2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible
2012 Saab 9-3 Preview
What It Is:
It’s no secret that the car world has been the stage for a virtual bloodbath over the past few years; historic brands were shuttered with surprising speed and frequency. If not for Sweden’s Spyker, purveyor of high-finish luxury sports cars, Saab would are listed among the casualties. (In other news from the Geneva Auto Show, Spyker has been sold to a Russian billionaire thus that Saab can move forward without distraction.)
But Saab survived. The all-new 2010 9-5 Aero introduced the globe to the post-General Motors version of Saab, and also the 9-4X is arriving soon as the corporate’s 1st credible entry into the luxurious crossover SUV market. However what of Saab’s bread-and-butter model, the aging nine-3? Later this year dealers can offer an updated version of the Saab nine-3 for 2012.
Unfortunately, reports indicate that a wholly revamped nine-three isn’t slated to hit the streets for another number of years, so it’s up to the 2012 model’s minor upgrades and styling tweaks to woo shoppers who might otherwise choose an Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW three Series, Cadillac CTS, or anybody of several fresher premium rides.
What’s New for the 2012 Saab nine-3:
Call Me Griffin: With the debut of the updated model comes a brand new name, the 2012 Saab 9-three Griffin, Convertible, Sport Sedan, and SportCombi variants. For people who don’t apprehend (like a number of us here at Vehix), Griffin refers back to the red [*fr1]-hawk/0.5-lion creature pictured on the Saab brand, and represents vigilance. Frankly, why Saab would decide to go to the hassle and the expense of renaming a protracted-in-the-tooth model that’s been solely mildly refreshed has us admittedly perplexed. Perhaps “Griffin” is that the missing element that will have automobile buyers flocking to Saab dealers in droves.
Minor Exterior Design Updates: There’s not a nice deal of visual differentiation between the 2012 Saab nine-three and its predecessor. You may strain your eyes looking for changes that aren’t there, thus allow us to give you the temporary rundown. Up front may be a face that’s had a bit of plastic surgery, with a replacement set of headlights, an updated grille, and customary fog lights. Overall, the planning is supposed to mimic that of the redesigned Saab 9-five. Filling the wheel wells are restyled alloys in 16-, 17-, or 18-in. sizes, the flanks host new badges, and sedans are currently equipped with a commonplace rear spoiler.
Tweaked Interior Décor: Focus your attention on the 2012 Saab 9-3’s interior and you would possibly notice a massaged dashboard plus trim panels sporting graphite, titanium, or metallic finishes. Gray cloth is now offered, in addition to Black or Tan leatherette.
A lot of Muscle, Less Thirst: All 2012 Saab nine-3 Griffin variants feature either front- or all-wheel-drive capability and are fitted with a brand new, twin-scroll turbocharged, 2.zero-liter four-cylinder engine boasting direct injection technology. Swiped from the new nine-5’s engine bay, the new turbocharged four-cylinder will increase output from 210 to 220 horsepower whereas torque rises to 258 lb-ft from 221. Fuel economy has reportedly been improved by four p.c, and also the automobile is now E85-compatible. That’s not a monumental modification, but a move in the proper direction, especially in these days of ever-increasing gasoline costs. Gears swaps are handled by a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The Vehix Read
The 2012 Saab nine-three Griffin may be a warmed-over version of a automobile that’s in want of an entire redesign, not a name amendment and a minor facelift. Until the relatively underpowered engine gets a significant boost and the dated chassis and styling are overhauled, we suggest setting your car-shopping for sights on any one of the more impressive premium models offered by brands ranging from Acura to Volvo.
2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible
2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible
2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible
2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible
2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible
2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible
