The Sport Sedan 2.0T may be the base model 9-3, but that's not saying it is basic per se. This well-appointed four-door comes with enough standard equipment to please nearly any fussbudget you may know.
Its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 210 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque; providing 22-miles to the gallon in city driving and 30 on the highway. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive, but a 5-speed Sentronic automatic transmission, which allows clutchless manual shifting, is a popular option.
Some of the standard features on the 2.0T are there to maintain vehicle control. Those would be ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, the Traction Control System, and the Electronic Stability Program. For occupant safety there are front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags, plus Active Head Restraints.
Auto climate control joins the list of standard amenities this year, joining other comfort-enhancing items such as the well-designed leather seats (with 8-way power-adjust for the driver). The interior is appealing enough with its wood-effect trim, leather trimmed steering wheel, and carpeted floor mats, and respiratory irritation is staved off thanks to the standard cabin air filter. Get this one: the glove compartment doubles as a cooler, as it can be chilled to 45 degrees! Exterior amenities range from all-season tires on 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels and a rear fog light to side direction signals and heated power mirrors.
Optional equipment is mainly grouped into packages. There's the Premium Package (express open/close for windows and moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fog lamps, red walnut interior trim, power seat for front passenger, Saab Park Assist, and upgraded 16-inch alloy wheels) and an upgraded Premium Package that adds 17-inch wheels.
The Cold-Weather Package (high-pressure headlamp washers and heated front seats) is quite popular for the latter feature, and this year a 60th Anniversary Package is available to commemorate that milestone. It adds a lot of special options, starting with an Ice Blue metallic paint not otherwise available. Other features exclusive to this package are its specially embossed leather seats with grey panels, black and grey floor mats, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power passenger seat, rear spoiler, fog lamps in front, and dark walnut interior accents. If you purchase the 60th Anniversary Package you may then also add the Premium Audio Package to get a 9-speaker Bose system with 6-CD changer.
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