2008 Saab 9-3 Goes Public

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Aaww geez.... I thought Saab announced they were getting rid of the "Forms."

Now Linear and Vector are back!

I still don't like that front end.

I thought the same thing --- I guess now they're back. But it makes me wonder if that is reserved for Europe or the US too...

[56 Starchief]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Yeah, I noticed. Saab has the "Tri-fuel" option in EUrope only. Or just Sweden and UK only. ONly gas in the US. Still hoping Biopower makes its way over though.

I know styling is subjective, but at the very least (I haven't seen the interior) it looks

-more expensive (added chrome, black plastic strips gone, more intricate lighting, sculpted hood, more aggressive european look a la audi)
-more appealing to the masses who would cross-shop this now with other eurobrands

i am excited about this brand's future under GM (yes I said that!) now, something I could not say last year

[Timekeeper]

Sweet! Now that looks like a SAAB!!!!!!

[guitarlix]

I think it looks fantastic. It sucks they don't have any interior photos.

[TKR]

Nice work SAAB / GM

The '07 9-3 just did not look sharp enough. It was a nice looking car but the styling was bland. This is desireable for a family car (Camry etc) but a SAAB needs to stand out.

[SUPERBADD75]

at first, i thought they were ruining the sleek yet understated look of the 9-3, and that the bulk of the front end was too much for the rest of the car. now when i look at the two and compare them, the current car looks boring and long in the tooth whereas the '08 looks bold, modern, and yet it's more traditional Saab IMO than the current one. in other words, i didn't think i would, but i completely dig this MCE.

[jc7222]

I absolutely love it. It is more aggressive yet still somewhat understated. But, I must say it does look very much like a MY 04 - 05 9-5... just nicer. I hope the dash does not disappoint. I have always loved the seats... keep the seats!
They have definitely got us Saab fans covered with the look... I hope this look, technical upgrades and pricing will bring some more fans into the fold.

[jlmartin99]

Greetings Quickening,

Thank you for the update. I like the new look. I hope to see more once it arrives at my local Cadillac Saab dealership.

JLM

[mbukukanyau]

I am not digging the use of Chrome around the front grill and bumper

[GM_Fanatic]

Not nearly as bad as I had let my imagination believe it to be. I have always been apprehensive in voicing an opinion before seeing a car completely revealed, but now it is a creed I will live by.

[CRBoyd91]

That looks very nice and good work Quickening!

[GMusa]

Wow! It looks REALLY good!!

I would buy one if i wasnt going to buy a Camaro!

[njtex]

As a fan of the current 9-3, I was wondering how they could make it look better. Looks like they did! My only minor styling reservation is that there may be too much going on under the front bumper, the big mouth and fog lamp trim, for expample. may be overdone for some. Wish they would have only used it only on the V6 or a sport-trim package and produced a milder version for me. As someone said above, people may now cross-shop more from Audi. Funny thing is that the only thing I'm not 100% with Audi is the pronounced under bumper part of the face.

Any word on the new interior specifications, is rear seat leg room a little longer now? 9-3 pricing could be in my ballpark pricewise but the 9-5 is too much extra for me to pay to get perfect for my useage rear-seat room.

[jzEllis]

its really nice!! very distinctive and aggressive looking! looks like a Swedish wheel man's car!! if the had the combi in turbo AWD I'd be looking to get one!

[casket_demon]

I am very pleased with the redesign work. If I wasn't saving for a CTS-V a SAAB with this redesign could very well be on my list of cars to shop for.
A SAAB prior to the 08 wouldn't have even caught my eye,but I'm liking this very very much.