2011 Saab 9-3X Sport-Combi Wagon
MSRP $36,975
This is the last year of the current Saab 9-3. Saab has been through ownership changes, almost went under, and was purchased at the last minute by Spyker, a Dutch automaker that is known for making $200,000 sport cars by hand. The new 9-3 arrives next year, and has the potential to combine Spyker engineering with Saab mass production. But is the last year of the current 9-3 an inspiration or just another “Saab story?”
The 2011 Saab 9-3X Sport-Combi Wagon is an entry-level luxury wagon that seats five. It has a 2.0 liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that puts out 210 horsepower. It has 17-inch wheels, all-wheel drive, and your choice of a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. It is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
The 9-3X has its share of conveniences. It comes with an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, keyless entry, a tilt-telescope steering wheel, leather upholstery, 2-Zone climate control, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, front and rear foglamps, and wood trim. The audio system has 7 speakers, AM/FM radio, CD/MP3 player, and an audio jack. Numerous upgrades are available, including a navigation system, upgraded audio system, and various exterior improvements.
The 9-3X has anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, side front airbags, side curtain airbags, and front head restraints. In testing under 2010 standards, the 9-3X got 4 stars out of 5 for front and rear-impact protection, and 5 stars for driver’s side protection. It got perfect ratings of “good” in all Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests.
Conclusions and driver feedback:
The interior of the 9-3X is more entry-level than luxury. It is nice enough, but there are no distinguishing features that would separate Saab from the competition. The materials are middle-grade, and the design is somewhat ordinary. The instrument panel is very well-conceived, though, and is a model of simplicity.
The most likeable feature is that the cabin is very roomy. There is plenty of headroom, legroom, and elbow room in all of the seats. Also, the seats are very comfortable and supportive. It’s almost as if the cabin were made for those who are very tactile but not visual. There’s also lots of cargo space: 29.7 cubic feet in the rear, and a total of 72.3 cubic feet if you fold the back seat flat.
Most European cars find a way to combine sporty handling and acceleration with a luxury ride. Somehow, Saab almost finds a way to do the exact opposite. This is where we will begin the “negatives” portion.
First and foremost: the engine does not sufficiently power the car. Acceleration is sluggish, and the engine labors at highway speed. Though the steering is accurate and responsive, the suspension’s excessive body roll sabotages any benefit the steering may supply. As for ride quality, it is difficult to believe they included shocks or struts.
The verdict: another Saab story. Wait for next year’s overhaul.
Related posts:
- 2011 2011 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible Review, Cheapest Price & Specs
- SUV Review 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE – Cheapest Dealer Prices
- 2011 Infiniti G37 Sport Convertible Review & Cheapest Dealer Price
- 2011 Volkswagen GTI Base Review & Cheapest Dealer Prices
- 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Review, Cheapest Price Deals & Specs
