SAAB 9-3 Second Generation 2003–2014

9-3 Second Generation 2003–2014 Featured Image
Second generation
2009 Saab 9-3 (MY08) Aero 2.8T sedan (2015-07-09) 01.jpg
Overview
Production 2002–2012
2013–2014
Assembly

Nyköping, Sweden (convertible 2012) (ANA)
Trollhättan, Sweden (sedan 2002-2011 and 2013-2014, wagon 2005-2011 and convertible 2010-2011)

Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr) (convertible 2003–2009)
Designer Michael Mauer, Einar Hareide,Anders Gustafsson
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door convertible
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform GM Epsilon platform
Related BAW C60
Fiat Croma
Cadillac BLS
Chevrolet Malibu
Opel Signum
Opel Vectra
Saturn Aura
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1.8 L Z18XE I4 (petrol)
  • 1.9 L Z19DT I4 (turbocharged diesel)
  • 1.9 L Z19DTH I4 (turbocharged diesel)
  • 1.9 L Z19DTR I4 (twin-turbocharged diesel)
  • 2.0 L B207E I4 (LP-turbocharged petrol)
  • 2.0 L B207L I4 (MP-turbocharged petrol)
  • 2.0 L B207R I4 (HP-turbocharged petrol)
  • 2.2 L D223L I4 (turbocharged diesel)
  • 2.8 L B284 V6 (turbocharged petrol)
Transmission 5-speed F35 manual
6-speed F40 manual
5-speed Aisin AF33 automatic
6-speed Aisin AF40-6 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,675 mm (105.3 in)
Length 2003-07 Sedan: 4,635 mm (182.5 in)
2008-2014 Sedan: 4,646 mm (182.9 in)
2003-07 Convertible: 4,633 mm (182.4 in)
2008–2009 Convertible: 182.9 in (4,646 mm)
2003-09 Turbo X & Wagon: 4,653 mm (183.2 in)
2010-2014 Wagon: 183.9 in (4,671 mm) & 184.6 in (4,689 mm)
Width 2010-2014: 70.9 in (1,801 mm)
2008-09 Sedan: 1,753 mm (69.0 in)
2010-2014 Convertible: 70.1 in (1,781 mm)
2008-09 Convertible: 1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Turbo X & Wagon: 1,763 mm (69.4 in)
Height 2003-07 Sedan: 1,443 mm (56.8 in)
2008-2014 Sedan: 1,450 mm (57.1 in)
2003-07 Convertible: 1,433 mm (56.4 in)
2008-2014 Convertible: 56.6 in (1,438 mm)
2003-07 Wagon: 1,540 mm (60.6 in)
2008-2014 Turbo X & Wagon: 1,496 mm (58.9 in)
2010-2014 Wagon: 60.2 in (1,529 mm)
Curb weight 2008-2009: 1,410 to 1,690 kg (3,109 to 3,726 lb)

The second-generation 9-3 was launched in January 2002, at the North American International Auto Show for MY03.

Originally, the 9-3 was due to début with the Opel Vectra in October 2001, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but in July 2001, it was announced that delays had forced General Motors to postpone the introduction. Both cars were eventually introduced in March 2002, at the Geneva Motor Show. The convertible version of the second-generation 9-3 began with the MY04, and SportCombi with MY05.

The new 9-3, like all other Saabs, remained a front-wheel drive car. The most drastic change from the former generation was the elimination of the hatchback design. The second-generation 9-3 was available as a four-door saloon, an estate (introduced in late 2005, known as the SportWagon, SportCombi or Sport-Hatch dependant on the market), and a two-door convertible (introduced in 2004). It included Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR II) to reduce whiplash and ReAxs, a passive rear wheel steering design and passive toe-in to help reduce understeer under heavy braking.

 
Saab 9-3 Linear 1.8t convertible, Australia
 
Saab 9-3 Aero 2.8T sedan, Australia

The new 9-3 departed from the EcoPower engine used previously for a new 2.0 L inline-four engine Ecotec engine from General Motors' for the petrol powered models. There are three different versions of the turbocharged inline-four, with the amount of turbo boost determining the power output. The 150 hp (110 kW) version (1.8t) was standard in the non-U.S. market Linear form (trim-level). The 175 horsepower (130 kW) version (2.0t) was standard in U.S. market Linear or non-U.S. market Vector form, mated with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed 'Sentronic' which is a traditional automatic, not to be confused with SAAB's earlier 'Sensonic' which was a manual transmission which allowed for shifting without a clutch pedal. The 210 horsepower 2.0T (B207R engine) was available in both the Arc and Vector forms, and as the Aero in Australia and the United Kingdom. In 2003 Arc and Vector models, the manual transmission was a 6-speed.

The 9-3 and the Opel Vectra were the first of the global GM Epsilon platform, which was then lengthened to accommodate four new cousins, the Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, the Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura. A proprietary fiber-optic electric/electronic system, the possibility of AWD (exploited from 2008 on, dubbed Saab XWD), and ReAxs as described above, are just a few of the features exclusive to the 9-3. On February 22, 2012, the final 47 Saabs were built. They were all 9-3 Independence Edition convertible models built by one of Sweden's largest car dealers, ANA, in Trollhättan.

There were 21 LHD cars, and 26 RHD ones. The final Saab was a Saab 9-3 Aero Independence Edition TTiD convertible.

Second-generation 9-3 engines

Note: diesel engines are not available in North America. Starting from late 2004 diesel engines are Fiat-sourced common rail units.

Model Years Engine and type Displ. Power Torque Turbocharger
1.8i 2004–2009 I4 16V Ecotec 1796 cc 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) @ 5800 rpm 167 N·m (123 lb·ft) @ 3800 rpm None
B207E 1.8t 2003–2014 I4 16V Ecotec LK9 1998 cc 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @ 5500 rpm 240 N·m (180 lb·ft) @ 2000–3500 rpm Low-pressure
B207L 2.0t 2003–2014 I4 16V Ecotec LK9 1998 cc 175 PS (129 kW; 173 hp) @ 5500 rpm 265 N·m (195 lb·ft) @ 2500–4000 rpm Mid-pressure
B207R 2.0T 2003–2014 I4 16V Ecotec LK9 1998 cc 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) @ 5300 rpm 300 N·m (220 lb·ft) @ 2500–4000 rpm High-pressure
2.8T V6 2006 V6 24V LP9 2792 cc 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) @ 5500 rpm 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @ 1800–4500 rpm High-pressure
2.8T V6 2007–2008 (FWD) V6 24V LP9 2792 cc 255 PS (188 kW; 252 hp) @ 5500 rpm 355 N·m (262 lb·ft) @ 1800–4500 rpm High-pressure
2.8T V6 2008–2010 (XWD) V6 24V LP9 2792 cc 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) @ 5500 rpm 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 2150 rpm High-pressure
1.8t BioPower 2007–2014 I4 16V Ecotec LK9 1998 cc 175 PS (129 kW; 173 hp) @ 5500 rpm 265 N·m (195 lb·ft) @ 2500–4000 rpm Mid-pressure
2.0t BioPower 2007–2014 I4 16V Ecotec LK9 1998 cc 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @ 5500 rpm 300 N·m (220 lb·ft) @ 2500–4000 rpm High-pressure
1.9 TiD 2004–2014 I4 8V Z19DT 1910 cc 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) @ 4000 rpm 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 2000–2750 rpm High-pressure
1.9 TiDS 2004–2014 I4 16V Z19DTH 1910 cc 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @ 4000 rpm 320 N·m (240 lb·ft) @ 2000–2750 rpm High-pressure
1.9 TTiD 2007–2014 I4 16V Z19DTR 1910 cc 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) @ 4000 rpm 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 2000–2500 rpm*1
370 N·m (270 lb·ft) @ 2000–2500 rpm*2
High-pressure twin turbo
2.2 TiD 2003–2004 I4 16V D223L 2171 cc 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @ 4000 rpm 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 1500 rpm High-pressure
*1 For vehicles with manual transmission
*2 For vehicles with automatic transmission
Sources:

2004

 
2005–2007 Saab 9-3 convertible (US)
 
9-3 SportCombi

The Vector form was replaced with the Aero in the USA. In addition, the Arc received the 5-speed manual in place of the 6-speed.

2005

United States versions were sold with 16-inch wheels standard (17-inch for the Aero) unlike the 15-inch wheels which were previously found in the Linear version. In the United States, but not in most countries, the 2005 was the last year of the Linear and Arc versions. In addition, the 6-speed manual was dropped and both the Arc and Aero received the 5-speed manual.

2006

 
2006 9-3 2.0T

With the addition of a powerful new V6, the Saab 9-3 has become a real contender among the sports sedans, convertibles and sport wagons in its class. Whichever body style fits your needs and desires, the Saab 9-3 is sporty, it's tight, and it handles well. A new 2.8-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder has been added for 2006 along with an improved 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 35 more horsepower last year's engine. Together, they make the 2006 Saab 9-3 a more compelling choice. The 4-cylinder option had 12.3 psi maximum turbo boost pressure and turned out 210 hp (160 kW), while the 6-cylinder had 8.7 psi boost and turned out 250 hp (190 kW). The 2.0-litre 16-valve turbo four-cylinder model was marketed in the United States as the 2.0T, replacing the Linear and Arc models sold until the 2005 model year. The United States 2.0T version was similar to the 2005 Arc except for U.S. Linear wheels were used. The Linear and Arc versions continued to be sold in most other countries. A special "20 Years Edition Aero Convertible" for the American market was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006 to celebrate 20 years since the introduction of the Saab 900 convertible.

2007

 
9-3 updated interior

The dashboard was revamped for 2007, with the Saab Information Display moved from its high mounted position to the main instrument binnacle. The button-heavy climate control system disappeared, replaced by the Saab 9-5 climate control system, OnStar was re-introduced and required when Nav was ordered in North America, and the corporate GM head unit debuted, which allowed for satellite radio and MP3 CD capability. The suspension went from borderline harsh to firm, and the cabin was quietened considerably. Steel Gray was also replaced with Titan Gray as an exterior color choice. In the U.S. market, only the 210 hp 2.0-liter 16-valve turbo engine and the 250 hp 2.8-litre V-6 turbo were available. The manual transmission in the 2.0 model was changed from a 5-speed to a 6-speed.

A 60th Anniversary Edition was also offered for sedan, wagon and convertible body styles for 2007 to celebrate 60 years of SAAB. The package was only offered on 2.0T cars, and included unique five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, black leather sport seats with grey inserts and SAAB embossments on the front seats, dark walnut trim, black floormats with grey binding, front fog lamps and a BOSE audio system with 6-disc CD changer and satellite radio. Sedan and convertible models also received trunk-lid spoilers. An exclusive Ice Blue metallic paint was offered for the edition, but the edition could still be ordered in standard SAAB paint colors. 60th Anniversary Edition sedans were offered for $24,820 USD, SportCombi wagons for $30,065 USD, and $40,065 USD for convertibles.

Saab Turbo X

Saab Turbo X debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. It was made to celebrate SAAB's 30 years of turbocharging. All Turbo X were offered in metallic jet black with matte grey trim. The Turbo X is SAAB's first production car with the XWD all-wheel drive system from Haldex Traction and eLSD. It is powered by a 2.8-litre V6 producing 280 PS (210 kW) mated to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. It has larger brakes as well as stiffer springs and shocks. The dash, shift lever and door panels have carbon fiber look and the turbo boost gauge draws its inspiration from the Saab 900.

 
Turbo X at Frankfurt Motor Show, 2007

2008 facelift

 
2008 Facelifted Saab 9-3 Aero convertible

Saab claimed over 2000 changes were made to model year 2008 cars. The 2008 range, first presented at the Saab Festival in Trollhättan, Sweden (June 10, 2007) included new frontal styling inspired by the Saab Aero-X and Saab 9-2X, Saab's first use of LED "signature" lighting in the revised headlamps, new door panels, a new clamshell bonnet, new rear bumper, and frosted "ice block" rear lamps. Black replaced charcoal gray as an interior color choice. Snow Silver became a new exterior color. The 2.8T V6 powering the Aero models received a mild output boost from 250 hp to 255 hp. Some additional exterior modifications are available on the limited-edition XWD 280 horsepower (210 kW) 9-3 Turbo X, presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show (9/07). The Turbo X made its North American debut at the New England Auto show in late November. Saab also released an all-wheel-drive version of the Aero, with the system dubbed "XWD", in March 2008.

2009

 
2009- Saab 9-3X

The 2009 9-3 series expands the trim levels while dropping the limited-edition Turbo X saloon and estate from the lineup. The 2.0T and Aero saloon and estate models are now available with Saab's all-wheel drive(XWD). The convertible range lacked the all-wheel-drive option. The new Saab 9-3 was unchanged from the 2008 model. During 2009 the 9-3X was launched at the Geneva auto show. The 9-3X is a four-wheel-drive XUV version of the 9-3 SportWagon.

2010

For 2010, the Saab 9-3 Aero's turbocharged V6 was eliminated. All models used the 2.0-liter turbo-4.

Saab 9-3 ePower

The Saab 9-3 ePower electric car was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Auto Show and became Saab's first electric vehicle. The ePower concept car is based on the 9-3 SportWagon, has a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a top speed of 150 kilometres per hour (93 mph), and an estimated driving range of 200 km (120 mi).Saab had scheduled to run a two-year trial with 70 ePower demonstrators in Sweden by late 2011. The new owner of the Saab estate, National Electric Vehicle Sweden, initially stated that they intended to start producing the all-electric 9-3 ePower to be launched in China by late 2013 or early 2014.

The production version was slated to be unveiled at the 2014 Frankfurt Motor Show and market launch for 2015. In April 2014 NEVS began production of a batch of 200 units to be tested in Qingdao, China by mid-2014. After the test, sales are scheduled to begin in Sweden in 2015.

2011–2012

 
2012 Revised version and facelifted Saab 9-3 Griffin (2012) (Saloon)

The 9-3 received some revisions in 2011 for the 2012 model year. Changes were in the engine range with an overall reduction in diesel and petrol engine fuel consumption of 12% and 7% respectively. An entry-level 163 hp, 2.0-litre gasoline / BioPower engine was added for 9-3 saloon, estate, and 9-3X models with Saab XWD. Other changes included rear badging in line with all new Saab 9-5 saloon, 'ice block' style headlights, New bumper design, titanium metallic effect trim around instrument panel, gearshift, doors and glove box. Aero gets graphite fiber effect. Contrast stitching on leather upholstery.

In most markets, car was badged 'Griffin'. The three-spoke alloy wheel returned in 16- to 18-inch choices. An "Independence Edition" convertible was released with a total of 366 units to commemorate the first anniversary of the sale to Spyker Cars.

2014 (NEVS)

Saab 9-3 Aero MY14
Saab 9-3 aero 2014.jpg
Overview
Production 2013–2014
Assembly Trollhättan, Sweden, Saabvägen 5 (NEVS)
Designer Michael Mauer, Einar Hareide,Anders Gustafsson
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform GM Epsilon platform
Related BAW C60
Fiat Croma
Cadillac BLS
Chevrolet Malibu
Opel Signum
Opel Vectra
Saturn Aura
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L 220HP B207R I4 (HP-turbocharged petrol)
Transmission 6-speed F40 manual
6-speed Aisin AF40-6 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,675 mm (105.3 in)
Length Sedan: 4,668 mm (183.8 in)
Width Sedan: 80.25 in (2,038 mm)
Height Sedan: 1,450 mm (57.1 in)
Curb weight 2008-2009: 1,410 to 1,690 kg (3,109 to 3,726 lb)

National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) restarted production of the Saab 9-3 Aero Sedan MY14 on December 2, 2013 in Saab's former Trollhättan assembly plant. The only exterior difference on the MY14 model is the lack of the Griffin badge, to which NEVS does not own the rights. The Griffin is replaced with a badge displaying the Saab logotype, as well as new seats. The 9-3 Aero MY14 features a 220-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injected twin-scroll turbocharged engine and went on sale in Sweden on December 10. The first cars were to delivered in Spring 2014 as a "Limited Edition" model. Only two colors were available, black and Silver.

The 9-3 no longer meets the latest Euro NCAP tests regarding pedestrian safety; therefore, only 1,000 cars of each body model could be sold in Europe, as a low-volume manufacturer. The only other market was China. An electric version was to be launched in spring 2014 in the Chinese market.

The updated 9-3 have been tested favourably by motoring magazines.Vi Bilägare wrote that it feels modern and feels sporty yet comfortable.

 
MY14 Saab 9-3 Interior

Saab automobile production ended as of May 2014 because Qingbo Investment, one of NEVS shareholders, was not able to reach a financing agreement. By the end of 2014, India's Mahindra & Mahindra agreed to buy a majority stake in NEVS. In February 2015, it was announced that the remaining 100 cars that were stuck on the halted production line since May 2014 would be completed.