The Saab 9-3 2.0T Touring front-wheel drive sedan ($30,360), SportCombi ($31,790) and convertible ($42,130) comes with a 210-hp turbocharged 2-liter engine, six-speed manual gearbox. The 2.0T Touring includes leather, dual-zone climate control, 60/40 split rear seat (exc. convertible), power driver seat, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped wheel, heated power mirrors, power windows/locks, rain-sensing wipers, rear fog lamp, CD/XM stereo, Bluetooth, trip computer, cooled glovebox, and 16-inch wheels. Convertibles delete the center rear seat position and add a power folding multi-layer insulated top, and wagons add rear wipe/wash and cargo cover.
Options on touring grade cars are limited to a cold weather package ($550) with heated front seats and washer jets; metallic paint ($550); and a five-speed automatic transmission ($1350). On convertibles a blue, sand or gray top is available ($600).
9-3 2.0T Comfort sedan ($34,150), SportCombi ($35,315), and convertible ($44,455) include a five-speed automatic but the six-speed manual is a no-cost option. Comfort adds the cold-weather package, auto-dimming inside mirror with compass, moonroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45VR17 tires. Options include metallic paint, a premium package ($1495) with xenon cornering headlamps, front fog lamps, rear park assist, power passenger seat, driver memory system; Bose Centerpoint sound system ($995); and navigation ($2145).
9-3 2.0T XWD four-door models feature all-wheel drive (Cross-Wheel Drive), with six-speed automatic or manual gearboxes. XWD comes in sedan ($36,395) and SportCombi ($37,810) versions. XWD models are similar to Comfort-grade cars but include self-leveling rear shocks, upgraded brakes, red walnut trim, and 235/50VR17 tires. Like the Comfort, a premium package is available.
9-3 2.0T Sport versions come in Sport Sedan ($37,140), SportCombi ($38,305) and convertible ($47,345) models. Above the Comfort level, these add a six-disc in-dash, 11-speaker Bose Centerpoint audio system, lower sport suspension, larger brakes from the Aero/XWD, metallic trim, Xenon cornering headlamps, rear park assist, sport seats, power passenger seat, driver memory system. Transmissions are five-speed automatic or six-speed manual (no cost) and options include premium leather and navigation.
9-3 Aero models come with a 280-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Aero sedan and SportCombi are all-wheel drive, while the convertible is front-wheel drive. Aero models come well equipped, essentially as Sport models, plus self-leveling in back for the sport suspension, electronic rear limited-slip differential, discrete two-tone leather, and carbon-fiber style trim. Options include high-performance 235/45YR18 tires, leather upgrade, and navigation.
Safety features: All 9-3s include adaptive front, front side and side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, stability control, full electronic brake assists, and one year of OnStar 8.0 Safe & Sound. The 9-3 has been recognized for three years running as an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top pick and the 9-3 convertible was the only soft-top convertible to get that award in 2008.