Saab Releases UK Pricing and Specs for 2012MY 9-3 Range

We had our first look at the modestly refreshed 2012MY 9-3 range at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, but today, Saab GB announced prices and specifications ahead of the UK launch next month.

The new model year brings some subtle exterior updates such as the restyled front bumpers, ‘ice block’ headlamps, a new grille, a Saab word mark that replaces badging on the chrome trim at the rear end and the addition of a boot-mounted spoiler for the sedan variants.

Inside, the 2012MY 9-3s are distinguished by the titanium metallic-effect trim around the instrument panel, gearshift moulding, doors and glovebox. Furthermore, the SE models are fitted with leather seats, while Aero models feature new graphite-fibre around the instrument panel, gearshift moulding, doors and glovebox and leather sport seats with contrast stitching.

All MY12 9-3 models now come with automatic dimming mirrors inside and outside the vehicle, electric folding mirrors and automatic rain sensor wipers as standard. Other standard features across the range include alloy rims, heated front seats, park assist and Bluetooth phone integration system along with a host of safety systems including ESP, six airbags and Active Head Restraints .

In the UK, the 2012MY Saab 9-3 will be offered with a new 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine with direct injection, variable valve timing and twin-scroll turbocharging, available in two states of tune, with 163HP or 220HP. On the diesel front, there’s a 1.9-liter TTiD with 130HP or 160HP.

UK pricing for the updated 9-3 starts at £21,495 for the 163HP 2.0-liter Turbo petrol SE model with a 6-speed manual gearbox. For full details on pricing for the sedan, estate and convertible models, check out the respective lists below.

2012MY SAAB 9-3 PRICING

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VIDEO: SAAB Design Boss Jason Castriota Talks PhoeniX

We've already brought you the news on Saab's PhoeniX concept that's built on the underpinnings of the next 9-3 series and is on display at the Geneva Motor Show, but the Swedes have just released a video with the firm's new Design Director Jason Castriota giving us a tour of the 2+2 coupe.

In the video after the break, Castriota explains the PhoeniX's bespoke design features and its significance for the future of Saab product design starting off with the next generation of the 9-3 which is scheduled for release in 2012.

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2012 Saab 9-3 Griffin: Facelift Model Receives Subtle Styling and Engine Upgrades

Aside from the limited-run 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition, Saab also announced today a mild facelift across the 9-3 range, which gets refreshed exterior and interior styling plus the introduction of gasoline direct injection on the 2.0-liter engines. The updated range will carry the 9-3 Griffin moniker and it is basically a last edition before a new generation takes over in 2012.

Changes apply to all models (Sport Sedan, SportCombi, Convertible and 9-3X) and include new front bumpers, a new "ice block" finish for the headlights and the Griffin badge added to the front fenders. On the inside, the dashboard, seat upholstery and decor have received a fresh look. The 9-3 Griffin models will be offered in two specs, standard and Aero.

Technical updates involve the addition of new 2.0-liter gasoline engines with direct injection technology, variable valve timing and twin scroll turbocharging. The 2.0-liter engine is available with 163 or 220 horsepower, and can be combined with Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system.

The petrol units join the 1.9-liter turbo diesel engines that produce 130, 160 or 180 horsepower. Six-speed transmissions become standard across the 9-3 Griffin range.

Saab claims that combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have dropped by 4 percent across the entire range. For example, the 9-3 SportCombi fitted with the 1.9-liter TTid engine has an average fuel consumption of 4,5 liters/100 km (52.2 mpg) with 119 g/km of CO2 emissions.

By Dan Mihalascu

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SAAB 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition Officially Revealed

Saab has built a limited edition of its 9-3 Convertible to celebrate the first anniversary of its independence, or to put it more realistically, the completion of the sale from General Motors to Spyker Cars. Called the Independence Edition, only 366 examples of the car will be produced, one for each day during the first year and one extra for the start of a second year.

The newcomer in Saab's range is based on the 9-3 Convertible Griffin Aero specification adding a unique, Amber Orange metallic paint and 18-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone satin chrome and black finish. In the interior, the special edition model is distinguished by the orange trimmed beige sports leather seats and glovebox, carbon fiber trim, a unique turbo boost gauge and orange stitched sports leather steering wheel and carpet mats with grey piping.

Depending on the market, the powertrain choices for the 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition include a 180HP, 1.9-liter turbo diesel, a 220HP, 2.0-liter gasoline turbo with direct injection, and a Biopower version able to run on any combination of gasoline or E85 fuel. All three powerplants are available with six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.

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First Photos of New SAAB 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition

On Wednesday, February 23, SAAB will host a special party at its Trollhättan plant in Sweden to celebrate what it describes as "the first anniversary of Saab’s rebirth as an independent carmaker".

I'd argue if Saab is really independent given that the company heavily relies on GM for its current portfolio (one example is the new 9-4X which is based on the Cadillac SRX and is built at the Detroit automaker's Ramos Arizpe factory in Mexico) and is actively seeking help to develop its future models having already sealed a deal with BMW for the supply of 4-cylinder engines, but that's another story for another time.

Case in point is that at the birthday party, the Swedes plan to debut a commemorative edition model based on the 9-3 Convertible, the first pictures of which were spilled on the internet today. According to Saabsunited, the 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition will be built in a limited run of 366 units, apparently one for each day that passed since Spyker Cars took over the company from GM.

The special edition model gets a 220HP 2.0T Biopower engine and will boast several unique features such as the bespoke Sunset Red color, new 18-inch alloy wheels, gray leather seats with a center strip and piping in orange, numerous Hirsch interior appointments and an orange-colored turbo instrument needle.

By John Halas

Source: Saabsunited