Saab 9-3 2009–2012 car dimensions: 4690 mm long, 1763 mm wide and 1529 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,580 kg. Braked towing is 1,600 kg.
The cabin offers a driver-focused cockpit with dual-zone automatic climate control as standard. Cruise control is standard. Rear parking sensors are available on some grades. A colour touchscreen comes with the optional navigation system. No factory reversing camera is offered.
Boot space measures 419 litres with seats up and expands to 1273 litres with the 60/40 split rear seats folded. TwinFloor stowage and a ski hatch aid practicality for leisure gear.
Towing capacity is 1600 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. Payload is around 465 kg. The raised chassis with body levelling maintains height under load or when towing, suiting light work and adventure use.
The cabin features contoured sport seats with unique leather/textile upholstery that provide strong side and thigh support for long drives. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard along with a cooled glovebox and heat-absorbing glass in all windows. Power driver seat is standard with passenger power and memory available on higher packages. A glass sunroof is optional. The raised seating position gives a better view out while the driver-focused layout with joystick air vents keeps controls simple and logical.
Fuel economy combined 5.5 l/100 km diesel FWD to 8.1-10.1 l/100 km petrol XWD
Service interval 18000 miles
Euro NCAP 5 stars adult occupant for 9-3 generation
IIHS Top Safety Pick
Standard ESP ABS SAHR active head restraints six airbags
Fuel options include a 1.9 TTiD diesel with front-wheel drive offering combined consumption as low as 5.5 l/100 km and CO2 around 144 g/km. Petrol 2.0 Turbo versions with XWD return combined figures of 8.1 l/100 km manual or higher with automatic. BioPower E85 capability is available on the petrol engine.
Servicing follows an intermediate oil-change schedule and main service at double the interval. European programmes use 30000 km intermediate steps while other markets differ. The indicator on the SID display signals when service is due based on mileage oil life and time.
Safety kit is strong with standard electronic stability programme anti-lock brakes Saab Active Head Restraints and multiple airbags. The generation earned a five-star Euro NCAP adult rating and repeated IIHS Top Safety Pick awards for front side and rear protection.
Keeping the car means watching the service indicator and changing oil more often under short-trip or dusty conditions. XWD models benefit from regular Haldex coupling fluid and filter attention. Parts support remains available through specialists even after production ended.
Length 4690 mm, Width 1763 mm, Height 1529 mm, Wheelbase 2675 mm (9-3 2009–2012)
Sources: manufacturer data, Saab owner's manual and 9-3X brochure 2010, autoevolution and Autozine.