2014 Saab 9-3 Aero – going for it, one more time

saab-9-3-aero-2014-3

That’s right – after changing hands a few times, Saab is back in the game. This is the 2014 Saab 9-3 Aero, which, as far as we can tell, looks the same as the 2011 facelift 9-3.

The National Electric Vehicle Sweden-owned carmaker has announced that the car will have a 220 hp 2.0 litre turbo engine, and that it will go on sale in Sweden on December 10. Reports indicate that the 2014 9-3 will be sold in Europe and China first. A facelift and a China-only EV version are also said to be in the works for next year.

You won’t find a single griffin logo on the car though, as the rights to the badge are still owned by Scania and Saab AB. The griffin logo has adorned Saab cars since 1949.

NEVS reopened the Trollhättan factory in August 2013 after more than two years of non-operation. It began churning out pre-production 9-3 prototypes in September, before proper series production reportedly resumed earlier this week.

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • Pontiac on Dec 04, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    Did they rebadge the new proton perdana replacement?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 20
  • Inspector Saab on Dec 04, 2013 at 6:28 pm

    is this the same company that build the gripen jet fighter?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
    • Yes, the Gripen, Viggen and all. But the fighter makers are from a different division of Saab, they are funded differently. It’s like Volvo trucks and Volvo cars. Not to be confused.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 1
  • I like Saab. Saab owners are a highly intelligent bunch.

    Plus, we share the same ‘name’. haha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 14
    • Takki on Dec 05, 2013 at 12:54 pm

      +1. In love with Swedish automotive.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • TinaFeyring on Dec 05, 2013 at 4:45 pm

      If they are intelligent , they won’t be bankrupt. Must be dumb like you.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 8
      • At least, the average education level of SAAB drivers is the highest compared to that of any other brands in the world and this is a “FACT”.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Sam Loo on Dec 04, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    Still can beat toyota camry in all aspects.A lexus will trump this brand.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 29
    • Alan Ting on Dec 05, 2013 at 4:47 pm

      Why do Malaysians idolise failure brands like Saab etc and slam successful European and Japanese brands? Is our education system creating morons?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 4
  • Carfox on Dec 04, 2013 at 8:05 pm

    2011 model facelift and it still looks fresh in 2013. Hope to see SAAB releasing all-new models soon.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
  • jimmy on Dec 04, 2013 at 8:23 pm

    made in Trollhatan, made to Troll.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
    • Carfox on Dec 05, 2013 at 12:49 am

      One of their old brand slogans was, “Made in Trollhattan by Trolls.”

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • niterunner99 on Dec 04, 2013 at 9:22 pm

    Happy for them that they’re still around…but i don’t really dare to buy it…just in case they really go bust again. Sorry but that’s only me.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Skin off the SAAB, you will see the kimchi..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 12
    • carguy2000 on Dec 04, 2013 at 11:48 pm

      and that is a compliment, because kimchi would paid those safety research

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • so cool. much jet. SAAB. DOGE. wow. must buy.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • jolly_idiot on Dec 05, 2013 at 12:16 am

    Saab… really lap saab. Hahaha… rubbish.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 14
  • start on Dec 05, 2013 at 12:33 am

    Paul, Sorry out of topic.

    I think you’re aware that thousands of vehicles have submerged in Pahang now. Can you come out with an article to advice the victims what they should do – what are the do’s and dont’s and any useful tips. Perhaps you could advice how much is the estimated cost they need to fork out to repair their car. I think this will help.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 0
    • valjean on Dec 05, 2013 at 10:01 am

      Well let me start the listing. I maybe wrong though so forgive me ah.

      – DO NOT START you car if it is submerge. Push is out for the water or tow it using other vehicle. You may do more damage if you start it. Wait for it to dry up. It may take days. So you may want to tow it to your hse or somewhere safe to store.

      – Sometime I have seen towtruck standing by near the partially submerge car and offer to tow them out of the water. Some charges Rm500 for it. My advice, pay it. You cannot save this money as most of us don’t buy all risk insurance coverage that will cover the expensive repair.

      – If you are IN THE CAR and water is rising and you cant go anywhere, ABANDON IT. Take out your valuable and go to higher ground. Your car is not worth your life

      – If your car fell into the water with you in it, OPEN ALL WINDOW immediately. Let the water in so you can crawl out. DO NOT CLOSE the window as you wont be able to fight the pressure that is pushing the door shut.

      – If you didn’t have enough time to open the window when you submerge, find something sharp to nick(break) the window at it weakest spot i.e the centre. Break door window if can as from Windscreen is normally laminated and cannot break.

      – DO NOT ATTEMPT to cross a road that has running water even if you have a heavy car like SUV, MPV etc. The current can be very strong and will wipe you away.

      – If you see water in front and dont feel like crossing it, DONT. Dont let anyone behind you talk you into it. If they want to go, let them be. A simple half foot deep water is enough to bust the entire gearbox, engine. This is speaking from experience.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
      • valjean on Dec 05, 2013 at 2:42 pm

        More suggestions :

        – If you really have to go through water, DONT REV UP and then let go. This will cause water to be SUCKED BACK in the exhaust system and eventually enter back into the engine. The key is to KEEP CONSTANT ENGINE RPM so that the exhaust is always BLOWING OUTWARDS. If you are on manual, then play with the clutch to control the speed.

        – After crossing water, you will loose braking ability for a short while due to water on the brake disc. So, tap on the break after leaving the water to dry up the disc and you will find your braking ability coming back.

        – Again, if you really have to cross the water puddle and if you are driving 4X4, engage it and drive in 4H or 4L.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • Sirimusa on Dec 05, 2013 at 11:08 am

      Excellent suggestion!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • What I can’t understand why don’t they introduce the 2nd Gen SAAB 9-5 that Jeremy and James May drove. That was one of the last new models before SAAB closed its door. It also does look more current than the 9-3.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Abg Long on Dec 05, 2013 at 10:36 am

    saab so sad.. boring.. anyway, if it comes to Malaysia, ur money u decide hehe..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • tats the poblem when small car companies taken over by another small auto company, they dont have the technological and platforms or engines to offer the poor SAAB, same situation wit Potong…Potong pls rebadge tis SAAB

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • BadBET on Dec 05, 2013 at 11:10 am

    the black saab look like waja… a refined design of proton waja…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Own 2 saabs. 2002 95 and 2004 93. Extremely fun cars to drive but after a couple of years maintenance is a pain. Furthermore with them pulling out of malaysia.

    No point selling it also with the trade in value @ 10k lol. Cant even buy a local car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Maybe Proton can help SAAB and themselves by buying SAAB turbo engine, AWD and chassis tech hehe. All very awesome and reliable systems.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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