2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen: Finally a Viggen!

Finally, we have a Viggen. Along with the 9-3 Turbo X, these are some of the most highly sought after modern Saabs. I've been looking to photograph a 9-3 Viggen for a while now, and finally I've gotten the chance. 

I've seen these around a few times, but they blend in very well making them easy to miss. To the untrained eye, these may look like just another 1999 - 2002 Saab 9-3 hatchback, but they're so much more. When you see the triangle badge with three black stripes, you know you're in for a treat. Let's learn a bit more about these Swedish sleepers. 

The 9-3 Viggen is a high performance factory tuned trim level of the Saab 9-3, and was offered from 1999 to 2002. It was named after the Saab 37 "Viggen" jet fighter aircraft, which was produced by Saab's aircraft division. The term "viggen" translates to "thunderbolt" in English. 

The Viggen made 230 HP, and was powered by Saab's 2.3L turbocharged engine, which made 20 PSI of boost. Those numbers are indeed the stock power ratings. It was only available with a five speed manual transmission, and came with a sporty interior with Viggen logos on the seat. It was available in all body styles, like the five door hatchback seen here, and also a three door hatch or convertible. 

Only around 4600 were made during its four year run, making the Viggen a fairly rare Saab. I certainly don't see a lot of these around, so it is a treat for me when I see one. They're regarded among Saab enthusiasts as the last great true Saab, before GM fully took over in 2000. While it was produced during the GM years of Saab's history, the Viggen idea originated during late production of the 900, as Saab's performance engineering team had created a 230HP concept 900 model. 

Today, they've started to increase in value, as they have become slightly collectible. While the Viggen was overshadowed by more iconic Saabs like the 900 Turbo SPG, it left its mark as the last true great Saab ever built.