REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Extreme Sport

To draw attention, the makers of the 9-3 don’t hesitate to indulge in excess. Take, for instance, the Viggen version (named after the Saab J-37 swedish fighter plane) which since two years has enlived all the 9-3 cars (coupe, sedan and convertible).

Unbelievable! But you be the judge: increased aerodynamic support, supercharged 230 hp 4-cylinder engine, sports suspension and 17-inch wheels. Enough to raise the hair on your arms and turn your guts to jelly, and not from pleasure, but from fear!Marketed ever since April, 1998, the Saab 9-3 takes over for the 900. Although it has the same lines, it was the object of a detailed make-over and its designers will tell you that more than 1,000 components (no, I didn’t count them) bear the stamp of innovation.

When trying to describe the 9-3′s passenger compartment, the term cockpit seems to be most appropriate. The electronically- controlled seats (which, on the coupe and the convertible, lack the sophistication to move all the way back) are extremely comfortable. Instruments are easy to read (including the Night Panel system designed to display a more limited range of information), but the main commands are unconventionally designed: some quite original, others awkward (the mirror controls and ignition are placed between the front seats). Once you accept thevehicle ’ s many innovations, you can start to appreciate its Swedish charm. Standard are heated seats (heated rear seats are standard only on the SE and Viggen), a telescopic, but non-tilting steering wheel, an onboard computer and the usual list of electric controls (rearview mirrors and locks). Options are limited to a cassette player (CD player is standard) and a sunroof.

Visibility is impeccable (except on the convertible, given the narrow rear windshield and wide pillars). As for the trunk (with the exception of the convertible model, all models have a rear hatch), it easily swallows anything you want to transport, there ’ s no need to limit the amount of baggage you take with you. Criticisms include less than perfect finishing and the fact that the rear windows don’t open.As improved as it may be, the 9-3 is based on a platform that has been around for a while, and it is not always easy to marry the old and the young. Want proof? The regular 9-3 was already at fault for its imprecise front handling (increased torque on the steering wheel, wider turns, loss of power), the mediocre quality of its suspension parts (rolling and vibration), and a lack of frame rigidity, so severe that one doubts if it can handle the increased horses developed by the Viggen. And, might as well just admit it, the worst concern is that driving a 9-3 Viggen is not a very relaxing experience. It requires all your attention, and sets your nerves on edge. It will only give pleasure to one who knows how to master it. You torture me, I torture you, it seems to say. What ’ s more, after two or three turns, the driving style this car demands is thoroughly exhausting, and contrary to the other cars in this carmaker ’ s line, the Viggen is far from able to create a sense of utter security, especially in wet road conditions.

While the 9-3 Viggen may not be steady, it certainly is fast. Despite its smothered whistling, the four-cylinder, supercharged 2.3-litre, 230 horsepower engine never gets out of breath. Still, as soon as the right foot depresses the accelerator, the front- driven wheels spin (an effect that is somewhat reduced by the antiskid technology now available) for a drawn-out instant before finding the necessary grip to propel the Viggen off into the sunset.. Meanwhile, your two hands need to grip the wheel tightly to contain the excess power that makes it spin in all directions.

 You find yourself praying that the demons will subside so you can remove your right hand to reach second gear on the only available transmission, a manual, five-speed. This gear box is another source of problems, as it is imprecise and particularly slow, when you want to shift quickly, you have to hold your breath and concentrate on the manoeuvre if you ’ re going to have the slightest chance of succeeding. A real battle! And in the end, the performance of this 9-3 is not up to par with the efforts required to reach it.

What ’ s more, as you may have already guessed, driving fast on a narrow, bumpy road at the wheel of a Viggen is not the safest of all pursuits. Its large, very powerful wheels furiously push the car forth, and staying within the confines of the road demands your undivided attention. We have seen worse, of course, but we ’ ve also seen better.

You have to be on your guard with the Viggen. As long as your foot is on the accelerator, you will feel its reactions and limitations only too clearly.

What this test drive clearly shows is that the Viggen should not be put into the hands of just anyone. From a stricly ethical standpoint, one could fault Saab for irresponsibly marketing a vehicle that can be dangerous for an untrained driver. I found myself dreaming of the old 9-3, more obedient, more docile, and above all more enjoyable for daily driving. All in all, the 9-3 Viggen is an extraordinary vehicle. Not only is it rare in terms of an original apprearance and a specific design, but it is also unique in terms of road behaviour, which is properly suited to drivers of superior ability in order to take full advantage of its capabilities. If that ’ s not the case for you, forget about the Viggen, and order an Audi S4 instead, just as cool, but more civilized. After all, nobody wants to risk crashing every day.

PROS
Original lines
Comfortable seats
Giant trunk

CONS
Torque can be rough (Viggen)
Lack of stiffness in frame
Expensive replacement parts