Review: Saab Mk.2 9-3X (2011)

Review: Saab Mk.2 9-3X (2011)

Overview

Released in February 2011, the Saab Mk.2 9-3X was an all-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Trollhattan, Sweden, the 9-3X was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

B207R engine

Saab’s 2.0-litre B207R (or GM’s Ecotec LK9) turbocharged engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, a Mitsubishi TD04-14T turbocharger providing maximum boost pressure of 0.85 bar (12.3 psi), double overhead camshafts, twin balance shafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Mk.2 9-3 SportCombi on which it was based, the 9-3X was 20 mm longer (at 4690 mm), the same width (1802 mm), 35 mm taller (1529 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2675 mm). Furthermore, the 9-3X had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

Cross Wheel Drive

The 9-3X was fitted with a ‘Cross Wheel Drive’ system which consisted of two Haldex couplings. In normal conditions, the system provided a 90:10 front:rear torque split, but the pre-tensioned clutch could provide a 50:50 front:rear torque split if a loss of traction was anticipated. Furthermore, the second Haldex coupling was applied to the rear axle and could effectively ‘lock’ the rear axle to provide torque to both the left and right rear wheels.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Saab 9-3X included dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering braking control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the Saab 9-3X included 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a seven speaker sound system with a CD player, 3.5 mm auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a cooled glovebox, leather seats, heated front seats, front and rear fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a multi-function steering wheel with gearshift buttons, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, rear cargo blind, roof rails, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Saab Mk.2 9-3