NATURALLY, safety is a high priority, this being a Saab. The front airbags are inflated by a "soft" charge, making them less aggressive to occupants seated well forward. Two-stage head-thorax side airbags protect the occupants' rib cage and head in side impacts. The body structure is designed to distribute the impact forces over as large an area as possible in an accident. The 9-3 incorporates Saab's "active" head restraints that protect against whiplash injuries. For 2001, the 9-3 S adds Isofix child seat mountings.