cars: Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi Facelifts In Detail

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Design
Page 3: Interior features
Page 4: Chassis, Brakes, Steering
Page 5: Powertrain
Page 6: Body structure
Page 7: Safety
Page 8: Security and Operation
Page 9:Ownership and Accessories

Security and Operation

Secure Ownership Experience

Most secure Saab ever
Highly rated by Insurers
Sophisticated immobilization, anti-theft and alarm systems
Useful ‘comfort and convenience’ functions

The 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi are the most secure Saabs ever built, deploying an arsenal of anti-theft devices that includes all practical technology that is currently available. The security systems are intended to prevent the car being stolen or have items taken from it. There are also a number of useful operational features designed to make everyday use of the Saab 9-3 easy, convenient and rewarding.

Highly rated by Insurers

Representatives of leading insurance companies in Sweden and elsewhere were consulted throughout the development of security systems for the 9-3 product line. They were asked to suggest the most effective measures available, as well as being able to examine and assess the car’s security performance. As evidence of the success of this work, the British insurance industry’s Thatcham research center has awarded the Sport Sedan a maximum five star rating for ‘theft of the vehicle’ and four stars for ‘theft from the vehicle’.

Saab is confident that such close liaison with insurance industry experts contributes to highly competitive insurance groupings and reduced insurance costs for owners.

Anti-Intrusion Measures

The front passenger door is fitted with a ‘freewheeling’ lock cylinder, which will immediately disengage from the door unlocking mechanism if any device, other than the correct key, is inserted. Efficient ‘shielding’ of the locks inside the doors also prevents tampering with specialist ‘tools’ and deadbolts for all four doors make it virtually impossible for a would-be thief to forcibly break in.

Even if a thief were to gain entry, there would be little point in removing any of the car’s ‘infotainment’ systems. Apart from being uniquely designed to fit only a Saab car, they are electronically ‘married’ to their original ‘host’ car. They could only function in another Saab after being re-programmed at a Saab dealer.

A large number of major components also have security marking to enable the police to trace them back to the car if they are recovered following a theft.

Anti Car Theft

To prevent the car itself being stolen, the immobilizer system uses both an electrical steering column lock and disablement of the engine management system.

When the ignition key is inserted in the floor-mounted switch, a transponder sends a signal to a control unit in the module, which then communicates with all systems in the car through the central integrated control module. The ‘start’ message is encrypted in a complex, rolling code from the key’s transponder which would take an estimated eight years to ‘crack’ in the unlikely event of a would-be thief making the correct electronic connections.

Further measures have also been taken to combat the so-called professional thief, who may be stealing a car to order for resale. Barriers, or ‘firewalls’ have been put in place to protect the car’s electronic systems from digital intrusion with illegal scanning devices.

As the car’s original key is such a vital component in the chain of security precautions, confidential measures have been put in place at Saab dealers to ensure there is no fraudulent issue of a replacement or duplicate key.

Alarm system

As a further back-up to the car’s perimeter security features, an advanced alarm system can also be specified. This engages a siren and flashing lights to discourage anyone from entering or trying to move the car.

The alarm will be activated if any illegal attempt is made to open the hood, doors, trunk lid or tailgate. A ‘tilt’ sensor will also sound the alarm if the car is lifted in any direction, such as during an attempt to tow it away. Inside the car, an extremely sensitive ultrasonic beam will detect any movement, including pieces of flying glass or an arm reaching inside following a break-in. The SportCombi also has glass break sensors in all the rear windows to ensure that any attempt to reach the load space is detected.

A further refinement is the use of a separate battery to power the alarm system. This is hidden in the car to prevent illegal tampering, making it impossible for a thief to disable the alarm by disconnecting the car’s main battery.

For greater personal security, the car’s alarm can also be activated by pressing a ‘panic’ button on the car’s Electronic key, or by pressing the interior central locking button on either front door.

Comfort and Convenience

A range of features is available to enrich the experience of driving and traveling in the car. Although often small refinements, they can make a significant contribution to developing a rewarding, interactive relationship between the car and its owner.

‘Smart’ door mirrors

Ever folded in the door mirrors and then forgotten to reposition them until you are back in the car? An annoying oversight that can’t happen with the optional, electrically-foldable mirrors that are linked to a speed sensor and automatically fold out once the car exceeds 50 kph.

A typical Saab innovation is the button for tilting the mirrors down. This function normally operates automatically when reverse gear is engaged. But it can be just as useful to tilt one or other mirror when going forwards, following a kerb or low wall, for example. Standard for electrically-adjustable seats with memory.

Remote window and sunroof operation

In many circumstances, it can be useful to remotely operate the windows, or the sunroof, after leaving the car. This is can be done simply by holding down the lock/unlock button on the remote control unit.

For example, this function makes it possible to close a front window or sunroof that has been inadvertently left open. Likewise, the front windows and sunroof can be opened, or set to a desired position, to let heat out of the car. Optional feature.

Automatic disconnect/connect fog lamps

To prevent the rear fog lamp being inadvertently left on when no longer required, it is automatically disconnected when the ignition is switched off. However, both front (where fitted) and rear fog lamps do not have to be switched on again if the engine stalls because they are programmed to remain active for 30 seconds after the ignition is switched off. Standard feature.

Variable speedometer illumination

The Night Panel feature allows all main dashboard illumination - except for the speedometer - to be switched off when driving at night. The Profiler function also enables the driver to restrict illumination of the speedscale to the range, 0 - 140 kph. It will, of course, automatically illuminate if these speeds are exceeded. Standard feature.

‘Intelligent’ windshield washing

When the windshield is washed at speeds under 20 kph, the wipers will automatically make an additional sweep after an eight second delay in order to clear the windshield of residual streaks. Standard feature.

Washer fluid saver

When there is less than one liter left in the washer fluid reservoir, the headlamp washer function will automatically de-activate in order to prioritize washing of the windshield. Standard feature.

Vertical wiper parking

If you want to cover the windshield - to prevent frosting up when parking outside or to help keep the interior cool in hot weather - the wipers can be parked in a vertical position by removing the key fob and pressing the control stalk once. Standard feature.

Automatic air recirculation

To avoid the unpleasant smell of detergent from the windshield washer system entering the cabin, the automatic climate control (ACC) can be programmed (through an authorized dealer) to briefly switch to ‘recirculation mode’ whenever the driver operates the washer system via the stalk control.

‘Halo’ lighting

When approaching the car, a simple blip of the remote control will turn on the exterior and main interior lights as a ‘lead-me-to-the-car’ function. With a range of up to 20 meters, this facility can help identify the car at night in a crowded car park, illuminate its immediate surroundings or discourage anyone from attempting to enter the car when it is being opened. Standard fitment.

Welcome lighting

A warm welcome always awaits the driver courtesy of automatic footwell lighting, with ‘theatre’ dimming, and ‘puddle lights’ in the bottom of the front doors to illuminate the ground outside. Likewise, at night the main interior light will switch on when the ignition key is removed so the driver or passengers are never left completely in the dark. These features are standard for all variants, expect Linear, which has 'puddle lights' only.

‘Follow me home’ lighting

When leaving the car at night, a tweak of the lights stalk will keep the headlights on for 30 seconds. A useful aid for walking up the drive to the door or when parking in unfamiliar ground. Standard feature.