The Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II, specifically the facelifted version introduced in 2007, represents a significant iteration of Saab’s compact executive car. Positioned as a five-door, five-seat station wagon (estate), the 9-3 Sport Combi aimed to blend practicality with Saab’s characteristic Scandinavian design and engineering. This model, powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine producing 150 horsepower, was primarily sold in the European market, where the station wagon body style enjoys considerable popularity. While Saab as a brand ceased independent production in 2011, the 9-3 Sport Combi remains a notable example of the company’s commitment to innovative design and a unique driving experience.
Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II (2007-2010)
The 2007 facelift of the second-generation 9-3 Sport Combi brought with it revised styling cues, enhanced safety features, and refinements to the interior. The Sport Combi body style offered a compelling alternative to traditional sedans, providing increased cargo capacity and versatility without sacrificing the brand’s focus on driver engagement. The 1.8t engine option, coupled with Saab’s Sentronic automatic transmission, provided a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, catering to a broad range of drivers. Although not officially sold in the United States after 2002, the 9-3 continued to be a popular choice in Europe for those seeking a distinctive and practical vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2007 Saab 9-3 Sport Combi 1.8t is a 1.998-liter (121.93 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This engine utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output to 150 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 240 Newton-meters (177.01 lb-ft) of torque at 2000 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration delivers a power-to-liter ratio of 75.1 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed Sentronic automatic transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.3 seconds and a maximum speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The 0-60 mph time is calculated at 10.7 seconds. The engine’s Euro 4 emission standard compliance reflects the environmental considerations of the time.
Design & Features
The Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II is characterized by its distinctive station wagon profile, offering a generous cargo area. The 2007 facelift included subtle but noticeable changes to the front fascia, headlights, and grille, giving the car a more modern appearance. Inside, the 9-3 Sport Combi prioritizes driver comfort and ergonomics. The interior design is typically Scandinavian, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Key features include a spacious cabin, comfortable seating for five passengers, and a versatile cargo area that expands from 419 liters (14.8 cubic feet) with the rear seats up to 1273 liters (44.96 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features, crucial for a family-oriented vehicle, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle’s dimensions are 4670 mm (183.86 in) in length, 1762 mm (69.37 in) in width, and 1496 mm (58.9 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2675 mm (105.31 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 9-3 |
| Generation | 9-3 Sport Combi II (facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8t (150 Hp) Sentronic |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | December, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13 l/100 km (18.1 US mpg, 21.7 UK mpg, 7.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 214 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp, 92.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm, 148.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 2000 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B207E |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1615 kg (3560.47 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2060 kg (4541.52 lbs.) |
| Max load | 445 kg (981.06 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 419 l (14.8 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1273 l (44.96 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4670 mm (183.86 in.) |
| Width | 1762 mm (69.37 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2038 mm (80.24 in.) |
| Height | 1496 mm (58.9 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2675 mm (105.31 in.) |
| Front track | 1524 mm (60 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1506 mm (59.29 in.) |
| Front overhang | 981 mm (38.62 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1014 mm (39.92 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 127 mm (5 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission Sentronic |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 285 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 278 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 215/55 R16; 235/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15; 6.5J x 16; 7.5J x 17 |



