The 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi’s main passenger compartment structure is fabricated of high-strength steel. Saab designed three designated load paths into the 9-3s structure to channel impact forces away from occupants. For side-impact protection, Saab designed the B-pillar to bend inwards at the bottom to deflect forces away from the passenger compartment. The 2006 Saab 9-3 also comes with Active Head Restraints on the front seats that tilt forward in rear impacts to help prevent whiplash. The Saab 9-3 is also equipped with side-curtain airbags to protect both front and rear seat occupants in the event of a collision. Front seat passengers get seat-mounted side-impact airbags as well as dual-stage front airbags and seat belt tensioners and force limiters. Saab has even incorporated breakaway pedals as well as recessed armrests and handles to reduce injuries in a crash. And if you’ve ever wondered why in the heck Saab puts the ignition down on the floor between the front seats, that, too, is a safety design. By placing it there, knees and legs are better protected from damage in a crash. All this attention to detail pays off; the 2006 Saab 9-3 gets a Gold Best Pick crash rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for front, side, and rear crash protection.