2003 Saab 93

Distinctive sport sedans tend to be premium automobiles. And premium hardware gets pricey. This all-new 9³ is targeting entry-lux models like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes C-Class. Though the 9³ is larger than these players, Saab didn't adhere to the expensive part of the paradigm. Indeed, the '03 9³'s base price is $25,900, with a nicely equipped model available for under $30,000.

Corporate parent General Motors is busy sliding Saab's model portfolio onto common GM platforms. So our concern was that Saab's unique styling and mechanical texture might be lost. The new 9³, available in October, shares the existing Opel Vectra's Epsilon architecture. And later, Chevy's new Malibu and Pontiac's Grand Am will also be built on Epsilon.

We sampled early-build 9³s on Sweden's wet, narrow two-lanes and were reassured by their characteristic turbo muscle, crisp steering, strong braking, and newly sleek, yet still somewhat quirky exterior. Intentionally lost in the segue to GM undergarments is the older 9³'s inability to quietly swallow road irregularities, awkward torque steer, cheesy interior bits, and odd proportions; the new sedan is 2.2 in. wider and rides on a 2.8-in.-longer wheelbase.

The fly in this Swedish soup is a tendency to transmit road-grain buzz into the cabin. Also, the dash and door panels in our (early-build) cars appeared dark and stark. But the instrumentation is bright and rich looking and the control ergonomics are excellent. Beyond the load-limiting seatbelts and two-stage front airbags, there's an inflatable side-curtain for side impacts and rollover protection. The longer, wider cabin certainly is more comfortable for front- and rear-seat passengers.

Saab does a good job with turbo fours, and even the base 175-hp unit seems up to the job; we can't wait for a drive in the upmarket, 210-hp models. Rain-soaked roads prevented us from fully exploring adhesion limits and the behavior of the passive-steer, fully independent rear axle. Still, this front-driver is lively, roomy, comfortable, and should prove fuel efficient, if you stay out of the boost. Despite the common bits, this fresh, edgy Saab sedan proves different can be good.