The 2011 Saab 9-3 is a FWD entry-luxury car available in sedan, convertible, and wagon trim levels. Options include 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon cornering headlamps, carbon-fiber trim, leather-appointed sport seats, 6-disc CD changer, navigation, power moonroof, and heated front seats.
No matter which 2011 Saab 9-3 model you choose, it's powered by a 210-horsepower, 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Most Saab 9-3 models are now offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive XWD models, and there's a choice between a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic (6-speed auto only for the XWD).
There are no significant changes for the 2011 Saab 9-3,In Aero trim, the SportCombi even handles reasonably well with sharp steering and controlled body motions.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Saab 9-3 is available in three body styles: sedan, convertible and a wagon known as the SportCombi. Front-wheel drive is standard on all, but both sedan models can be equipped with AWD (dubbed XWD).
The convertible adds 17-inch wheels and a full power soft top. The Comfort package available on all 2.0T trim levels adds headlamp washers, heated front seats, an eight-way power passenger seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The 9-3 Aero gains 17-inch wheels on the sedan, while all body styles get adaptive xenon headlamps, front foglamps, two-tone leather upholstery and the 2.0T's optional features. The Premium package adds rear parking sensors, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors and driver memory functions. Front-wheel drive is standard on all but the 9-3X, which is all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the front-drive 2.0T models, and a no-cost option on the Aero, 9-3X and AWD sedans. A five-speed automatic standard is standard on the front-drive Aero models and optional on the 2.0T models. With the manual and front-wheel drive, the 9-3 sedan and SportCombi return an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.
Safety
The 2011 Saab 9-3 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints and side airbags. The sedan and SportCombi include side curtain airbags, while the convertible features taller side airbags that cover the head of each front occupant. The convertible was not tested. The Saab 9-3 does carry more cargo than many cars in its class, offering 15 cubic feet of trunk space in the sedan and 12.4 cubes in the convertible.
Driving Impressions
With the 210-hp 2.0-liter turbo being the 2011 Saab 9-3's sole engine choice, acceleration is underwhelming for this class of car.
Comfort features include dual-zone automatic climate control,power driver’s seat,an air conditioned glove-box,alloy wheels, XM Satellite radio, sports seats, Bose audio system and GM’s OnStar system
