Saab 9-3: Ownership and Accessories

Owning and Enjoying the New Saab 9-3

• Extended anti-corrosion warranty
• 30 percent reduction in scheduled servicing costs
• Low-speed accident damage protection
• Favorable insurance ratings
• Large design and lifestyle-oriented accessory range

“This car will be as rewarding to own, operate and live with as it will be to drive.”
– Thomas Lindskog, Executive Director, Aftersales

The improved build and materials quality throughout the new Saab 9-3 is reflected in a longer anti-corrosion warranty and a substantially reduced cost of ownership, including lower servicing and insurance costs.

Good serviceability, improving the cost and convenience of ownership, was the main focus of the “Aftersales” group, which communicated with the project team throughout the new 9-3’s development.

In addition, an exclusive range of accessories is available from launch, giving owners a wider scope to enjoy the full potential of the new car.

Extended anti-corrosion warranty
The anti-corrosion warranty, covering body perforation, is extended from six to 10 years, a result of Saab’s confidence in under-body joint and sealant treatments and new electro-galvanizing procedures.

The body-in-white is prepared, sealed, galvanized, primed and painted at Saab’s expanded paint shop, one of the most modern in Europe, where quality standards are considered to be class-leading. All primer and paints are water-based, except for the final clear lacquer finish.

Reduced servicing costs
Longer service intervals and reduced workshop times for the new 9-3 are designed to give scheduled maintenance savings of up to 30 percent compared to its predecessor.

The excellent quality of major mechanical components, due to better machining and finer tolerances, has allowed Saab to move away from rigid time and distance restrictions for scheduled servicing. It is now more important to monitor how the vehicle is actually used by its owner.

The engine management system logs key usage parameters, such as the number of cold starts, journey distance and engine speeds used, and applies an algorithm to inform the driver when an oil change is due. The maximum service interval is now every two years, or 15,000 miles. At any time, the driver can also request notification of when the next change is due.

With engine coolant filled and sealed for life, the only other major service items for the new 9-3 are brake/clutch fluid, spark plugs, the interior air filter and tires.

Quicker repairs, lower insurance
Saab engineers have worked closely with representatives of leading insurance companies to introduce ways of minimizing accident repair bills, as well as improving vehicle security and anti-theft protection. It is hoped that this close liaison will result in highly competitive insurance classifications and lower premiums.

A number of design elements in the outer body will make accident and other repairs easier and faster. For example, electrical wiring and connection points are routed and located away from areas more vulnerable to crash impacts, making repairs easier as well as improving safety. For example, there is just one connection point between the engine and main wiring harness and this is in a well-protected position behind the battery.

Low-speed frontal collision protection, through “self-repairing,” energy-absorbing bumpers (for impacts up to 5 mph) and deformable “crash boxes” (for impacts up to 9 mph), now bolted in position for quick replacement, helps protect the body structure from serious damage that would require expensive repair. The front fenders are also bolted to the main structure to make removal and replacement easier and less time-consuming.

Accessories tailor-made for individuality
True to its tradition as a sporty and multi-dynamic brand, Saab is launching the new 9-3 with the large range of accessories, available through Saab dealerships. These include new sporty performance items, and practical and lifestyle-oriented accessories.

Design
For a more distinctive look, inside or out, there are a number of sporty design enhancements. Exterior items include: front spoiler, rear spoiler, sill extensions, fog lights, sport exhaust and a range of alloy wheels up to 18 inches. For the interior, there are poplar wood or alloy trim inserts for the doors and the gear shift lever and housing, manual or automatic. Saab’s leather/wood steering wheel continues to be offered as an accessory.

Lifestyle
“Lifestyle” accessories are designed to support new 9-3 owners in the enjoyment of their leisure pursuits. They include: cycle, ski, snowboard, surfboard, canoe and kayak holders; roof rack, roof cage and roof boxes and removable or fixed tow bars. Cargo mats, luggage boxes, cargo nets and fold-out rear bumper scratch protectors are also available.

Comfort and security
Pre-wiring facilitates the addition of entertainment and communications equipment. Owners can purchase a hands-free phone kit, CD changer, a pedal extension kit and a range of engine heaters. A first-aid kit, spare-bulb kit and towing line are also available.

New Saab 9-3 In Focus: Creating Space
Extra storage room inside a car is always welcome and in the new 9-3, Saab designers have ‘created’ space in an unlikely place, the Smart Slot, opposite that ‘hidden’ handbrake between the front seats which can be used for holding credit cards, pens or a small wallet or notebook.
It can also be put to good use as home to a choice of three accessories: an ice-scraper, a six-disc CD holder or an expanding cup-holder.