Saab’s new 9-3 range features a bold and more assertive look. That change reflects a series of engine improvements that include the introduction of all-wheel drive and more powerful diesel, petrol and BioPower flex-fuel engines. 

Saab leads Europe’s emerging flex-fuel segment with its unique BioPower concept. This combines turbo-charging with the use of E85 fuel (85 per cent bioethanol/15 per cent petrol) to deliver increased engine power and performance, as well as reducing fossil CO2 emissions by up to 80 per cent. The Saab 9-5 BioPower set the standard for biofuel cars in Ireland and the option is now available to a broader audience with the new Saab 9-3 range, which features a choice of two powerful BioPower engines.

Saab?s new 1.9 TTiD diesel engine gives class leading economy combined with impressive driving performance. Prices in the new Saab 9-3 range start from ?36,400 before delivery charges.

The distinctive frontal styling of the new 9-3 range was inspired by Saab’s Aero X concept car. Its engine line-up will ultimately include an innovative 180bhp (132 kW), twin-turbo 1.9 diesel, an uprated 280bhp (206 kW), 2.8V6 turbo petrol engine and an additional 175bhp 2.0t Saab BioPower option, delivering 200bhp (147 kW) when running on bio ethanol E85 fuel.

The success of the Saab 9-5 BioPower coupled with the Government’s support for flex-fuel vehicles of a 50 per cent rebate of VRT, vehicle registration tax and VAT refund on E85 fuel for company cars, will ensure that the new Saab 9-3 BioPower models will be the most popular.

When running on E85 Bioethanol, a renewable fuel, fossil CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 80 per cent, helping the environment and also the economy, as the fuel is produced in Ireland by the Carbery Group from whey, a by-product of cheese production and distributed by Maxol.

Running on E85 fuel (85 per cent bioethanol/15 per cent petrol), the new 9-3 BioPower 1.8t engine delivers 16 per cent more maximum power (175 hp/129kW v 150 hp/110 kW) and ten per cent more torque (265 v 240 Nm). In the Sport Saloon, this gives projected 0-100 kph acceleration in 8.4 sec and 80-120 kph in fifth gear in 13.9 sec, compared to 9.5 sec and 15.0 sec, respectively, on petrol.

Saab’s 32-bit Trionic 8 engine management system monitors fuel quality after every visit to the filling station and automatically makes any adjustments necessary for running on E85 and/or petrol in any combination. That means Saab BioPower drivers can also use petrol, should E85 not be available.

The 9-3 range now features a powerful new four cylinder diesel engine with a unique two-stage turbo charging system, a world ‘first’ in the premium car segment, giving class-leading levels of efficiency.

The 1.9-litre, 16-valve engine, badged TTiD, produces 180bhp (132 kW) and 400Nm of maximum torque, specific power outputs that are unmatched among competitive cars on the market. With combined fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100k projected for the Sport Saloon, this engine also offers class-leading economy, together with in-gear performance on a par with the 2.8V6 turbo petrol engine.