The second-generation Saab 9-3 was launched at the North American International Auto Show in early 2002; the most drastic visual change was the elimination of the hatchback design. There are three different versions of the turbocharged I4, with the amount of turbo boost determining the power output. The 150 hp (110 kW) version (though two litre, it is called 1.8t) was standard in the non-U.S. market Linear form (trim-level).
The 9-3 was the first Saab to debut the new Linear, Arc and Vector trim levels that have become the standard designations for the entire Saab lineup.