Used 2011 SAAB 9-3X SUV Wagon Trims & Features

The Saab 9-3X SUV wagon is available in 2.0T and Aero trim levels, as well as an all-wheel-drive choice known as the9-3X The normal 2.0T model comes with many standard features. These inlucde alloy 17-inch wheels, a rear fog lamp, heated mirrors, wipers that work automatically, a keyless entry system, a cruise control function, dual-zone climate control, a power driver seat with eight controls and lumbar adjustment, leather cloth upholstery, an adjustable steering wheel and a seven-speaker stereo system that comes with a CD player and an audio jack for extra functions. It is also equipped with a series of bright front foglamps, a taller height, rails on the roof and a special trim around its build.

The Comfort package that is available on every 2.0T trim has such features as headlamp washers, heated seats in the front, an eight-way power seat and a dimming rear mirror. Other options include a wider sunroof, OnStar access, Bluetooth signals and a sound system from Bose that uses a six-CD changer with satellite radio support.

The Saab 9-3X SUV wagon Aero gets xenon headlamps that adapt to light, front fog lamps, two-tone leather upholstery and the 2.0T's optional features. The Premium package adds things like parking sensors, power mirrors that can dim and even some driver memory functions. The Premium package is available on the 9-3X and brings in adjustable xenon headlamps that adapt well along with a power passenger seat. A navigation system is optional on the Aero and 9-3X.

The 2.0T features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can create 210 horsepower and work with a six-speed manual transmission or with a power five-speed automatic choice (six-speed automatic that can use XWD support). Automatic transmissions include a manual-shift provision, with a Sport mode that can handle its gears for a little longer in acceleration and can also change the shift points used in braking.

A six-speed manual transmission is used on the front wheel drive while it is an option for the Aero 9-3X and AWD. There is also a five-speed automatic for the Aero models that is optional on the 2.0T version. A six-speed automatic is also found on AWD models and the 9-3X.

No matter what drive works, the 9-3 and SportCombi both get 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway ratings. An AWD option will have a 17/27/21 rating while the automatic or convertible are in between.

The 9-3X SUV wagon seats five adults comfortably, with plenty of legroom front and back. The cargo space is surprisingly roomy for such a sporty profile, and the back seats fold down flat to make extra room for hauling. But the main appeal of the interior is its luxury, which is typical of Saab, but not to the wagon or light SUV class. This premium interior makes the 9-3X stand out, perhaps even more so than the distinctive exterior design.

The current market for a light SUV sum wagon is slim, but growing. Saab has made its mark in the class, but there are other more popular models that have been around even longer, such as Volvo and Audi. Saab can only count on its charm to its fans for so many sales. In order to really surge in the market, they'll need to appeal to a broader consumer base, which is not something Saab has ever excelled at doing.