Saab 9-3 reviews

2007 Saab 9-3 Interior Features

The Saab 9-3's interior is pretty much what one would expect in a near-luxury car, although certain Saab styling cues remain. The ignition key goes into the lock between the bucket seats, on the floor console. Some consider this awkward, but Saab aficionados would have it no other way. The instruments are arrayed in an easy-to-view layout with a big speedometer in a sweeping instrument panel that blends into the center console. It's a relatively high dashboard compared to that in most other cars, but that's long been a signature Saab styling cue.

For 2007, the most significant changes to the 9-3 are the revisions to the instrument panel. While the basic shape and style of last year's panel are retained, the main instrument cluster is expanded, and has absorbed the warning lights that used to be set in a separate binnacle above it. Many of the fussy little buttons that used to operate the climate system have been replaced by three large knobs. Radio and navigation controls have also been simplified.

Overall quality of the 9-3's interior is very good. Door handles and the center console shifter surround are trimmed in brushed chrome, and a bright outline surrounds the instrument cluster. The Aero steering wheel is wrapped in leather with brushed chrome trim on the spokes. The glove box is one of the largest in the class, very useful.

The front bucket seats are firm but comfortable, with side bolsters that restrain during spirited motoring without restricting while climbing in and out. The available Sport seats are more aggressive and best suited to slimmer, narrower bodies.

Rear-seat passengers in the two-door convertible do not fare as well as those in the four-door sedan, of course: The convertible gives up nearly 10 inches of hip room and nearly 3 inches of legroom. A center console can be folded down between the rear seats that contains cup holders and a map storage area.

Cargo space for the sedan is 14.8 cubic feet. The SportCombi has an impressive 29.7 cubic feet with five passengers aboard, or 72.3 cubic feet with the back seats down; and that's all broad, deep, tall usable space. The cargo floor is split into two covers that lift to reveal additional hidden storage, and the flexible cargo cover has a closed position and a semi-closed position. The 60/40 split rear seats can be folded for versatility when carrying one rear-seat passenger and cargo. Trunk space drops to 12.4 cubic feet in the convertible with just 8.3 cubic feet available with the top down.