2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The SportCombi reflects the Saab tradition for quirkiness. Back in 1973, Saab dubbed its first hatchback the CombiCoupe. Saab will tell you...
The SportCombi reflects the Saab tradition for quirkiness. Back in 1973, Saab dubbed its first hatchback the CombiCoupe. Saab will tell you that "combi" stands for a combination of style and practicality. Thus, SportCombi translated means a sporty wagon.
The all-new for 2006 SportCombi sits on a 9-3 sedan MacPheason-strut front wheel drive and four-link independent rear suspension. It also incorporates the 9-3's ReAxs system, a passive, transparent rear steering that allows the rear wheels to turn slightly when cornering at high speed, which increases lateral grip and stability. The brakes are excellent with a firm, progressive feel, minimal nosedive, and no appreciable ABS antics.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged aluminum L4 producing 210 hp moves the base wagon and couples to a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The "sporty" side of this wagon comes in the Aero trim line with a Cadillac sourced V6. Being quirky by tradition, Saab engineers added a twin-scroll turbocharger, more durable pistons, and revised cylinder head design. The Saab V6, at 250 hp, produces 40 hp more than Cadillac's rendition. With 0-60 times in the high 7-second range, the turbo comes on at low revs producing thrust in a linear response with minimal torque steer. The V6's power curve best matches the six-speed automatic, which has optional steering wheel shift buttons. Reviewers enjoyed the responsiveness of the SportCombi's high-speed driving characteristics.
Swedish minimalist triumphs in the design of the interior. Covered in leather and soft materials, touches of brushed aluminum tastefully accent muted colors. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, while the rear bench seat seats three children or two adults. It features a 60/40 split that folds down for 45.0 cubic-feet of cargo space accessed through a large, aluminum hatch. The attractive body, aerodynamically styled for zero-lift, adds only 90 pounds more than a 9-3 sedan.
The Saab tradition touts engineering quirkiness. But "quirky" also means distinctive and with the 9-3 SportCombi, Saab has created a distinctive sport wagon.
What owners say
looks stunning with hood up or down. good acceleration, handles well build quality of a high standard with lots of bells and whistles. high spec car with 6 cd disc player 2 tone leather which is very luxurious. good security system as standard also on board computer and hands free blue tooth and aux input for mp3
August 31, 2008Like it very much. The designation SportCombi actually says it all. Automatic trans with manual "paddles" on the steering wheel. Vector version with Factory toned windows, automatically dimming rear view mirrors. luxury leather, high end stereo and so on. Only lacks a glass roof. 17" wheels
August 27, 2010I absolutely love this car. I bought it to have something to haul my 3 dogs around and to take trips in as my Saab 9-7x likes fuel. This get 30 on the highway and, with the tune I added, does 0-60 in about 5 seconds.
February 20, 2014
