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SAAB’S compact 9-3, formerly the 900, has been given a facelift for 1999, as well as new front seats with Active Head Restraints to help prevent whiplash, new side
airbags, and an improved stereo. 9-3's range in prise from $33,209 to $58,950. Test drive the new Saab at Morrey Saturn in North Vancouver.

High-output Saab adds safety features

IN 1993, the Saab
900 was completely
redesigned with assis-
tance from Saab’s new
part-owner, General

Motors.

The 900 was given a GM
platform and suspension
while the engine, styling and
interior were from Saab.

Some of the unique char-
acter of the old 900 was
retained, including a Muor-
mounted ignition switch,
turbocharged four cylinder
engine, long sweeping tail
with a hatchback and a huge
trunk, and a unique dash-
board with a flat surface,
extra-large buttons, and a
Night Panel which dims all
the instruments except the
specdometer.

In the spring of 1998,
the 900 was re-named the 9-
3, and given treshened
styling, new side airbags in

1999 Saturns. The kinder, entler way to say

the front seats, redesigned
front seats with a new active
head restraint system, a
better audio system, and

an improved instrument
cluster.

The optional 2.5-litre V5
engine and 2.3-litre four-
cylinder engine were discon-
tinued leaving onty the
turbocharged 185 horse-
power 2.0-litre four-cylinder
engine as standard on all
models.”

Tiiis fall, a “high-output”
200 horsepower version of

the turbocharged 2.0-litre
four-cylinder engine was
made available in SE four-
door hatchbacks and SE
two-door convertibles with a
manual transmission.

Also, the manual trans-
mission gear ratios were
revised tor betier low-speed
driveability.

Despite these changes,
the new 9-3 is much like the
previous 900 — an upscale,
European performance car
with a lot of standard luxury

Base price (coupe): $33,200

Price as tested (SE convertible): $58,950
Type: nvo-door, four-passenger convertible
Layout: transverse front engine /front-wheel-

drive

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder, turbecharged,

DOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower: 185 @ 5509 r.p.m.

and safety features, a well-
finished issterior, a powerful
turbocharged engine, and a
huge cargo area (excepe the
convertible),

The major improvements
to the 1999 9-3 concern
safety.

The 9-3°s new front
seats are wider, offer better
support, and include Saab’s
active head restraints which
automatically pivot forwards
and upwards in a collision to
help prevent whiplash.

Techical Data

New side airbags, which
protect both head and chest
areas, are positioned in the
front seats.

These are in addition
ty standard dual tront
airbags.

All 9-3 convertibles have
a new lined power-operated
top with a larger glass rear
window and defroster

The top is easy to lower
and raise.

By releasing a single
latch and pressing a button,

Torque: 194 @ 2,100 r.p.m

Length

Curb weight: 1,450 kg (3,200 Ibs.)
Wheelbase: 2,605 mm (102.6 in.)
: 4,629 mm (182.2 in.)

Width: 1,711 mm ( 67.4 in.)

Height: 1,428 mm (56.2 in.)

Trunk space: 354 litres (12.5 cu. ft.)

Warranty: three years/60,000 km

“get out of my way, bub”

the top will fold down into
a cavity behind the seats.

It’s equally simple to
put it up. The 9-3 convert-
ible has an attractive hard
boot cover for the top and
power front and rear side
windows. .

Despite having 185
horsepower, the 9-3 has
rather weak low-speed throt-
tle response.

It’s not until the
engine revs above 3000
p.m. that the turbo boost
really kicks in and the 9-3
rockets away.

Highway cruising is very
pleasant.

The engine loafs along
at just 2,300 rp.m. ac 100
km-h, and is surprisingly
quiet for a four-cylinder
engine.

A five-speed manual
transmission is standard on

See Saab page 48 >

ZERO DOWN

The payments shown here are based on the MSRPs for our brand-spankin’ - 1.7 36 mo. feuse
new 1999 Saturn SC1. They include transportation, retailer prep and even a

full rank of gas so you won't have ro walk to the station with one of those red
containers, But some things are extra, like caxes (sorry), license and insur-

ance. These lease payments are based on a low km lease of 60,000 km —
which is precy far — over 3 years, with a charge of 12¢ per kin over that
amount. This offer applies to customers with approved credit.

www. sacurncanada.com

*16,623

price includes
freight & pdi.

1999 Saturn SL}

Complete with: AMIFM sterea cassette
© adju.table steering column © splivfalding veer seat

V@j MORREY SATURN SAAB ISUZU 294-1831 |~

SATURN. 4451 Lougheed Hwy at Wiilingdon, Burnaby