1999 Saab 93

Even the packing was a challenge: "Let's see, Eddie Bauer Arctic parka...swim suit; insulated Iditarod boots...beach sandals; blizzard-ready thermal underwear...sunblock." Saab, you see, was sponsoring an unusual event: Two teams, driving two brand-spanking-new '99 Saab 93 SE five-door hatchbacks, were attempting to establish a record elapsed time driving from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska-the northernmost driveable point in the country-to Key West, Florida, the southernmost point in the continental United States. Organized by Arctic driving specialist Billy Edwards, it was to be an around-the-clock, stopping-only-for-gas, grab-your-restroom-break-where-you-can type of endurance run.

For us, it sounded a lot like an automotive fraternity initiation stunt, but it proved to be an early chance to get behind the wheel of the new 93, Saab's successor to the 900. We arranged to join the team for the most demanding section of the route: the first 500-mile stretch along the frozen, snow-and-gravel-packed Dawson Highway (a barely-two-lane truck route carved out of the surrounding tundra) that follows the Alaska pipeline from Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic Ocean to Fairbanks, the northern beginning point of the Alaska Highway. On the morning we left, a brisk -34-degree wind chill blew through the ice-station-like town of Deadhorse that marked our starting point. Only 120 degrees below the sun-baked ending point in Key West.

Flush with the European success of its new upscale 95 sedan, the 93 is Saab's makeover of the 900 in the image of its flagship. Besides the change in designation, the 93 has gained styling cues from the 95 in the aeronautically inspired grille and reshaped front bumper. Other visual changes include a reworked rear bumper, hatch lid, and taillamps.

The 95's influence is evident inside, as well, beginning with the comfy front seats that are virtually pulled right from the sedan, complete with Saab's Active Head Restraint System, which helps protect passengers against whiplash in a rear-end collision. Another safety addition are side airbags mounted in the front seats. The SE edition includes a leather package, walnut trim, power front seats with three-position memory, automatic climate control, 80-watt eight-speaker stereo, power sunroof, and trip computer. At least, we were flogging ourselves in luxury.

Adding to both improved ride quality and handling is a reworked front suspension that boasts new geometry, longer-travel struts, and new spring and shock damping rates in both the front and rear. This well-tuned suspension kept its composure over all the terrain we encountered, from coarse pavement and gravel to hard-packed snow and ice; in the latter, the car was also aided by preproduction Michelin Arctic Alpin snow tires that will go on sale this fall. In addition, a revised 18.8:1 steering ratio (versus 16.6 in the 900) and tight, confident steering feel enhanced the car's sense of sportiness and control.

Now standard across the model line is Saab's turbocharged/intercooled 2.0-liter/185-horsepower 16-valve four-cylinder engine. The powerplant is noticeably snappier with the five-speed manual than the four-speed automatic, partially due to an extra 24 pound-feet of torque when mated with the stick (194 versus 170).

Although the 93 is a relatively mild freshening over the 900, the improvements are well considered and effective in making it a considerably more inviting car. Not the least of this attraction is that these changes are accompanied by a price drop of $495 on the SE and $995 on the base model. The 93 five-door starts at $26,000, while the SE bases at $31,500. Three-door hatchback ($25,500) and convertible ($36,500-$41,500) versions are also available. More power, improved safety, better handling, and a lower sticker; things are definitely looking up at Saab.