Saab 9-3: Security and Convenience

A Secure and Comforting Environment

•Advanced anti-theft, anti-intrusion measures
•Highly rated by insurance companies
•Designed for sophisticated immobilization, anti-theft and alarm systems
•Useful comfort and convenience functions

“For today’s customers, good car security is almost as important as safety. We have now taken the opportunity to arm our car with safeguards designed to tell any would-be thief not to bother.”
– Lars Evensson, Project Leader, Security

The new 9-3 is, quite simply, the most secure Saab ever built. Its defense system enlists an arsenal of anti-theft devices that includes almost all practical technologies that are currently available. Security is focused on preventing the car being stolen or vandalized.

With security comes comfort, and there are also a host of features to ensure the new 9-3 is easy, convenient and rewarding in everyday use.

Highly rated by insurers
Representatives of leading insurance companies in Sweden and elsewhere have been consulted throughout the development of security systems for the new 9-3. They were asked what they believe to be the most effective measures available, as well as examining and assessing the car’s security performance.

Anti-Intrusion measures
The front door is fitted with a “freewheeling” lock cylinder, which is designed to immediately disengage from the door unlocking mechanism if any device other than the correct key attempts to force it open. Efficient “shielding” of the locks inside the doors also prevents tampering with specialist tools.

Even if a thief were to gain entry, there would be little point in removing any of the car’s “infotainment” equipment. Apart from being uniquely designed to fit only a Saab car, they are electronically ”married” to their original host car. They could only function in another Saab after being re-programmed at a Saab dealer.

Prevention of car theft
To help prevent the car itself being stolen, the immobilizer system uses both an electrical steering column lock and disablement of the engine management system.

When the ignition key is inserted in the floor-mounted switch, a remote sends a signal to a control unit, which then communicates with all systems in the car through the central integrated control module. The “start” message is encrypted in a complex, rolling code from the key’s transponder, which would take an estimated eight years to “crack” in the unlikely event that a would-be thief could make the correct electronic connections.

Further measures have also been taken to combat the so-called professional thief who may be stealing a car with high technology. Barriers have been put in place to help protect the car’s electronic systems from digital intrusion with illegal scanning devices.

As the car’s original key is such a vital component in the chain of security precautions, confidential measures are put in place at Saab dealers to help ensure there is no fraudulent issue of a replacement or duplicate key.

Alarm system
As a further back-up to the car’s perimeter security features, an advanced alarm system is standard equipment on U.S.-specification Saabs. This engages a siren and flashing lights to discourage anyone from entering or trying to move the car.

The alarm will be activated if any illegal attempt is made to open the hood, trunk lid or any of the doors. Inside the car, an extremely sensitive ultrasonic beam is designed to detect any movement, including pieces of flying glass or an arm reaching inside following a break-in.

For greater personal security, the car’s alarm can also be activated by pressing a “panic” button on the car’s remote control/ignition key, or by pressing and holding the interior central locking button on each front door.

Comfort and convenience
A range of features are designed to enrich the experience of driving and traveling in the new 9-3. Although often small refinements, they can make a significant contribution to developing a rewarding, interactive relationship between the car and its owner.

“Smart” door mirrors
A typical Saab innovation is the button for tilting the mirrors down. This function normally operates automatically when reverse gear is engaged. But it can be just as useful to tilt one or other mirror when going forwards, following a curb or low wall, for example. A push of the button gives you the choice in the new 9-3.

Remote window and sunroof operation
In many circumstances, it can be useful to remotely close or open the windows, and even the sunroof, after leaving the car. This can now be done simply by holding down the lock/unlock button on the remote control unit.

For example, this function makes it possible to close a window or sunroof that has been inadvertently left down, or it can serve as final check that the windows are fully closed. Likewise, the windows and sunroof can be opened, or set to a desired position, to let heat out of the car.

Variable speedometer illumination
The Night Panel feature allows all main dashboard illumination – except for the speedometer – to be switched off when driving at night. The Profiler function also enables the driver to restrict illumination of the speed scale to the range, 0-90 mph. It will, of course, automatically illuminate if these speeds are exceeded.

Variable heating for the front seats
The thermostat for the heated front seats can be set at one of three temperatures (91, 98.6 or 107°F) by simply pressing the relevant button once, twice or three times. The setting can also be permanently stored via the Profiler function.

“Intelligent” windshield washing
When the windshield is washed at speeds under 12 mph, the wipers will automatically make an additional sweep after an eight-second delay in order to clear the windshield of residual streaks.

Washer fluid saver
When there is less than one liter left in the washer fluid reservoir, the headlamp washer function will automatically de-activate in order to prioritize washing of the windshield.

Vertical wiper parking
If you want to cover the windshield – to prevent frosting up when parking outside or to help keep the interior cool in hot weather – the wipers can be parked in a vertical position by removing the key fob and pressing the wiper control stalk once.

Automatic air recirculation
To avoid the unpleasant smell of detergent in the windshield washer system entering the interior, the air conditioning can be programmed (through an authorized dealer) to briefly switch to “recirculation mode” whenever the driver operates the washer system via the stalk control.

“Lead me to the car” lighting
When approaching the car, a simple blip of the remote control unit will turn on the exterior and main interior lights. With a range of up to 65 ft., this feature can help identify the car at night in a crowded parking lot, illuminate the immediate surroundings and discourage anyone from attempting to enter the car when it is being opened.

Welcome lighting
A bright welcome always awaits the driver, courtesy of automatic soft footwell lighting, with “theater” dimming, and “puddle lights” in the bottom of the front doors to illuminate the ground outside. Likewise, at night the main interior light will switch on when the ignition key is removed so the occupants are never left completely in the dark.

“Follow me home” lighting
When leaving the car at night, one press of the lighting stalk will keep the headlights on for 30 seconds. This is a useful aid for walking up the drive to the door or when parking in an unfamiliar area.