Road TestCar reviews - Saab - 9-3 - Aero 5-dr hatchSaab modelsOverviewThe Aero is a higher-performance version of the 9-3 - Saab's Audi A4 rival30 Mar 2001 SAAB'S 9-3 Aero is aimed at buyers seeking a prestige car with a distinct sporting flair - the sort of buyer who might otherwise opt for an Audi A4 1.8 quattro, Alfa Romeo 156 V6 or VW Passat V6 Syncro. On paper, the Saab has the right credentials: a powerful 2.0-litre turbo engine, full body kit and sporty three-spoke alloy wheels. The car is beautifully finished inside and out and its refinement levels are impressive. With 151kW on tap, there is no doubting the 9-3 Aero's top-end performance either. Despite all this, the newcomer fails to stir the soul. Its chassis, although competent, does not reward the enthusiastic driver as understeer and body roll make their presence felt early. The force-fed engine also feels flat-footed until the turbo builds up a head of steam. Visually, the Aero is relatively understated, perhaps too much so for buyers seeking an overtly sporting package. Model release date: 1 February 2000 to 1 October 2001 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen |
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