It doesn't seem like the folks in Trollhattan are working very hard to hide the 2008 9-3 from spy shooters and bystanders. Two days ago we showed you a brilliantly colored yellow cabrio trying to be anything but inconspicuous, and now the folks over at Trollhattan Saab captured several more photos of Saab's newest entry. We're happy with the new styling, particularly the new Cadillac-like head lights, and bright work around the grille and fog lights. The Aero-X-inspired grille and lower intake are much more aggressive than the current model, giving the '08 a much more contemporary, almost Mondeo-like look. We'd also like to note that we're glad to see that the uneven-looking tail lights of the current model didn't make their way to the '08.
Saab has been struggling to capture buyers attention for longer than we can remember, and recent offerings like the 9-7X didn't seem to do much for US buyers. With a terrific-looking front end and a re-done tail, we can see why Saab seems anxious to show off their face-lifted mid-sizer before the official unveiling. Click the "Read" link for more pics of the 9-3.
[Source: Trollhattan Saab]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
FrankTheCrank @ Jun 8th 2007 8:23AM
I don't get what the big deal is.
The styling doesn't look that much different than past years. It's not a bad looking car, but nothing to write home about.
Kenosha @ Jun 8th 2007 8:33AM
That looks like a 99-02 Sunbird!
Nick @ Jun 8th 2007 8:42AM
SAAABtastic. This restyle should change the fortunes of SAAB and GM throughout the world. This 9-3 will stir up the echoes.... dum dum dum dum....
Jim in Tampa @ Jun 8th 2007 8:45AM
I'm still struggling to liking silver tail lights with the colored light bulbs but my dislike for them doesn't seem to be ebbing. They always remind me of something a ricer would do to a 99 Accord.
rob @ Jun 8th 2007 8:58AM
like FrankTheCrank says...what's the big deal? looks like they just added the 9-5's styling in the front (i bet no one will be able to tell the difference from looking at them head-on) and seems to me like they just made the headlights clear rather than their usual red.
i dont know of many people who still would consider a saab when purchasing their next luxury vehicle...their bad reputation in terms of quality (older vehicles excepted) has made them pretty obsolete.
robz4 @ Jun 8th 2007 9:42AM
I like more the looks of the ongoing model. In my opinion it was distinctive enough. I think somebody in Trollhattan went crazy with the chrome. Their slogan is "BORN FROM JETS " but I never see a jet with any chrome on it . Please leave that to Cadillac or Lincoln. SAAB is not about the bling bling.
What is Saab? @ Jun 8th 2007 9:46AM
Breaking news: Saab changes headlights on 4-year-old model.
Some say, "what's the big deal?" Well, this headlight change took 4 years to complete. Given that it is the only Saab model that changes, I can infer that Saab exerted most of its powers to make it happen. All of its engineers, designers, managers and janitors must have worked hard to make it happen, so it is a huge accomplishment.
Wait, more to come. It could be that in next 10 years Saab will release new rims for 9.3 and in another 20 a new spoiler! So stay tuned.
Lucas @ Jun 8th 2007 10:12AM
Put me down for an AWD Wagon ....sorry, Combi.
Jeff @ Jun 8th 2007 10:46AM
JESUS TAPDANCING CHRIST IT IS A MID CYCLE FACELIFT.
Every time the new 9-3 gets any attention on here, someone always complains that the only thing that's being updated is the grille. What is wrong with you people? Do you not understand the term "facelift"?
First of all, this is a huge facelift. Much more than the headlights have changed. Every slab of metal on the car except for the rear quarters and the roof has been altered. Secondly, a whole bunch of non-cosmetic interior changes have been made to make the car quieter and sturdier. Plus, new leather is available for the seats. Lastly, the headlights now have LED light pipe "eyebrows" for daytime running lights, and they look totally evil and awesome.
Not only that, but soon this MCE won't just be a facelift. The new AWD system will become available with this model, as will a badass new configuration with said AWD and a 280-horse biturbo V6.
As for those silver taillights, those likely won't make it out of Europe. Remember, these pictures were taken in Trollhattan.
As for the chrome, Saabs have always had chrome. Look at the 99. Only the Aero will have the matte chrome foglight surrounds, by the way.
Carletti @ Jun 8th 2007 11:46AM
Yeah they did a good job on the front, and my view is that there is a tasteful resemblance to the 5 Series with this car up front. The cosmetic changes to the rear are also nice but ultimately SAAB needs to find out what the heck they stand for as a company. I think that, given their relatively obscure reputation in the United States, they cannot just put a price premium on cars that are essentially re-badged GM models. What they need is cache, and they don't have it right now in my opinion...and SAAB interiors are some of the ugliest I've ever witnessed.
However, the 9-3 SportCombi is seriously one of the most gorgeous of wagons currently available on the market.
Quattrofan @ Jun 8th 2007 11:50AM
I've always liked Saabs...the quirky center console ignition, considerable turbo lag, the goofy styling. Now they look better then ever (although a tad overdone) and with an AWD, they will sell nicely. A truly nice alternative to an A4.
rob @ Jun 8th 2007 11:52AM
so jeff..can you decide whether it IS or ISNT a mid-cycle facelift? and honestly, im amazed at how long this car has been out - 4 years - and this is all they've done. i guess thats why people are disappointed, since most other carmakers have an entirely new car every 4-5 years.
Jeff @ Jun 9th 2007 3:07AM
It is a mid cycle facelift. My point is, it got a facelift, and people are complaining that more should have been done. The kicker is, more WAS done, but nobody seems to know about it but me. It's really a mid-cycle enhancement, but the facelift stuff comes first. The enhancements are probably coming mid-model year.
Also, they changed the interior just last year. That is why there are no cosmetic interior changes: the interior is only a year old!
Also (and this isn't directed at Rob), if you think the new grille looks like the grille on the Impreza, you're blind. There's no other way to say it.
Ligor @ Jun 8th 2007 1:31PM
I still couldn't see myself pass oger a G35 and get this FWD Saab, but I could see getting in one before I went to an Audi dealer and got the A4 FWD.
eitherway, it's not a car I'd buy for myself, maybe the neighboors can have one.
James @ Jun 8th 2007 2:15PM
By Aero-X inspired grille, you mean Subaru Impreza inspired grille, right?
iQuack @ Jun 8th 2007 2:28PM
Just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.
GM should bury this long-dead brand and concentrate on its winners.
This "new" style deserves a lethargic yawn and nothing more.
eakius @ Jun 8th 2007 3:45PM
all saabs are ugly.
jc_atl @ Jun 8th 2007 7:56PM
I think the clamshell hood looks better but the 9-3SS was already a pretty great looking sedan IMO, and the chrome below the grill is way overkill - if I had the Aero I'd look to get rid of the chrome. If they truly fixed some of the interior noise (shake, rattle and roll) issues then that's putting their efforts in the right place. I just sold my 2004 Aero because the ride and rattles just were more than I could stand in a car that was supposed to be somewhat upmarket. I still hope SAAB can make it, but they've got to get serious about competing with the marques with which they are cross-shopped (their own site references the A4 and 335i in the competitive comparison matrix, which tells me someone is guilty of seriously wishful thinking). The G35 is nice but if fuel economy is of any importance to you (both cars require premium, I think) the SAAB will beat it soundly in that aspect.
Brendon @ Jun 27th 2007 10:52AM
I prefer the old model. There are way to many cars on the road with massive grills and way too much crome. I was hoping for a more elegant and refined look from Saab