2008 Saab 9-3 Aero Review

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Transcript of Featured Review

Corky it's too easy to dismiss Saab with that word. This 9-3 Aero suggest a few others. Contrasting intakes and tail abs are attention grabbing focal point. The clamp show hood wraps around the fenders and establishes a character line for the windows to rest on. The shear size of the grow work suggest fighter jet lineage but there's nothing meaner about the 9-3 than the LAD trim headlights. It might actually scare a few BMWs out of left lane. You won't find rough textures anywhere inside the 9-3. Contrast grift surfaces on the steering wheel evoke a flight yoke but the wheel diameter is too large to be truly athletic. The signature outline center stack outlines a flat version of the industry leading GM black tight head unit. Ventilation controls can't quite be adjusted through the reins in just one movement. The shift knobs are a little thick in the wrong places and the action itself isn't thrilling. The hand break becomes an integral part of the center consul and down and like all saabs the ignition key has been relocated to the center consul to reduce the risk of knee injuries in an accident. The flat dash hide a few spy gadgets. A subtle button on light just the glove box. Butterfly cup holders are entertaining but not too sturdy. A cube matrix directs air flow throughout the cabin on each vent. The passenger back status light remains litted full intensity even at night. Better break out the duck tape. Meaningful increments in the Turbo gauge which would certainly be appreciated. The cluster itself is austere devoid of excitement and illuminated in monochrome green at night. Outward rear passengers have adjustable headrest. Someone in the middle has to deal with decreased head room thanks to the roof man at third break lap. It's a small price to pay for increased safety. Fifteen cubic feet of trunk space cramps the [indiscernible] A-4 BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class by a couple of cubes. If you need extra space a wagon variant called the sport camby offers up to 72 cubic feet of space when the seat is down. All aero models are powered by a 2 8 liter turbo charged V6. The engine's good for 255 horsepower. It's a low end tort monster. 258 pound feet at just 1900 RPM. Turbo lag is minimal. Keep the saabs pulled up and it's downright fast in a straight line but all that power is channeled to the front wheels. With no limited slip deferential the engine can easily overwhelm the drive trains especially when it's accelerating up. And advanced all wheel drive model called the cross wheel drive is available and should mitigate [indiscernible] concerns. Owners enjoy 36 000 miles of free schedule maintenance. Aero buyers receive discounted admission to the sub aero academy a performance driving school that helps owners safely learn their car's abilities. More importantly it's a chance for owners to network. That inspires a sense of community. A hallmark of the most successful enthusiasts brands. I'm Adam. You know me as High Mileage on expotv.