2003 Saab 9-3 Passion Coupe

Saab redesigns its best-selling car for 2003. The traditional hatchback body is gone, but front-wheel drive and turbocharged 4-cyl engines remain. The new 9-3 is the same length overall as the version it replaces, but has new styling, is wider, and rides a 2.8-inch-longer wheelbase. A 4-dr sedan replaces 2- and 4-dr hatchbacks. The previous-generation 2-dr convertible continues pending a 2004 redesign. General Motors owns this Swedish automaker, and the '03 9-3 introduces GM's Epsilon platform that will also host the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac Grand Am and the '05 Saturn L-Series. The 9-3 sedan comes in three versions: Linear, luxury-oriented Arc, and sporty Vector. All have a turbo 2.0 liter. The 175-hp Linear offers a 5-speed manual transmission or a new 5-speed automatic. The 210-hp Arc and Vector offer the automatic or a new 6-speed manual. The automatic has a separate gate for manual shifting; on the Vector, it includes steering-wheel-mounted manual-shift paddles. Standard are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, front side airbags, and Saab's first curtain side airbags. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on Arc and optional on Linear in place of 15s. Vector comes with 17s. All 9-3s have leather upholstery (leather/cloth on Linear), and a 60/40 split folding rear seatback. Arc adds wood interior trim.