Maximus91

What do you guys think about the new 9-3 SportCombi Aero from Saab? I think it looks kinda different sporty.

Nextourer

I love it. I love the style both in and out. Just note that the NA version does not get clear taillights shown in these pictures. They are red covers. Too bad GM packaged it poorly in Canada forcing you to more or less opt for the Aero model. The Linear model offers none of the features you expect in a Cdn$40k vehicle even as options.

Richie

It looks OK, it doesn't really do it for me.

JZA80MHU38

overpriced Detroit-ized Swedish car...

Go for the A4 2.0T quattro Avant or the 328xiT instead. A Magnum R/T will do, too.

mmarshall

Except for the minivan-style tailights way up the D-Pillars, it is a nice-looking car.

Like most newer Saab products, however, it is not a real Sweedish-designed Saab...though it has some obvious Sweedish touches, it shares a common GM platform with Saturn, Pontiac, Opel, and Chevy.

I have not formally reviewed this car but will put it on my list if you are seriously interested in it....PM me if you are.

ShadyJC

iTrader: (2)

I had a 2003 9-3 (when they first redesigned it) and had a lot of issues with the car. Despite my fondness for the overall design and Swedish quirkiness, I'd probably never buy another Saab.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I give it the same attention that I would give to other stationwagons...

Nextourer

The A4 isn't that great. I tried it at an xDrive event and it left something to be desired. It was the 3.0 litre Quattro version too.

Maybe the 328ixT is a better choice.

Also, GM screwed up with the 9-2X and 9-7X. Those two suck, to put it crudely. As long as they don't mess around with the 9-3 and 9-5, I'm a happy camper lol.

mmarshall

I agree the 9-7X could have been better done, but it is difficult to criticize the 9-2X. The Subaru Impreza is one of the best small AWD cars on the market, and the 9-2X is just an Impreza with a redone Saab grille and some nice Saab trim touches inside. Its main problem is that the public just really didn't know much about it, it was not marketed particularly well, and as a result didn't sell.

mmarshall

For those interested, I now have a formal review of the 2.0T version posted.

Nextourer

Definitely. Taking the Trailblazer and putting a Saab grille doesn't make it a Saab. Yes, the 9-2X has the better conversion but you do lose the tradition Saab interior and the ignition slot (sorry, as stupid as it might sound, I think it's what makes Saab, a Saab). It's also not that much cheaper than the 9-3 SportCombi, at least in Canada.

If I wanted one, I'd get an Impreza wagon or Outback Sport.