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Vehicle Crash Report

Saab 9-3

Overall: 32.54 out of 37

5 Star
Crash Image
Variant: Convertible
Kerb Weight: 1440 kg
Year: 2002
Engine: 2 Litre
Category: Sports
Airbags: Dual front + side + head airbags
Risk Notes

The left-hand-drive European model was tested by EuroNCAP. Australasian specifications may vary and therefore models sold in Australasia might provide different levels of protection to those described on this page.

Model History & Safety

These results apply to Saab 9-3 Convertibles with advanced seat belt reminders. These were introduced during 2003.

Dual front airbags and side airbags with head-protection are standard equipment. ABS brakes and active head restraints for the front seats are also standard.

The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pre-tensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash.

Overall Evaluation

The Saab 9-3 Convertible scored 12.54 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape well. Protection from serious chest injury was marginal for the driver.

The vehicle scored 16 out of 16 in the side impact crash test. A further 2 points were scored in the optional pole test.

Frontal Offset Crash Test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 4pts, chest 2.43pts, upper legs 3pts, lower legs 3.11pts.

The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test. The brake pedal moved rearwards by 103mm and upwards 38mm. The steering wheel hub moved rearwards 54mm, upwards 7mm and sideways 17mm. The front ("A") pillar moved 19mm rearwards. The width of the driver's doorway shortened by 11mm. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash both doors could be opened with normal effort.

The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. Steering column components were a potential source of injury for the driver's knees. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag.

Side Impact Crash Test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head 4pts, chest 4pts, abdomen 4pts, pelvis 4pts.

The vehicle was eligible for an optional pole impact test, since it had head-protecting side airbags and scored four points for the head in the side impact test. The manufacturer decided to go ahead with the pole test and the vehicle earned a further two points.

Injury Measurements
  Offset Crash Test at 64km/h Side Impact Crash Test at 50km/h
Driver Pass. Driver
Head
HIC 239.6 355.3 48.25
Acceleration 40.04 44.26 24.97
Neck
Shear 0.34 0.3 None
Tension 1.17 0.8 None
Extension 3.83 4.56 None
Chest
Acceleration None None None
Compression 33.01 31.51 16.77
Viscous Criterion 0.15 0.18 0.06
Abdomen
Force None None 0.3
Pelvis
Force None None 1.36
Upper Legs
Force Left 2.63 1.51
Force Right 2.73 2.26
Knee Displ. Left 0.89 0.66
Knee Displ. Right 0 0.49
Lower Legs
Force Left 1.19 2.24
Force Right 2.33 2.74
Index Left (Up/Low) 0.24/0.15 0.37/0.17
Index Right (Up/Low) 0.6/0.41 0.25/0.32

Bonus Points (Maximum 5)

Pole Test: 2 points     Seat Belt Reminders: Driver and passenger - 2 points

Modifiers - Offset Test Scores
Head No deduction
Chest No deduction
Upper Leg Variable loading 1 pt deduction
Lower Leg No deduction
Foot Score Brake pedal rear movement Score 3.88 pts

Modifiers - Side Impact Test Scores
Head Not assessed
Chest Not assessed
Upper Leg Not assessed
Lower Leg Not assessed
Foot Score Not assessed

Pedestrian Rating
1 Star 6.76 points out of 36
Child head impacts 4.29pts;
Adult head impacts 2.36pts;
Upper leg 0.11pts and lower leg impacts zero pts.
Pedestrian scores are based on tests of the 9-3 sedan.

Status
Version 2, Published on: 20-Dec-05
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