2006 Saab 9-3 Sport Combi Photo Gallery

With the introduction of the 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi, this Swedish automaker has doubled its number of entries into the premium midsize wagon segment. Saab is no stranger to five-door wagon and hatchback configurations, a part of the corporate tradition dating back to 1959, and with the 9-3 SportCombi Saab is targeting loyalists looking for a 9-3 with extra cargo carrying capacity. With its rear seats folded down, the 9-3 SportCombi delivers, offering 73 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for hauling sports equipment or shuttling the family dog. And with the sport-tuned Aero model, the 9-3 SportCombi is an impressive performer on a favorite back road. Thanks to two turbocharged engine choices, the 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi is especially attractive to those that live in high-altitude areas where thinner atmospheric conditions can suck the life out of non-turbo motors. And with standard ABS, stability control, and front, side, and curtain airbags, plus terrific crash-test scores from the IIHS, the 9-3 SportCombi is also safe. Who says a station wagon has to be boring? The new 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi is a prime example that you don’t have to settle for dull when choosing to purchase and drive a station wagon. Saab has always had functional wagons and hatchbacks in the lineup and the new 2006 9-3 SportCombi is an impressive addition to tradition.

Styling

The 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi incorporates the company’s traditional “hockey stick” beltline to give it a distinctive look. Features such as steeply raked taillights and an integrated rear spoiler add appeal to the Saab 9-3 SportCombi’s design. The 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi is also aero efficient with a drag coefficient of just 0.33.

Engine

Two engine choices are available on the 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 210 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque. The top-performing Aero model gets an all-new turbocharged 2.8-liter V6. The new V6 makes 250 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines power the front wheels and require premium fuel. The standard motor gets up to 31 mpg on the highway, while the Aero’s more powerful mill tops out at 28 mpg on the open road.

Transmission

The 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi is delivered with a standard five-speed manual gearbox on base models or a six-speed manual on the Aero. For those requiring an automatic, Saab offers its Sentronic manually-interactive transmission as an option. On base models, Sentronic is a five-speed unit; on the Aero, it’s a six-speeder with steering wheel controls.

Suspension

In front, the 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi utilizes MacPherson struts, gas-charged shocks, and a stabilizer bar. At the rear, the SportCombi gets an independent four-link suspension with coil springs, gas-charged shocks and a stabilizer bar. Aero models get a stiffer suspension tune for improved handling over the standard model.

Steering

The 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi’s steering is a power-assisted rack-and-pinion setup. Borrowed from the 9-3 sedan is a Re-Axs rear-wheel steering system, which allows for better control, handling, and increased feedback to the driver.

Brakes

The 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi is equipped with four-wheel-disc brakes, vented front and rear on the performance-oriented Aero models. The 9-3 SportCombi also comes standard with ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control, and stability control.

Wheels and Tires

The 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi is issued with 6.5- x 16-inch, twin-five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with 215/55R16 all-season tires. The Aero model gets 7.5- x 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with wider and lower profile 235/45R17 all-season performance tires.

Interior Specs

Seating Capacity: 2 (front)/3 (rear) Headroom: 38.9 in. (front)/37 in. (rear) Legroom: 42.3 in. (front)/35.1 in. (rear) Shoulder room : 56.3 in. (front)/55.1 in. (rear) Max. Cargo Capacity: 73 cubic feet

Exterior Specs

Wheelbase: 105.3 inches Length: 183.2 inches Width: 69.4 inches Height: 60.6 inches Track: 59.9 in. (front)/59.3 in. (rear) Base Curb Weight: 3,175 lbs. Weight Distribution: 60/40 (front/rear)

History

Saab has been building five-door wagons and hatchbacks since 1959, and these kinds of vehicles continue to be a mainstay in the automaker’s model lineup. The first five-door was a 1959 95 wagon. In 1973, Saab launched the 99 Combi Coupe. Today, according to Saab statistics, half of the half-million Saabs on the road in America are five-door wagons and hatchbacks.