Saab vehicles are different. The classic bottle-green colour, the ergonomic seats or the high safety standards make Saabs a joy to drive.
Saab's first car was unveiled in Linkoping on June 27, 1947. Saab's full production began in 1949, by which time the brand was world-renowned for its reliability and safety.
They had to innovate and come up with new technology to be at the top. One of the first was an ignition system located next to the gearstick, rather than on top of the steering column like in most cars. Saab made this feature standard because it reduced the chances of serious injuries to the knees during collisions.
As part of the standard equipment on all vehicles, they also included headlamp washers. Next came heated front seats, which were also world-firsts, and then self-repairing impact-absorbing bumpers.
Saab has introduced many innovations to its cars, such as the pollen filter in the passenger compartment, the heated steering wheel in 1971 and the turbocharged engine in 1979.
They were also first to produce turbocharged engines with a wastegate. This was a great step forward in terms if performance.
Saab’s 9-3 remains a popular Saab, as evidenced by the 19 percent sales increase during the first three months of 2014. It had two engines: a turbocharged 1.5-litre three cylinder with 155 horsepower as well as a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder with 185 hp.
General Motors acquired Saab in the early 2000s and began modernising the car. The resultant modern 9-3 was an upscale version of the original.
It was a big success for them as the vehicle appealed a broad range of drivers from sports people to family men. It was a very comfortable car, and the rear seat could comfortably fit decent-sized adults.
The build quality is excellent and the ride is great, especially for a vehicle that costs about PS15,000. The interior is well-finished and comfortable, with surprising space for a car of this size.
One thing I liked most about the 9-3 is how refined and quiet it was. It had a smooth, quiet transmission. The boot was also spacious and had plenty of space.
It would be great to drive a classic Saab at a fraction the cost of a brand new car. It would be an amazing treat for any Saab fans.