Not only can modulating the power of the 9-3 be frustrating, but also it can be downright scary turning left across traffic. And if you're not careful, wheelspin is quite simple to induce, making you look like a fool to fellow commuters and bait to traffic officers. While the turbo can be a thrill the few times you' re able to launch it correctly, the ride never is unless you're traversing smooth pavement. The Saab crashes over bumps and holes in the road like a Conestoga wagon. And while body roll doesn't bother me much because the 9-3 grips quite well in turns, others may find themselves suffering seasickness during canyon runs.
Dealers ought to include a barf bag in the glovebox.
Additionally, the driver's seating position is all wrong. The seat aligns the body slightly to the left, so you're pointed toward the front left corner of the car. The steering column aligns the driver's arms toward the center of the Saab. The result is serious body misalignment and the feeling is disconcerting until you're used to it. Add the obnoxiously close dead pedal to the mix, and comfort fades quickly.