CTC Review: 2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan

[gottarondo]

The hatch (best hatch in automotive history) and the seats, floor key, in that order, made the rest of the package some what bearable.  Removal of the hatch makes Saabs lease only units, IMO. 

It was mostly the hatch that made me buy my 900 in the first place... the salesman opened it, and my jaw dropped:  Sold!  But I could never put my finger on why it was so special.  One feature of it that I did notice was lost in at least one subsequent Saab model was floor-level loading - they dropped the floor so you had to drop things over a ledge into the back.  But most station wagons and SUVs (and the Rondo  ) offer that.  So why do you call it the best hatch ever?

As for the floor key, I can only explain its attraction in that it maybe appeals to the rebel in us all... although I do remember also hearing it made the car hard (impossible?) to steal.  My husband hated it for the unstoppable accumulation of crumbs and dust (no, I don't vacuum often...).

[tpl]

The hatch (best hatch in automotive history) and the seats, floor key, in that order, made the rest of the package some what bearable.  Removal of the hatch makes Saabs lease only units, IMO. 

It was mostly the hatch that made me buy my 900 in the first place... the salesman opened it, and my jaw dropped:  Sold!  But I could never put my finger on why it was so special.  One feature of it that I did notice was lost in at least one subsequent Saab model was floor-level loading - they dropped the floor so you had to drop things over a ledge into the back.  But most station wagons and SUVs (and the Rondo  ) offer that.  So why do you call it the best hatch ever?

As for the floor key, I can only explain its attraction in that it maybe appeals to the rebel in us all... although I do remember also hearing it made the car hard (impossible?) to steal.  My husband hated it for the unstoppable accumulation of crumbs and dust (no, I don't vacuum often...).

I 110% agree with both of you.  No hatch no buy.   No way would I buy a SAAB sedan nor a GM Opel with a SAAb badge

[articsteve]

So why do you call it the best hatch ever?

The construction and operation of the rear seat backrest which of course folded down.  Bearing in mind that to really utilize a hatch one will need to fold down the rear seat.

Need a pic to fully explain.  But the rear seat back was completely re-enforced by a wide steel plate that ran the width of the rear seat back.  This plate then attached itself to both sides of the body.  It was the most secure system for a folding seat I have ever seen.  Usually, and not mentioning particular manufacturers  , the folding system and subsequent securing of the seat back is pretty flimsy and usually required to separate actions to manipulate and some running around.  The Saab seat was all controlled with one handle/latch device from what side of the car.

In addition, the hatch itself was very large.

[Scaerio]

...when my g/f tugged on it.

  (Biting tongue very hard.)

[wing]

Just for you .... and Saf

[gottarondo]

Just a belated thanks for answering my question, tpl and Steve.  I don't think I'd appreciated the underlying structure.

I did also think the slanted opening also made for more dignified access than most wagons.