Auto Eurokars introduces the Saab 9-3 SportCombi
Auto Eurokars Sendirian Berhad, official distributor of SAAB cars in Malaysia recently made available the latest member to Saab’s range of lifestyle vehicles. The SAAB 9-3 SportCombi is now available at Auto Eurokars 3S Eurokars Centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.
The SportCombi is a lifestyle estate that combines good handling, performance and one of Saab’s hallmarks, safety.
Elements of Saab’s uniqueness can be clearly seen in the interior via the centrally placed key hole which is in between the gear lever and the stylish hand brake lever for increased safety, the i-night panel feature for comfortable night time driving, joystick style air condition vent controls, stylish cup holder operation and specially designed anti-whiplash head rests on high backed front seats. Visually, the 9-3 SportCombi is similar to its Sedan and Convertible in the front but takes on a more aggressive stance from the A-pillar towards the back. The higher rear section also gives the car a more muscular look especially when viewed from the front. One of the highlights of the new rear section is in the new boomerang styled LED rear lights which resemble blocks of ice. This is in keeping with elements of the car’s home country which has a lot of snow and ice. This feature does not follow the current trend of having LED lights in clear housings and manages to look unique as well as refreshing.
The SportCombi is also not just a design statement but can hold cargo of up to 419 litres (VDA) in its cavernous hold and up to 1273 litres with the rear backrests folded. This is made possible from its generous overall length of 4654mm with a wheelbase of 2675mm.
SAAB cars have been famous for turbocharging for many years already and the new addition carries on the family genes well. The Light Pressure Turbo (LPT) engine is available in two 2.0L engine configurations, a 150bhp version and 195bhp in the Sport+ version. The 9-3 SportCombi also comes with a powerful new all aluminium 2.8L V6 turbo engine with 250bhp in the AERO version. This new 2,792 cc engine has a single twin-scroll turbo unit charging both cylinder banks, providing impressive torque from idle to redline. 350 Nm is readily available from 2000 to 5000 r/min. In the AERO, the combination of high power and torque accelerates the new 6-speed Sentronic auto to a top speed of 240 kph. It achieves the century sprint in just 7.8 seconds. The new V6 turbo engine is also available in the 2006 AERO versions of the Sedan and Convertible.
Externally, the AERO is distinguished from its lesser brethren by the new 18 inch sports wheels which ride on 225/45R18 rubbers, the more aerodynamic body kit and new twin exhaust system (which is engineered to be an aural feast) which is located on the left and right of the car. Internally, the AERO comes with a new sports steering wheel, better cornering support from the two-toned leather sports seats and a new 12 speaker, Prestige 300 sound system with a sub-woofer located in the trunk. This new sound system is also now available in the 195 bhp Sport+. There are three new colours available for 2006 and these are Fusion Blue, which is the launch colour for the new 9-3 SportCombi, Jet Black metallic and Arbor Green metallic.
The Saab 9-3 SportCombi starts at only RM245,000.00 for the familiar 150bhp LPT version, RM265,000.00 for the mid-range 195bhp Sport+ and RM390,000.00 for the top of the line 250bhp AERO version. All prices are quoted net sales prices.
For more information on the full range of SAAB’s turbocharged, EuroNCAP 5 star models or to test drive the powerful 9-3 SportCombi AERO, customers can contact Auto Eurokars for further details.
