Saab 9-3 2.0T Aero XWD (A) Review
24 Oct 2009|20,243 views
Two years ago, as a birthday gift to myself, I invested a considerable portion of my savings in a laptop. Not any ordinary laptop though, a Macbook.
You see back in University, nearly anyone sitting on a bench had a laptop flipped open, furiously typing that last paragraph on his/her marketing proposal before saving it on the thumb drive in preparation for the mad dash to the printer.
Wanting for a fuller experience and an innate need to participate in the academic Olympics in school, I headed down to the Apple shop and splurged on a brand-spanking new Mac.
No, it wasn’t my obsession over the off-white finish, or the fact that Apple computers have been regarded as the most stable and hassle-free platforms to work on for many years now. But rather I just wanted to stand out.
See having a Mac in school automatically classified you under the ‘others’ category. The ones that don’t conform, are cool, are open-minded and confident. It didn’t matter whether you attached a hideous USB mouse to it or had a picture of F4 as your desktop wallpaper; you were cool because you’re different.
And that’s how it is to own something like a Saab. It looks nothing like anything else on the road and you’re automatically regarded as someone successful, who doesn’t see a need to conform to expectations, and well, in your forties with teenage kids.
You see back in University, nearly anyone sitting on a bench had a laptop flipped open, furiously typing that last paragraph on his/her marketing proposal before saving it on the thumb drive in preparation for the mad dash to the printer.
Wanting for a fuller experience and an innate need to participate in the academic Olympics in school, I headed down to the Apple shop and splurged on a brand-spanking new Mac.
No, it wasn’t my obsession over the off-white finish, or the fact that Apple computers have been regarded as the most stable and hassle-free platforms to work on for many years now. But rather I just wanted to stand out.
See having a Mac in school automatically classified you under the ‘others’ category. The ones that don’t conform, are cool, are open-minded and confident. It didn’t matter whether you attached a hideous USB mouse to it or had a picture of F4 as your desktop wallpaper; you were cool because you’re different.
And that’s how it is to own something like a Saab. It looks nothing like anything else on the road and you’re automatically regarded as someone successful, who doesn’t see a need to conform to expectations, and well, in your forties with teenage kids.
 |
It’s a different tune the Swedish brand is playing now though.
Sharper features on the front in the form of titanium-effect three-part grille that cut upwards and creases the hood, giving it a pretty obvious power bulge effect. Of course all of these changes around the exterior of this Swede is solely-owed to the absolutely stonking Aero X Concept car Saab came up with years ago. That Concept changed the way Saab was perceived by the mass media and particularly the local market here in Singapore. We loved it. Suddenly Saab was youthful and aggressive, something that seems to be more suitable to the characteristics of Saab’s range of turbo engine units.
Run by the sides and nothing seems to have changed for the space within the A-pillar and the C-pillar. It’s a very basic shape that has served Saab for some years now without much critique. The rear is where more of the improvements are apparent.
And it’s no more apparent than in those transparent rear lamps paired up to the dual exhaust heads peeking out from underneath either side of the bumper. Those 5-spoke 17 inch alloy rims don’t look too shabby on the 9-3 either.
 |
Inside
Don’t think anyone does themed dashboard designs better than Saab. And in this case they benefit from their extensive experience in the aero industry, creating a dash design that hasn’t changed very much in the last 10 years.
Inside the titanium-effect treatment is extended to the well laid out dash, the passenger side glove compartment lid and even on the steering wheel. Very tasteful touches contributing to the sense of good build quality of the car.
The buttons and knobs are pretty firm to the touch as well, not clicking around in different direction. As good as the fit level on any of the cars in Audi’s stable. Radio control is pretty straight forward although the small green display will take some getting used to. to the centre portion you’ve got the nightpanel button that only illuminates the essentials like your speed indicator and fuel indicator, dimming everything else so won’t be too distracted driving on the highway up north for example, at night.
Leather seats are comfortable and provide ample support and bolstering as you take the 9-3 through fast and tight corners (as I found out).
So what’s XWD and how does it drive with it
XWD represents Saab’s first foray into offering all-wheel drive technology in their cars. XWD is Saab’s answer to Audi’s Quattro. More importantly XWD is Saab effort in levelling the playing field in the luxury car segment.
Don’t think anyone does themed dashboard designs better than Saab. And in this case they benefit from their extensive experience in the aero industry, creating a dash design that hasn’t changed very much in the last 10 years.
Inside the titanium-effect treatment is extended to the well laid out dash, the passenger side glove compartment lid and even on the steering wheel. Very tasteful touches contributing to the sense of good build quality of the car.
The buttons and knobs are pretty firm to the touch as well, not clicking around in different direction. As good as the fit level on any of the cars in Audi’s stable. Radio control is pretty straight forward although the small green display will take some getting used to. to the centre portion you’ve got the nightpanel button that only illuminates the essentials like your speed indicator and fuel indicator, dimming everything else so won’t be too distracted driving on the highway up north for example, at night.
Leather seats are comfortable and provide ample support and bolstering as you take the 9-3 through fast and tight corners (as I found out).
So what’s XWD and how does it drive with it
XWD represents Saab’s first foray into offering all-wheel drive technology in their cars. XWD is Saab’s answer to Audi’s Quattro. More importantly XWD is Saab effort in levelling the playing field in the luxury car segment.
The Cross Wheel Drive (XWD) is basically the result of joint development from both Saab and Haldex, another Swedish company. Not too sure of the technicalities but I read recently that this fourth generation Limited Slip Coupling technology has been licensed to major players like the Volkswagen Group, Ford Motor Company and General Motors in their four-wheel drive technology.
But what’s special with the one on Saab’s XWD range is the addition of the Haldex eLSD (electronic limited slip differential) which functions as an add-on module that, on top of the conventional front rear splitting of power, helps moderate power from side to side. But for the more mature, wine-tasting crowd the Saab 9-3 serves, the control bias is set with safety and absolute control in mind.
So although you might expect the XWD to hold its ground shooting quickly into tight corners, the system’s prowess actually comes to light when exiting the corner. Braking sharply from 200km/h to 50km/h just before a sharp 110 degree turn, I guided the car on the fastest line and half way out of the corner, floored the throttle.
The direct steering and impressive feedback I had in my palms only made the above act more impressive. The car’s composure out of the corner was best when I was manipulating the gears myself though; the downshifts were sloppy on auto, not as crisp as I’d have liked it. Out of the corner, the car felt very balanced with power delivery coming in silky smooth through the six-speeder and the eLSD system that regulated torque.
But what’s special with the one on Saab’s XWD range is the addition of the Haldex eLSD (electronic limited slip differential) which functions as an add-on module that, on top of the conventional front rear splitting of power, helps moderate power from side to side. But for the more mature, wine-tasting crowd the Saab 9-3 serves, the control bias is set with safety and absolute control in mind.
So although you might expect the XWD to hold its ground shooting quickly into tight corners, the system’s prowess actually comes to light when exiting the corner. Braking sharply from 200km/h to 50km/h just before a sharp 110 degree turn, I guided the car on the fastest line and half way out of the corner, floored the throttle.
The direct steering and impressive feedback I had in my palms only made the above act more impressive. The car’s composure out of the corner was best when I was manipulating the gears myself though; the downshifts were sloppy on auto, not as crisp as I’d have liked it. Out of the corner, the car felt very balanced with power delivery coming in silky smooth through the six-speeder and the eLSD system that regulated torque.
 |
So it’s like buying a Macbook?
It’s exactly like buying a Macbook.
For something different you purchase, or do for that matter, there is always something that you’ll have to get used to. For the Mac it’s the interface and probably getting used to the idea that anything extra that needs to be bought comes at a very high price-point.
The Saab has a couple of issues as well. On the outside there was the boot door that shuddered every time I close it. No I didn’t exert ‘too much’ force, it just shudders easily.
Inside, you’ve got a relatively large steering wheel that doesn’t add anything to the sporty feel. Then there’s the arm rest that needs to be held up by someone when slotting something in.
It’s exactly like buying a Macbook.
For something different you purchase, or do for that matter, there is always something that you’ll have to get used to. For the Mac it’s the interface and probably getting used to the idea that anything extra that needs to be bought comes at a very high price-point.
The Saab has a couple of issues as well. On the outside there was the boot door that shuddered every time I close it. No I didn’t exert ‘too much’ force, it just shudders easily.
Inside, you’ve got a relatively large steering wheel that doesn’t add anything to the sporty feel. Then there’s the arm rest that needs to be held up by someone when slotting something in.
No resistance or level hooks to hold it in place as in most cars in this segment. All this on top of the fact that you don’t get auto headlights or passenger memory seats.
But it is a Saab 9-3 Aero XWD. It looks fantastic, has 210 horses galloping gracefully with 350 Nm of twisting ability churning out from that gem of a turbo-charged 2.0-litre unit, an aero-inspired dashboard and in all its Saabness, has its ignition slot in between the driver and front passenger seat for hassle free starts.
My girlfriends Mom used to own one. And if I was looking in the segment for a family car, I might just be looking in this Swede’s direction.
But it is a Saab 9-3 Aero XWD. It looks fantastic, has 210 horses galloping gracefully with 350 Nm of twisting ability churning out from that gem of a turbo-charged 2.0-litre unit, an aero-inspired dashboard and in all its Saabness, has its ignition slot in between the driver and front passenger seat for hassle free starts.
My girlfriends Mom used to own one. And if I was looking in the segment for a family car, I might just be looking in this Swede’s direction.
Two years ago, as a birthday gift to myself, I invested a considerable portion of my savings in a laptop. Not any ordinary laptop though, a Macbook.
You see back in University, nearly anyone sitting on a bench had a laptop flipped open, furiously typing that last paragraph on his/her marketing proposal before saving it on the thumb drive in preparation for the mad dash to the printer.
Wanting for a fuller experience and an innate need to participate in the academic Olympics in school, I headed down to the Apple shop and splurged on a brand-spanking new Mac.
No, it wasn’t my obsession over the off-white finish, or the fact that Apple computers have been regarded as the most stable and hassle-free platforms to work on for many years now. But rather I just wanted to stand out.
See having a Mac in school automatically classified you under the ‘others’ category. The ones that don’t conform, are cool, are open-minded and confident. It didn’t matter whether you attached a hideous USB mouse to it or had a picture of F4 as your desktop wallpaper; you were cool because you’re different.
And that’s how it is to own something like a Saab. It looks nothing like anything else on the road and you’re automatically regarded as someone successful, who doesn’t see a need to conform to expectations, and well, in your forties with teenage kids.
You see back in University, nearly anyone sitting on a bench had a laptop flipped open, furiously typing that last paragraph on his/her marketing proposal before saving it on the thumb drive in preparation for the mad dash to the printer.
Wanting for a fuller experience and an innate need to participate in the academic Olympics in school, I headed down to the Apple shop and splurged on a brand-spanking new Mac.
No, it wasn’t my obsession over the off-white finish, or the fact that Apple computers have been regarded as the most stable and hassle-free platforms to work on for many years now. But rather I just wanted to stand out.
See having a Mac in school automatically classified you under the ‘others’ category. The ones that don’t conform, are cool, are open-minded and confident. It didn’t matter whether you attached a hideous USB mouse to it or had a picture of F4 as your desktop wallpaper; you were cool because you’re different.
And that’s how it is to own something like a Saab. It looks nothing like anything else on the road and you’re automatically regarded as someone successful, who doesn’t see a need to conform to expectations, and well, in your forties with teenage kids.
|
It’s a different tune the Swedish brand is playing now though.
Sharper features on the front in the form of titanium-effect three-part grille that cut upwards and creases the hood, giving it a pretty obvious power bulge effect. Of course all of these changes around the exterior of this Swede is solely-owed to the absolutely stonking Aero X Concept car Saab came up with years ago. That Concept changed the way Saab was perceived by the mass media and particularly the local market here in Singapore. We loved it. Suddenly Saab was youthful and aggressive, something that seems to be more suitable to the characteristics of Saab’s range of turbo engine units.
Run by the sides and nothing seems to have changed for the space within the A-pillar and the C-pillar. It’s a very basic shape that has served Saab for some years now without much critique. The rear is where more of the improvements are apparent.
And it’s no more apparent than in those transparent rear lamps paired up to the dual exhaust heads peeking out from underneath either side of the bumper. Those 5-spoke 17 inch alloy rims don’t look too shabby on the 9-3 either.
|
Inside
Don’t think anyone does themed dashboard designs better than Saab. And in this case they benefit from their extensive experience in the aero industry, creating a dash design that hasn’t changed very much in the last 10 years.
Inside the titanium-effect treatment is extended to the well laid out dash, the passenger side glove compartment lid and even on the steering wheel. Very tasteful touches contributing to the sense of good build quality of the car.
The buttons and knobs are pretty firm to the touch as well, not clicking around in different direction. As good as the fit level on any of the cars in Audi’s stable. Radio control is pretty straight forward although the small green display will take some getting used to. to the centre portion you’ve got the nightpanel button that only illuminates the essentials like your speed indicator and fuel indicator, dimming everything else so won’t be too distracted driving on the highway up north for example, at night.
Leather seats are comfortable and provide ample support and bolstering as you take the 9-3 through fast and tight corners (as I found out).
So what’s XWD and how does it drive with it
XWD represents Saab’s first foray into offering all-wheel drive technology in their cars. XWD is Saab’s answer to Audi’s Quattro. More importantly XWD is Saab effort in levelling the playing field in the luxury car segment.
Don’t think anyone does themed dashboard designs better than Saab. And in this case they benefit from their extensive experience in the aero industry, creating a dash design that hasn’t changed very much in the last 10 years.
Inside the titanium-effect treatment is extended to the well laid out dash, the passenger side glove compartment lid and even on the steering wheel. Very tasteful touches contributing to the sense of good build quality of the car.
The buttons and knobs are pretty firm to the touch as well, not clicking around in different direction. As good as the fit level on any of the cars in Audi’s stable. Radio control is pretty straight forward although the small green display will take some getting used to. to the centre portion you’ve got the nightpanel button that only illuminates the essentials like your speed indicator and fuel indicator, dimming everything else so won’t be too distracted driving on the highway up north for example, at night.
Leather seats are comfortable and provide ample support and bolstering as you take the 9-3 through fast and tight corners (as I found out).
So what’s XWD and how does it drive with it
XWD represents Saab’s first foray into offering all-wheel drive technology in their cars. XWD is Saab’s answer to Audi’s Quattro. More importantly XWD is Saab effort in levelling the playing field in the luxury car segment.
The Cross Wheel Drive (XWD) is basically the result of joint development from both Saab and Haldex, another Swedish company. Not too sure of the technicalities but I read recently that this fourth generation Limited Slip Coupling technology has been licensed to major players like the Volkswagen Group, Ford Motor Company and General Motors in their four-wheel drive technology.
But what’s special with the one on Saab’s XWD range is the addition of the Haldex eLSD (electronic limited slip differential) which functions as an add-on module that, on top of the conventional front rear splitting of power, helps moderate power from side to side. But for the more mature, wine-tasting crowd the Saab 9-3 serves, the control bias is set with safety and absolute control in mind.
So although you might expect the XWD to hold its ground shooting quickly into tight corners, the system’s prowess actually comes to light when exiting the corner. Braking sharply from 200km/h to 50km/h just before a sharp 110 degree turn, I guided the car on the fastest line and half way out of the corner, floored the throttle.
The direct steering and impressive feedback I had in my palms only made the above act more impressive. The car’s composure out of the corner was best when I was manipulating the gears myself though; the downshifts were sloppy on auto, not as crisp as I’d have liked it. Out of the corner, the car felt very balanced with power delivery coming in silky smooth through the six-speeder and the eLSD system that regulated torque.
But what’s special with the one on Saab’s XWD range is the addition of the Haldex eLSD (electronic limited slip differential) which functions as an add-on module that, on top of the conventional front rear splitting of power, helps moderate power from side to side. But for the more mature, wine-tasting crowd the Saab 9-3 serves, the control bias is set with safety and absolute control in mind.
So although you might expect the XWD to hold its ground shooting quickly into tight corners, the system’s prowess actually comes to light when exiting the corner. Braking sharply from 200km/h to 50km/h just before a sharp 110 degree turn, I guided the car on the fastest line and half way out of the corner, floored the throttle.
The direct steering and impressive feedback I had in my palms only made the above act more impressive. The car’s composure out of the corner was best when I was manipulating the gears myself though; the downshifts were sloppy on auto, not as crisp as I’d have liked it. Out of the corner, the car felt very balanced with power delivery coming in silky smooth through the six-speeder and the eLSD system that regulated torque.
|
So it’s like buying a Macbook?
It’s exactly like buying a Macbook.
For something different you purchase, or do for that matter, there is always something that you’ll have to get used to. For the Mac it’s the interface and probably getting used to the idea that anything extra that needs to be bought comes at a very high price-point.
The Saab has a couple of issues as well. On the outside there was the boot door that shuddered every time I close it. No I didn’t exert ‘too much’ force, it just shudders easily.
Inside, you’ve got a relatively large steering wheel that doesn’t add anything to the sporty feel. Then there’s the arm rest that needs to be held up by someone when slotting something in.
It’s exactly like buying a Macbook.
For something different you purchase, or do for that matter, there is always something that you’ll have to get used to. For the Mac it’s the interface and probably getting used to the idea that anything extra that needs to be bought comes at a very high price-point.
The Saab has a couple of issues as well. On the outside there was the boot door that shuddered every time I close it. No I didn’t exert ‘too much’ force, it just shudders easily.
Inside, you’ve got a relatively large steering wheel that doesn’t add anything to the sporty feel. Then there’s the arm rest that needs to be held up by someone when slotting something in.
No resistance or level hooks to hold it in place as in most cars in this segment. All this on top of the fact that you don’t get auto headlights or passenger memory seats.
But it is a Saab 9-3 Aero XWD. It looks fantastic, has 210 horses galloping gracefully with 350 Nm of twisting ability churning out from that gem of a turbo-charged 2.0-litre unit, an aero-inspired dashboard and in all its Saabness, has its ignition slot in between the driver and front passenger seat for hassle free starts.
My girlfriends Mom used to own one. And if I was looking in the segment for a family car, I might just be looking in this Swede’s direction.
But it is a Saab 9-3 Aero XWD. It looks fantastic, has 210 horses galloping gracefully with 350 Nm of twisting ability churning out from that gem of a turbo-charged 2.0-litre unit, an aero-inspired dashboard and in all its Saabness, has its ignition slot in between the driver and front passenger seat for hassle free starts.
My girlfriends Mom used to own one. And if I was looking in the segment for a family car, I might just be looking in this Swede’s direction.
Photos by Jegan Das Haridas
Car Information
Saab 9-3 2.0TS Aero XWD (A)
CAT B|Petrol|11km/L
Horsepower
157kW (210 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
7.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Saab 9-3
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