Review: Saab Mk.2-I 9-3 SportCombi (2006-07)

Overview

Released in February 2006, the Saab Mk.2 Series I (Mk.2-I) 9-3 SportCombi was a mid-size wagon (the Mk.2 9-3 sedan has been reviewed separately.) Manufactured in Trollhattan, Sweden, the front-wheel drive 9-3 range initially consisted of three variants – the 1.8t, 2.0t and 2.0T – though all were powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines. In 2005, the range was expanded with 2.8-litre turbocharged petrol engines and, in 2007, 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engines.

Engines

Of the engines,

The 2.0-litre Ecotec LK9 petrol engines which had aluminium blocks and cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts, twin balance shafts, four valves per cylinder and compression ratios of 9.5:1. However,
- For 1.8t variants, the B207E engine had a Garrett GT2052s turbocharger which provided maximum boost pressure of 0.50 bar;
- The 2.0t variants, the B207L also had a Mitsubishi TD04-11TK turbocharger with peak boost pressure of 0.70 bar; and,
- For 2.0T variants, the B207R engine had a more Mitsubishi TD04-14T turbocharger which provided maximum boost pressure of 0.85 bar;
The 2.8-litre B284L (or LP9) V6 petrol engine had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder head, sequential fuel injection, a Mitsubishi TD04 twin-scroll turbocharger (maximum boost pressure of 0.5 bar), double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder (with sodium-filled exhaust valves), variable valve timing, and a compression ratio of 9.5:1; and,
The 1.9-litre Z19DT turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron block, aluminium alloy cylinder head, common-rail direct injection, a GTA17V Garrett variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, exhaust gas recirculation and a compression ratio of 17.5:1.

Body and dimensions

The 9-3 SportCombi was 4635 mm long, 1762 mm wide, 1466 mm tall and had a 2675 mm long wheelbase. With its rear seats in place, the 9-3 SportCombi had cargo capacity of 419 litres, though this increased to 1273 litres with the seats folded down. However, the ‘TwinFloor’ stowage facility enabled the cargo floor to be transversely folded and repositioned for access to a recessed subfloor.

The 9-3 SportCombi body had a drag coefficient of 0.33 Cd, while torsional rigidity was 21,000 Nm/degree.

Suspension

The 9-3 SportCombi had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, four-link rear suspension with passive rear wheel steering (Saab’s ‘ReAxs’).

Saab Mk.2-I 9-3 SportCombi specifications
Variant	Editions	Year	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
1.8t	Linear	2006-07	2.0-litre turbo petrol I4	5sp auto, 6sp man.	110 kW at 5500 rpm	240 Nm at 2000-3500 rpm
2.0t	Linear, Linear Sport	2007	2.0-litre turbo petrol I4	5sp auto, 6sp man.	129 kW at 5500 rpm	265 Nm at 2500-4000 rpm
2.0T	Vector, Vector Sport	2007	2.0-litre turbo petrol I4	5sp auto, 6sp man.	154 kW at 5300 rpm	300 Nm at 2500-4000 rpm
1.9TiD	Linear, Linear Sport	2007	1.9-litre turbo-diesel I4	6sp auto, 6sp man.	110 kW at 4000 rpm	320 Nm at 2000-2750 rpm
2.8T V6	Aero	2006-07	2.8-litre turbo petrol V6	6sp auto, 6sp man.	184 kW at 5500 rpm	350 Nm at 1800-4500 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the 9-3 SportCombi included dual front airbags, front side airbags with head and thorax protection, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, anti-submarining front and rear seats, active front seat head restraints and front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2002 Mk.2 9-3 sedan – on which the 9-3 SportCombi was based – received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.15 out of 37. Please note, however, that the 9-3 SportCombi’s body structure was marginally less rigid than the sedan. In the frontal offset impact test for the 9-3 sedan, the front occupants’ chests were subject to high forces and a point beneath the steering column posed a risk to the driver’s knees. In the side impact and pole tests, maximum points were awarded. A further two points were awarded for advanced seatbelt reminders.

Features

Standard features for the 9-3 SportCombi Linear included 16-inch wheels, a seven speaker sound system with CD player, 3.5 mm auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, leather seats, heated front seats, cooled glove box, rain-sensing wipers, 60/40 split and folding rear seats with ski-port, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, two 12 volt power outlets, underfloor storage compartments (‘TwinFloor’), cargo cover and immobiliser.

The 9-3 SportCombi Linear Sport was further equipped with 17-inch wheels, a power adjustable driver’s seat, front fog lights and rear parking sensors. Beyond this, the 9-3 SportCombi Vector added a six-disc in-dash CD player, footwell lights and floor mats.

Compared to the Vector, the 9-3 SportCombi Vector Sport was equipped with sports suspension, driver’s seat memory settings and a power-operated sunroof (which was unique to Vector Sport). The Aero was distinguished by its power adjustable front passenger seat and chrome exterior highlights.

2007: 9-3 SportCombi update

The 9-3 SportCombi was updated for 2007 with a new front fascia, instrument display and switchgear. Furthermore, Bluetooth connectivity was made standard across the range, while there were also new paint colours, revised suspension settings and improved sound insulation.

Review: Saab Mk.2-II 9-3 SportCombi (2007-10)