapt to a wide range of driver needs, establishing a close
interaction with the driver. A wide range of functions can be
pre-set according to personal preference, including: anti-theft
alarm, parking assistance, rain-sensitive wipers and automatic
climate control.
Built around
the driver
Consistent with all Saab vehicles, the Saab 9-3 model lineup is
built from "the driver outwards." That means the cabin
ergonomics, instrumentation, controls and seating position are
all developed from the driver's perspective. As a result, the
advanced safety features benefit all who use these vehicles.
The instrument
panel arcs around the driver, with a logical layout and a highly
tactile feel to the controls. The steering wheel adjusts for both
rake and reach, and green instrument illumination and the Night
Panel function contribute to safe night driving.
The Saab Information
Display (SID) is located on top of the fascia near the base of
the windscreen, close to the driver's natural field of vision.
The screen shows radio settings and driver information.
Dozens of
different crash configurations were carried out during development,
utilizing Saab's database of more than 6,000 real-life road accidents.
Tests include truck-to-car side impacts, car-to-car frontal impacts
with a closing speed of 74 mph and replica moose impacts.
In addition,
OnStar is available across the entire Saab 9-3 model lineup. OnStar
is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information
services in the U.S. and Canada. Using the Global Positioning
System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar
services include automatic notification of air bag deployment,
stolen vehicle location, remote door unlock, emergency services
dispatch, roadside assistance, remote diagnostics, route support,
convenience services and OnStar Concierge. OnStar Personal Calling
allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated
phone calls through a nationwide network in cooperation with Verizon
Wireless. Virtual Advisor (U.S. only) gives subscribers access
to personalized information in a hands-free, voice-activated manner
with no screens or displays.
#
# #
STANDARD
AND OPTIONAL FEATURES
|
EXTERIOR FEATURES
|
Linear
|
Arc
|
Aero
|
Arc
Convert.
|
Aero
Convert.
|
|
Body
Kit - colour matched front, rear and side styling cues
|
-
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
-
|
|
Bumpers
- colour-keyed
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Convertible
top - hydraulic operation
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
S
|
S
|
|
Door
locking - central, including fuel filler door
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Garage
door opener, integrated
|
O
|
O
|
O
|
O
|
O
|
|
Glass
- tinted, heat absorbing, all windows
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Grille
- front, chrome
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Lighting
- side marker lights (White)
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Lighting
- front side reversing lights
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Lighting
- fog lamp, front
|
-
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Lighting
- fog lamp, rear
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Lighting
- Halogen headlamps
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Lighting
- Xenon headlamps
|
O
|
O
|
O
|
O
|
O
|
|
Lighting
- headlamp high pressure washer system
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Mirrors
- driver and passenger side, heated and electrically adjustable,
colour-matched
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Mouldings
- rocker and panel colour-matched
|
-
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Mouldings
- rocker and panel, black
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Package
- Touring: includes bi-xenon headlights, auto dimming mirror
with integrated garage door opener, in-dash 6-disc CD changer,
parking assist and rain sensing wipers
|
O
|
O
|
O
|
O
|
O
|
|
Package
- Premium: includes 16" 10-spoke alloy wheels, automatic
climate control, colour matched extertior trim and front
foglamps,sunroofand power driver seat without memory; not
available with Aero Package, Sport Wheel Package or Sport
Premium Package
|
O
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Package
- Sport Premium: includes 17" 5-spoke alloy wheels,
tire pressure monitor, automatic climate control, colour
matched exterior trim and fog lamps, sunroof, power driver
seat without memory; not available with Premium Package
|
O
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Package
- Sport Wheel: includes 17" alloy wheels and tire pressure
monitor, not available with Premium Package or Aero Premium
Package
|
O
|
O
|
-
|
O
|
-
|
|
Power
trunk release
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Remote
transmitter - central locking and anti-theft alarm controls
built in key head
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Spoiler
- rear
|
-
|
-
|
S
|
-
|
S
|
|
Sunroof
- power glass sliding
|
-
|
S
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
|
Tires
- 205/65 R15 - all-season steel belted radial
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Tires
- 215/55 R16 - all-season steel belted radial
|
O
|
S
|
-
|
S
|
-
|
|
Tires
- 225/45 R17 - steel beleted radial
|
O
|
O
|
S
|
O
|
S
|
|
Tires
- compact spare
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Tire
Pressure Monitor
|
O
|
O
|
S
|
O
|
S
|
|
Washer
nozzles - triple twin jet
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Wheels
- 15" x 6.5" alloy 5-spoke
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Wheels
- 16" x 6.5" alloy 10-spoke
|
O
|
S
|
-
|
S
|
-
|
|
Wheels
- 17" x 7" alloy 6-spoke
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
O
|
-
|
|
Wheels
- 17" x 7" alloy 5-spoke
|
O
|
O
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Wheels
- 17" x 7" alloy twin 5-spoke
|
-
|
-
|
S
|
-
|
S
|
|
Windshield
wiper system - 2-speed with variable intermittent
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Windshield
wiper system - rain sensing wipers
|
O
|
O
|
-
|
O
|
-
|
|
INTERIOR FEATURES
|
Linear
|
Arc
|
Aero
|
Arc
Convert.
|
Aero
Convert.
|
|
Air
conditioning - manual, electrostatic filtered
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Air
conditioning - automatic, electrostatic filtered
|
O
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Armrest
- middle rear armrest with load through
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
|
Assist
handles - four locations
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
|
Computer
- Saab car computer
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Console
- front console with storage compartment
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Cruise
control
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Cup
holder - located in centre console
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Cup
holder - located in center dashboard
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Cup
holder - located in rear seat cushion
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
|
Defogger
- electric rear window
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Door
trim - vinyl
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Ducts
- adjustable front panel and rear ventilation
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Ducts
- rear seat heater ducts
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Ducts
- rear side window demist
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
|
Floor
mats - carpeted front and rear
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Gear
shift knob / shift boot - leather
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Instrumentation
- speedometer/odometer/tripmeter, turbo gauge, tachometer,
combine fuel gauge, engine temperature, failed light indicator,
low fuel warning light, open door indicator, night panel
feature, turbo gauge, SID (Saab Info display), clock, check
messages, and trip computer
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
| Instrument
Panel - metallic |
-
|
-
|
S
|
-
|
S
|
|
Lighting
- dome lamp
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
|
Lighting
- luggage compartment lamp
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Lighting
- map light - front
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Lighting
- interior courtesy light with fade delay
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Lighting
- reading/vanity mirror light
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Lighting
- spotlights
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
S
|
S
|
|
Mirror
- vanity, driver and passenger, illuminated
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Mirror
- day/night, rear view, manual
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Steering
wheel - leather-wrapped
|
S
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Steering
wheel - sport leather wrapped
|
-
|
-
|
S
|
-
|
S
|
|
Steering
wheel - wood and leather-wrapped
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
S
|
-
|
|
Steering
wheel - tilt and telescopic
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Tool
kit - located in rear compartment
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Trim
- instrument panel, woodgrain accents
|
-
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Trim
- instrument panel - poplar wood
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
S
|
-
|
|
Windows
- power with one-touch open feature for front windows
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Windshield
wiper system - 2-speed, variable intermittent
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
SEATS
|
Linear
|
Arc
|
Aero
|
Arc
Convert.
|
Aero
Convert.
|
|
Leather
seating surfaces
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Pockets,
driver and passenger seat backs
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Reclining
front buckets
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Manual
seat adjuster, height, length and back angle
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Power
driver seat
|
O
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Power,
dual with driver memory
|
-
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Heated
seats - front driver and passenger
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
|
Fold-down
rear seat with split 60/40
|
S
|
S
|
S
|
-
|
-
|
|
Head
restraint - adjustable front and rear seat head restraints
|
|
