Lower emission Saab 9-3

The new Saab 9-3 MY12 range, announced today, features refreshed exterior and interior styling, backed by a more powerful, fuel-efficient engine range.

Replacing the current Saloon, SportWagon, Convertible and 9-3X specifications,  the 9-3 MY12 range is distinguished by new front bumpers and signature Saab ‘ice block’ headlamps. Inside, the instrument panel, cabin décor and seat upholstery are all given a fresh look. Two specifications are offered in the UK, SE and Aero.

Under the bonnet, new 2.0-litre petrol engines give 163hp and 220 hp and include direct injection, variable valve timing and twin scroll turbocharging. Combined cycle fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are reduced on average by 4% across the range.

These new engines join the current 130/160/180 hp 1.9-litre TTiD twin turbo diesel line-up which offers very competitive CO₂ emissions of just 119 g/km in both the  Saloon and SportWagon - class-leading efficiency in terms of CO₂ per unit of horsepower for the 180 hp variant. Further fine tuning has now also delivered a remarkable 119 g/km for the SportWagon, together with equally impressive 62.8mpg combined cycle fuel consumption.

Fresh looks

Externally, the 9-3 MY12 range adopts the ‘ice block’ headlamp effect introduced on the new 9-5 Saloon. Inspired by the Aero X concept car, the units have a distinctive blue/green hue in daylight.  The grille also features a more prominent, wing-shaped central bar carrying the SAAB wordmark, again like the 9-5 Saloon.

Re-profiled front bumpers include a deep, trapezoidal air intake finished with black, ribbed bars, or a mesh insert for Aero variants. Front fog lamps are fitted as standard, with Aero models featuring a matt chrome surround.  

At the rear, the SAAB wordmark replaces badging on the chrome trim and all Saloon variants receive a trunk-mounted aerodynamic spoiler. New 17- inch and 18-inch wheel designs are also offered on SE and Aero respectively.

The cabin also receives a makeover. Titanium metallic-effect trim is introduced around the instrument panel, gearshift molding, doors and glove box, and as an option for the instrument panel fascia. The Aero interior features a graphite fibre-effect for all these items, including the fascia.

SE models are fitted with Leather appointed comfort seats, while Aero models features new Leather sports seats with contrasting stitching, inspired by the Aero X concept car.

In both specifications, a useful storage pocket for small items is fitted to the side of the front seatbacks.

More power, lower fuel consumption and emissions

Further fine tuning for 9-3 MY12 SportWagon fitted with 130/160/180 hp TTiD engines has further improved CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption to 119 g/km and 62.8mpg, respectively, over the combined cycle. Like the Saloon, the 180 hp SportWagon clearly leads its class in terms of low CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption per unit of horsepower, making it the most powerful zero VED estate car available.

More efficient petrol engines deliver an average combined cycle improvement of 4% in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. This is in addition to a 10 hp increase over the current 210 hp top-of-the-line offer. With power ratings of 163 hp (120 kW)/ 320 Nm and 220 hp (162 kW)/ 350 Nm, both new engines are available with front-wheel drive and XWD, Saab’s advanced all-wheel-drive system.

The use of variable valve timing and direct injection improves fuel consumption, emissions and performance. Hydraulically operated vane-type cam phasers enable both the inlet and exhaust valve timing to be adjusted independently, according to varying engine speed and load. The many benefits include a broader spread of torque, higher maximum power and improved fuel consumption.

Direct injection delivers fuel under high pressure directly into the combustion chamber. This enables the separation of air and fuel delivery, allowing improved scavenging of the combustion chamber to give substantially more low-end torque and reduced engine knocking.

A twin-scroll turbocharger is also used, which virtually eliminates turbo lag at low engine speeds. Each scroll on the turbine is fed by a separate exhaust passage from a pair of cylinders, enabling a throttle response comparable to that of a naturally-aspirated engine. Other features include twin counter-rotating balance shafts for smooth running and a forged steel crankshaft for added strength.