2007 SAAB 9-3 SPORTCOMBI

By: F. Carlton Peeples

Staring down the steering column of a particular higher-end, five-door sports wagon at the road ahead, as I headed down the Southfield freeway. I couldn’t help but think about all the attention I received behind the wheel. Now, I’ve been behind the wheel of everything from a ninety-thousand-dollar Jag sports coupe to an amazingly fuel efficient hybrid that’s knocked my socks off. Each has gotten its respective head nods, triple takes, jaw-drops and bids of approval. However, nothing has garnered the type of looks as the Titan Gray metallic, cul-de-sac destined, suburbanite motoring Saab 9-3 sport wagon.

As a young professional, it’s largely agreed that certain cars serve as stat quo markers. And driving it prompted looks from older professionals that range from, “what does he know about driving a Saab” to “He must be in his parents’ car!” Or at least it felt that way.

By way of comfort and convenience the 9-3 offered several stand out features that really made a difference including a special illumination package that offers rear fog lights, a “Follow Me Home” headlight function and day time running headlamps with an automatic off feature.

Next, an exciting 2.0 Liter, four-cylinder engine performed well under pressure thanks to its turbo powered high output and five-speed Sentronic® transmission under its belt. Together they deliver roughly 20/30 mpg city/highway, which isn’t bad however considering the costs of mid-grade petrol and an annual estimated fuel cost of $17,783 (which most likely hasn’t factored in the more than 20% increase in fuel costs since this model was designed) the SAAB may fall a little flat.

Its leather appointed seating and steering positioning was comfortable and kept everything in plain sight for the driver. Letting us take full advantage of the multi-function Saab Car computer and “Profiler” information display. The leather steering wheel also featured rake and reach adjustability, audio controls which have become more than an optional convenience over the past several years.

There was so much more to the Saab 9-3 including everything from trunk space to its tires. This 60^th anniversary edition included several other exclusive details that you’d come to appreciate including “SAAB” embossed black sport seats with gray inserts and stitching, dark walnut interior trim with matching floor mats and Premium audio sound system that’s fully equipped with XM Satellite Radio, 6-CD in-dash system, and enough pure sound to wake up the neighbors down the block.


2007 SAAB 9-3 2.0T SPORTCOMBI
Engine: 2.0L-16V, 4-Cylinder
Electronic fuel injection
Turbo, 5-Speed Sentronic Trans
MSRP $33,860