The next generation 900 made its debut in 1993 and was the first new model after General Motors acquisition of a 50% stake in Saab Automobiles. There were 3 door, 5 door and 2 door convertible (introduced in 1995) body styles available with normally aspirated and turbocharged Saab 2 litre 4-cylinder inline engines. A normally aspirated V6 version was also available. The convertibles were exclusively built in Finland. The NG 900 was the first model to receive the Saab Night Panel innovation, which extinguished most panel lights in order to eliminate distractions during night driving.Â
In 1998, the NG 900 was rebadged as the Saab 9-3. There were some minor styling changes to the exterior, but over 1100 changes in total, including revisions to the suspension in an attempt to tighten up the handling characteristics. A standout model is the limited edition 9-3 Viggen, which features a unique body kit and other styling features, as well as suspension and engine modifications. It was the only 9-3 to use the Saab B234 2.3 litre engine, producing 225bhp. The 9-3 ceased production in 2002.Â
If you look under a 1999 SAAB 9-3 you will find much that is like a Vauxhall Cavalier of an earlier vintage. This is the result of the marriage of SAAB with General Motors. First born of this union was a new 900, shaped with styling references to the old (pre-GM) 900. With very little change to the body work but very necessary and important honing of the engineering, and improved quality, the 9-3 was born. Both 900 and 9-3 were available as practical 3- and 5-door hatchbacks. Evolution afforded an all-turbo 9-3 range of 2-litre engines that produced 150- 205 bhp, a 2.3 turbo in the Viggen: 225 bhp; and finally a 2.2 diesel engine was made available – SAAB’s first.
Both the 900 and 9-3 versions have sported very popular and stylish convertibles.
Any members should feel free to contact the Registrar for advice, information, or to share details of their GM900 or 9-3 models.
Added by: Nick Hoare
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