Tuesday 15th May 2007

Return of the clamshell

Saab 9-3 gets a makeover

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'Look' taken from Aero X concept

The Saab 9-3 has had a redesign, with a prominent new grille and headlamp treatment that owes much to the recent Aero X concept car.

Not only does the new 9-3 avoid the unfortunate face of the 9-5 makeover, it also sees the return of the traditional Saab ‘clamshell’ bonnet which alters the wings and the doors too. Saab also state that the rear of the car has had a makeover, but there are no images as of yet to prove it.

Although no other details have so far been released, there is a rumour that the model will be available with four wheel drive.  If so, it could mean the end of the perennial Saab torque steer problem for its high performance models. Don’t expect any changes to the interior however, as it was updated only last year.

Will there be a 4x4 option?

“We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling,” said Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile. “The result is a major step forward in strengthening the visual and driving appeal of our core product line-up, which accounts for about two-thirds of global sales.”

The revised cars arrive in the UK in the autumn; the new look featuring on all saloon, sportwagon and convertible versions.

[vladd]

Was that photo taken in Holland?

[Huw Pugh]

It certainly looks prettier than the "facelifted" 9-5, but then that's not really hard.

[530dmonkey]

Looks like it fell from the ugly tree. Her indoors has a recent 9-3 which looks 10 times better than that. Any chance that GM could sell the marque?

The upgrade of the 9-5 was a total mess too. Thought they would get this one right.

Just as well I got rid of my Saab and got the 530d!

[Redneck Rocket]

My old man used to have a 1993 9000 Aero. 235HP 265lb/ft, 0-60 in 6.2, and did the 50-70 test quicker than a Testarossa when it came out. Looked the biz as well. IMHO, Saab have yet to build a car that surpasses/matches it for all-round performance, style, driving enjoyment.

[carl_w]

vladd said:

Was that photo taken in Holland?

Can't have been -- there's a hill in the background.

[andyinPembs]

That Saab has that tricksy pain that changes colour depending on what angle you look at it. See - its blak at the top, move a bit and it changes to silver. Has to be the same car, as the reg is the same.

REALLY trickys as the trees change too!

[neil g60]

Looks like it drove into a Halfords Ripspeed department and out the other side to me

[vladd]

carl_w said:

vladd said:

Was that photo taken in Holland?

Can't have been -- there's a hill in the background.

My mistake. Just thought I could see I dyke in the picture.

[scoobiewrx]

vladd said:

carl_w said:

vladd said:

Was that photo taken in Holland?

Can't have been -- there's a hill in the background.

My mistake. Just thought I could see I dyke in the picture.

Yeahhh...i hear there are a lot of Dykes in Holland

Edited by scoobiewrx on Tuesday 15th May 15:19

[pSyCoSiS]

Huw Pugh said:

It certainly looks prettier than the "facelifted" 9-5, but then that's not really hard.

Agree completely - the 9-5 has to be one of the ugliest makeovers i've ever seen, and lets be honest, we have seem some weird and wonderful evolutions from car manufacturers over the past few years!!

[bri_the_fly]

andyinPembs said:

That Saab has that tricksy pain that changes colour depending on what angle you look at it. See - its blak at the top, move a bit and it changes to silver. Has to be the same car, as the reg is the same.

REALLY trickys as the trees change too!

it is the same car...was black in the morning and they took the first picture, drove it down to the spray shop, quick blast of silver and drove back up the hill to take the silver picture in the afternoon!!
and it probably doesn't have a rear end!

[Florian]

Look... the 9-3 has also been facelifted:



Well done!

[rimmer]

it looks alright and definately better than the facelifted 9-5.wonder if there is a reason they havent shown pictures of the back yet.

[school boy]

This is meant to be what it will look like.

[dapearson]

It looks like a SEAT Toledo (not the new one).

[ToneR1]

Back to the drawing board.... QUICK!!!!

[mybrainhurts]

Huw Pugh said:

It certainly looks prettier than the "facelifted" 9-5, but then that's not really hard.

Chrome specs...

What the hell is that all about...?

[Trenchtown]

Florian said:

Look... the 9-3 has also been facelifted:



Well done!

Blatantly aftermarket!!!

[FestivAli]

Hey I really like it! Clamshell bonnet looks cool when you break down for one thing. I think its a good evolution. The 9-3 wasn't a bad looking car, just a tad conservative, let down only by its bland interior. But with a new C-class on the market, a wacky 3 series, 159 everything in its class has some element of distinction about it. The more agressive look I think is quite successful. The wagon will look tops as well. Hopefully they'll have a bit more brightwork in the interior; some tasteful application of alloy highlights around the dash and doors to add some contrast to the black slab of plastic would go a treat. I like it.

Ali.

[David M5]

Not bad looking but still would'nt buy one to boring to drive! Got a friend who works for Saab who said there are rumours flying round about using a scooby 4wheel drive system and power plant and maybe some chassis tweaks. Now that should make it more tempting!!!