Saab 99 Reviews

With only two models on offer, the Swedish brand sold just 1862 cars last year. A small slice of the market, but not for lack of choice within the range.Within the two model range — 9-3 and 9-5 — there are diesel, petrol and ethanol BioPower options, as well as the choice of a sedan, wagon or convertible body styles.Without a definite all-new model on the horizon, the ageing 9-3 recently had a late-life nip and tuck. After years of continuity — it was last refreshed in 2002, the 9-3 has been dressed with some bolder styling cues. Inspired by the brand's Aero X concept car, the 9-3 is now a little more sporty.The front end is practically new, with a more prominent grille, new bumper mouldings and lights and the return of a “clamshell” bonnet.Elsewhere there's been some extra tweaking to give a freshened look, although the changes aren't dramatically different and the Swede is still left looking a little plain.At $50,900, the 9-3 falls into the luxury market, yet it doesn't quite deliver on expectations of price and performance. The 9-3 experience is like watching a movie that doesn't quite satisfy. You're initial impression is “will people notice if I walk out?”.Stick around and there are aspects that might try to win you over, but overall its a B-grade movie.Our car version of that experience was powered by a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine, which accounts for 31percent of total 9-3 sales. While mid-range performance was good, it was getting there that was the problem.The first thing you notice is the massive turbo lag. Put your foot down and you're left waiting for what seems an age for any meaningful reaction.It finally comes on around 2000rpm, hanging around through to about 2750rpm — and you had best be ready.With the foot planted the arrival of all 320Nm of torque can come as a surprise, as can the torque steer along with it. Peak power of 110kW comes through at 4000rpm.The automatic transmission was comfortable and effective in drive mode, but venturing into user-chooser territory was disappointing.When shifting to the manual function, the gear changes are at your fingertips with paddles located on the steering wheel, but you're often left disputing your gear choice with the transmission nanny.Any attempt to get into fifth gear about the 80km/h mark resulted in a heated argument and a mechanical dummyspit with the driver definitely not coming out on top.Auntie Saab knows best and while you may want a toodle along in a fuel-saving gear the transmission continues to flick back down a cog.The same is the case in the lower gears and slower speeds as well.Try the Sport Drive mode and there's too much of a strain, simply holding the lower gears for too long.And it's not a sporty revving sound, but more of a moaning for the anticipated but non-present shift.On the upside, the ride quality is comfortable around town with soft suspension and it's quite an easy car to manoeuvre, with steady steering and a fairly tight turning circle.Overcome the starting obstacles and the 9-3 is a comfortable cruising car. The interior design feels a little boring and outdated — but still so functional in that very Swedish way — but uplifted by the comfortable black leather seats.The inside is also a quiet location, with minimal intrusion from road noise or the engine.Although the diesel engine is recognisable with the windows down.In trademark Saab tradition the ignition sits on the console between driver and passenger, while there is an ample supply of interior storage.You also get the reassurance of safety thanks to ESP, traction control, driver and passenger adaptive dual stage front airbags, front seat mounted head/thorax side airbags as well as active head restraints.It also comes with some decent equipment, including a electrically adjustable drivers seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, cruise control, a “cooling” feature in the glovebox, a full-size spare wheel and automatic climate control.But you will have to pay extra for parking assistance, a sunroof and a centre headrest in the rear.The 9-3 claims 7.0 litresper100km fuel consumption, but our test showed it to be a little higher for urban driving, averaging 7.7litresper100km.Saab has been a scrapper for some time. It doesn't sit at the top of the European luxury tree but there is enough about them to keep those who do love them enamoured.We are not one of them. Time spent in the 9-3 was just that little bit empty, as if there was something more, something better, just out of reach.But there is hope. A new twin-turbo diesel powertrain expected here next month. The TTiD, 1.9-litre four-cylinder two-stage turbocharging engine will join the range and should give a better low-down performance.The two turbochargers are different sizes and provide instant torque at low speeds as well as stronger top end power at higher rpm. THE BOTTOM LINESaabs 9-3 comes with a decent equipment list, but the performance hurdles of this diesel are hard to conquer. SNAPSHOTSAAB 9-3 LINEAR SPORT TIDPRICE: $50,900ENGINE: 1.9L/4-cyl turbo diesel, 110kW/320NmTRANSMISSION: 6-speed autoECONOMY: 7.0L/100km claimed, 7.7L/100km tested THE RIVALSAUDI A4 TDIPRICE: $57,700ENGINE: 2.0L/4-cyl turbo diesel, 103kW/320NmTRANSMISSION: multitronicECONOMY: 6.4L/100km VOLVO S40 D5PRICE: $44,950ENGINE: 2.4L/5-cyl, turbo diesel, 132kW/350NmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed autoECONOMY: 7.0L/100km BMW 320DPRICE: $56,700ENGINE: 2.0L/4-cyl, turbo diesel, 115kW/330NmTRANSMISSION: 6-speed autoECONOMY: 6.7L/100km 

While the world's largest carmaker is convinced ethanol could finally save the world from its reliance on fossil fuels, General Motors has conceded that motoring beyond 2020 will be with electric vehicles that are either plug-in hybrids or run on hydrogen fuel cells.GM used the North American International Automotive Show in Detroit to reveal a new process for producing ethanol, which is far more efficient and removes any conflict with food crops.GM chairman Rick Wagoner said the carmaker believes the process could turn ethanol into the miracle fuel of the 21st century. Developed by Coskata Incorporated, the process allows ethanol to be created from almost any source material, including agricultural waste, municipal waste, discarded plastics and old car tyres.GM is convinced ethanol can provide a more-immediate solution for transportation and wean the world from its 96 per cent reliance on oil for automotive energy.Mr Wagoner was speaking on the opening day of the North American International Auto Show, the first major motoring event of 2008.He touted the potential for ethanol to overcome the world's short-term need for petroleum and stressed that the fuel plan is not just a knee-jerk reaction to soaring oil prices. He said it worked because it could be used in various combinations with gasoline or as pure fuel in existing engines.“Ethanol offers a cleaner alternative to petroleum. It's adaptable to our current refuelling infrastructure, it doesn't have to be imported and it requires little change in consumer behaviour,” Mr Wagoner said.“What's more, Coskata's process is expected to use less than one gallon of water per gallon of ethanol produced.“That's compared to three-to-four gallons of water to make a gallon of grain-based ethanol.“In a well-to-wheels comparison . . . the Coskata process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 84 per cent compared to gasoline.”GM unveiled two concept cars in Detroit: a compact Hummer and a Saab four-wheel drive that have flex-fuel engines, which are ethanol compatible. 

A hectic 2007 proved to be lucrative for the car industry with a plethora of new cars launched and more than a million sales throughout the year. And there's no indication that it will be slowing down in 2008.AUDI The new A4, to rival the 3 Series and C-Class is expected here about April, while July will see the hot sports wagon, the RS6 Avant and the A3 Cabrio. Extra A5 variants will follow. BMWBMW has a busy year ahead, starting with the 320d and 335i touring this month. The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale around April, followed by the convertible in May-June. But its big one for the year will be the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, arriving between July and September. It comes with three engine variants, all twin-turbo, an in-line six, a 3.0-litre diesel and a 300kW 4.4-litre V8. Pricing is expected to start at just under $100,000. And the X5 scores a new engine in February, with the first variable twin turbo diesel offered in the range. CHRYSLER/JEEPJanuary will be a busy month for Chrysler, with the Sebring Cabrio and Grand Voyager people mover both arriving in Australia. The Jeep Cherokee will also get a total makeover. CITROENBased on the C4 Picasso, but bigger and better equipped, Citroen will introduce the Berlingo van between July and September, with a mainly diesel range. This will make room in the line-up for the new Nemo small van mid-year. The C5 will also get a new V6 diesel engine.FERRARIDeliveries of the exquisite F430 Scuderia, priced at about $550,000, will start mid year. Only about 40 will come to Australia and New Zealand. FIAT The reincarnation of the 1960s Bambino will arrive in March, but Fiat has already sold the first four months' supply. The new Fiat 500 will have three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, a 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 56kW 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Pricing is expected to start from $22,000. The new Ritmo will join the Fiat 500 in March with pricing from $30,000. FORD One of the biggest launches for the year will be the new Falcon. Ford will release details of the new model in February and it's expected to be followed by an unveiling at the Melbourne motor show in the same month, with the official launch around May.FPV FPV will start the year with a new model, the hot turbo Territory, known as the F6 X model. It's the first non-Falcon model from FPV, with 270kW and 550Nm. The FPV Falcon range will also arrive this year. HOLDEN/CADILLACWith Ford's big year planned, you can't expect Holden to keep quiet. But so far, Holden has only announced it is expecting the VE Sportwagon, due in the first half of the year. GM-Holden is also introducing Cadillac with the first model due late in 2008. HONDA Honda will start the year with the new Accord model, due to be launched in February. The small Jazz is also getting an update after the middle of the year. Details on the new generation will be released closer to the launch. The Accord Euro is also expected to arrive later this year. HYUNDAI No big launches just yet, although an upgraded Sonata is expected mid year. JAGUARJaguar's major release for the year will be the new XF in June, with pricing expected to start from $105,000. It will be available in a V6 diesel, as well as a V6 and V8 petrol. KIAPreviewed at the Sydney motor show last year, Kia will launch its new seven-seater Rondo crossover in February. It is expected to start from as low as the mid-$20,000 mark. LEXUSNew for Lexus will be the LX570 around April or May, followed by the IS-F towards the end of the year. Details still to come. MAZDAThe second-generation Mazda6 will go on sale at the end of February with pricing from less than $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, with 125kW and 226Nm.MERCEDES-BENZThe first arrival for Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the C 63 AMG in mid March. It will be followed by the S 320CDI, priced at $189,874 and the C-Class wagon, which will carry a $3000 premium over the sedan, coming in just under $60,000. MINIAnother new version of a 1960s cult car is also headed our way, with the Mini Clubman launched in February. The modern successor of the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate won't get into showrooms until March or April. Pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 area. MITSUBISHIMitsubishi will release two turbocharged Lancers this year. The top-level Lancer Evo X GSR will be here in April and sell for about $58,000. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo engine pumps out 200kW and 422Nm. Joining it will be the detuned version in the Ralliart all-wheel drive, at about $40,000. NISSANNissan's first addition for the year will be the all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis. Starting at $28,990 and stretching to $35,990, it's powered by a 102kW, 2.0-litre engine. PEUGEOTThe big launch for Peugeot will be the 308 replacing the 307 range, which will start with the 308 hatch in February in both petrol and diesel guises. The touring will follow in June or July, with the 308cc model a prospect for late 2008 or early 2009. PROTONProton has announced the Persona, based on the Gen2 hatch platform, will make its debut at the Melbourne motor show in late February, going on sale in March. It will be priced around the mid-teens. The Gen2 will also get engine updates and minor styling changes. RENAULTThe all-new Laguna will go on sale mid-year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. SAABJune sees the arrival of the Turbo X AWD. SSANGYONGThe South Korean company will go completely diesel in 2008, with no more petrol engines on offer in Australia. SMARTThe new Fortwo arrives in Australia in February. The one-model brand will get both the 52kW and 62kW models, in hatch and cabrio, being bigger than the current models. SUBARUThe star WRX STi comes in February with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, although pricing is still to come. The third generation Forester arrives in March. SUZUKIFebruary's proving to be a busy month, with Suzuki also launching its Grand Vitara diesel. TOYOTAAfter a big year in 2007, Toyota is expecting a quiet year, with only the TRD Hilux due to be launched in April-June. VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen will kick off the year with the SUV, the Touareg R50, to be released in April. It's powered by a 258kW V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan also arrives about October.  VOLVOThe recently launched XC70 arrives in showrooms this month, joined by the C30 diesel also in January. It's priced at $43,950. A base model C30 will also enter the line-up, at $34,450. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engined V70 will arrive in March. 

Companies as varied as Volvo, Citroen, Nissan and several truck manufacturers have come up with systems that alert the driver by shaking their seat, steering wheel or sounding audible alerts if the car or truck swerves from its lane.However, Saab is now developing a system that prevents the driver swerving in the first place.Their Driver Attention Warning System (DAWS) is designed to counter two of the most common causes of road accidents; driver drowsiness and inattention at the wheel.DAWS alerts the driver by using a combination of text and voice messages, or vibrations in the seat cushion, as soon as the risk of drowsiness or inattention is detected by infra-red cameras.Research has shown that not only are more than a quarter of accidents in Australia caused by fatigue, but death tolls from sleep-related incidents are three times higher than other accidents, presumably because the drivers do not swerve or apply their brakes.A driver who gets behind the wheel after 17 hours without sleep is impaired to the same extent as if driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.05.Unlike the Citroen and Volvo systems, DAWS does not rely on measuring an erratic change in the direction of the vehicle. It is designed to detect the cause, rather than the consequences.It uses two miniature infra-red cameras, one installed at the base of the driver's A-pillar and the other in the centre of the dashboard, focused on the driver's eyes.Software measures the driver's rate of eye blinking. When the cameras detect a pattern of long eye-lid closures, indicating drowsiness, a series of three warnings is initiated.The first warning is a chime and a text message “Tired?” displayed on the instrument panel.If the driver's eye-lid movement does not immediately revert to a normal wide-awake pattern, a speech message “You are tired” is delivered through the car's audio system.If there is still no response, a stronger warning tone and the message, “You are dangerously tired, stop as soon as it is safe to do so!” will come over the audio.This can only be cancelled when the driver presses a reset button. The system is then immediately reactivated.The cameras are also able to monitor the driver's eye-ball and head movement.If the driver's gaze moves away from the windscreen, a timer starts counting.If the driver's eyes and head do not return to the straight ahead position within about two seconds, the driver's seat cushion will vibrate. This will stop once the driver's eyes and head are consistent with the vehicle's direction of travel.However, the system software can detect when the driver is looking in the rear-view mirror, the door mirror or turning a corner, but retaining peripheral vision of the road ahead. On these occasions, it allows a slightly longer time before vibrating the seat.However, the system will differentiate if the driver is distracted by other passengers, using a mobile phone, or changing a CD or radio station.The system has been installed in a Saab 9-3 SportCombi for an eight-month test; supervised by the Road and Transport Research Institute in Sweden.It is part of a development and validation process that could see the system become available in future Saab cars. 

Thanks to former US presidential candidate Al Gore, global warming is dinner party conversation these days.Diminishing oil reserves have also focused attention on fuel economy and emissions, leading to Swedish carmaker Saab expanding its bioethanol engines across its local range.The new 9-3 range now includes a bioethanol model, which joins the TiD diesel or turbocharged petrol four and V6 engines. The 9-3 BioPower E85 joins the 9-5 BioPower, which has also just gone on sale.Saab has brought 50 9-5 E85 cars here and Saab spokeswoman Emily Perry, says it is difficult to forecast possible take-up of the 9-3 BioPower, given the fuel's limited availability.Typically made from crops such as corn, bioethanol is an alcohol-based fuel mixed with regular petrol with up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol, giving an E85 rating.But as bioethanol is more corrosive than petrol, fuel lines and engine parts must be made of more durable components.The 9-3 BioPower is available in sedan, wagon and the convertible. It costs $1000 more than the equivalent petrol models. Its engine delivers 147kW and 300Nm of maximum torque on E85. Running on E85, the BioPower 2.0-litre engine produces 18kW more (147kW versus 129kW) and 35Nm of extra torque (300Nm versus 265Nm) than the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.Saab estimates driving on E85 can reduce fossil fuel-based CO2 emissions up to 80 per cent.The most efficient small capacity diesel engines deliver in the region of 120g to 130g of CO2 a kilometre and the new 9-3 BioPower emits only 40g of CO2 a kilometre.Apart from the E85 cars, Saab has added an all-wheel-drive model, the Turbo X, and a performance turbodiesel to the line-up.The petrol models include an entry-level 129kW/265Nm 2.0-litre Linear, 129kW/265Nm 2.0-litre Vector and high-output 154kW/300Nm 2.0-litre and range-topping 188kW/350Nm Aero 2.8-litre V6.From February, the two-stage turbocharged 132kW/400Nm 1.9-litre TTiD arrives, joining the 110kW/320Nm TiD models.The TTiD will be available in Aero sedan or wagon models with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Next June it will be joined by the limited-edition Turbo XWD all-wheel drive.The new 9-3 gains a new aggressive front end design, clamshell bonnet and new headlights, similar to the Aero X concept car.At the back, the sedan and convertible have smoked white light clusters and deeper bumpers.The entry-level Vector sedan is $43,400 and the range-topping Aero 2.8TS $70,600.

Petrol, diesel or now renewable bio-ethanol. Saab is the first car maker to release a bio-ethanol-powered vehicle in Australia. The BioPower 9-5 is on sale.

The Turbo X limited edition unveiled at the show this morning pays homage to the first 900 Black Turbo, which marked the beginning of the blown Saab over 30 years ago.The Turbo X is supremely exclusive to Australia, with only 30 models coming to our shores in the first half of 2008.Both limited edition sports sedan and wagon are turbocharged, of course, pulling 206kW and 400Nm from a 2.8-litre V6.A mean set of 18-inch alloys wrapped around a sports brake package and suspension match the front grille and headlight surrounds, which is a darkened but recognisable new 9-3 face.It also features a number of innovative modifications that will make their way to the new 9-3, the most impressive being the XWD system.This on-demand all-wheel-drive system has not one, but two separate torque splits: one divides the twist between the front and the rear wheels, while the other doles out torque to individual rear wheels.Saab’s Parveen Batish also indicated that Saab will introduce a high performance diesel in 2008, and announced the official arrival of its 9-5 BioPower range.The renewable Ethanol/petrol powered cars are tuned to run on E85 flex-fuel, or a mix of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petrol. The mixture also increases power in the 9-5 by 20 per cent over the standard petrol variants.But unlike Saab’s Swedish home country, only a handful of bowsers in our metropolitan areas sell E85. Customers will have to run on E10 or 10 percent ethanol fuel; and standard power until it is embraced by the bowsers. 

There is something about the style and the fact that a fabric roof defies the elements that gives it appeal.For years, Saab has steadfastly stuck with a soft-top for its convertible but today's soft top is a piece of high-tech kit. It is fully lined, for starters, and effectively mutes wind and rain noise as well as being true to the sports convertible philosophy.What isn't true is its diesel engine. Sports convertibles and diesels seem like chalk and cheese. Now there are two: the Saab 9-3 and the Volkswagen Eos.Saab's diesel convertible, the TiD, starts at $68,000 for the Linear with Sport adding $2000. Auto is more.It is powered by a 1.9-litre, common rail, twin cam turbo diesel good for 110kW and 320Nm. This engine is also used in Holden Astra diesels and the design is originally from Fiat and Alfa.A six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission is available with drive going to the front wheels via various electronic modulators.The diesel offers surprisingly strong performance coupled with excellent fuel economy rated at just 5.8-litres/100km. It also generates a relatively low 166g/km of carbon dioxide and features a particle filter to knock out any exhaust nasties.Though smooth and quiet on the road, the diesel is audible at idle and generates some vibration but nothing that really intrudes.It will take the convertible at least 1000km on a tank, possibly more if you drive frugally. That is impressive.The six-speed manual we drove was excellent on the highway, loping along in fifth or sixth with instant acceleration on tap.The difference between petrol and diesel under these conditions is imperceptible apart from slightly stronger acceleration from the diesel.As expected, the convertible is fully loaded with goodies like heated seats, leather, premium audio, climate control and cruise control. The 16in alloys look a little small for the car but there is a full-size spare.Safety equipment includes active roll-over protection, multiple airbags, stability control and five three-point seat belts.Driving the car is a buzz, especially with the roof down. It was cold during the test drive but we cranked up the heater and heated seats but didn't feel a thing.While it couldn't be considered a sporty handling car, the convertible is composed and comfy. It is easy to get into the front seats but a little more difficult in the back. The boot is a good size even with the roof down. We like the look of it especially around the flanks, but the front is a pretty generic Saab. 

The world's biggest motor show is weeks away, yet the car companies are already scrambling over each other to release clues about their exhibits.Among the highlights of the 62nd Frankfurt International Motor Show are cars made out of bamboo, a boxer diesel engine and yet more “urban crossover SUVs.”Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil its Concept-cX compact SUV at the show.Concept-cX uses interior trim materials made from bamboo and other plant-based resins.The concept is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8 litre diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst with diesel particulate filter, and Mitsubishi's new twin clutch sport shift transmission.Dodge will also launch a crossover wagon, called Crew, which hits Australia late next year.The seven-seater is based on the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sedan platform but with all-wheel drive and powered by 2.4-litre petrol and 2-litre turbo-diesel engines.The Crew looks like a shrunken Chrysler Voyager people mover, but with a longer nose and higher ground clearance.It will be built at Chrysler's Toluca plant in Mexico with production due to start in December.Subaru will use the show for its biggest new model blitz yet.Leading the line-up will be the new Impreza five-door hatchback in its 1.5 and 2 litre naturally aspirated formats, which arrives in Australia the same month.Other Subarus on show include an Impreza-based World Rally Car Concept, facelifted Tribeca luxury SUV with more efficient 3.6-litre boxer engine and five-speed auto, new Justy one-litre supermini and the world's first horizontally opposed boxer turbo-diesel engine, due to be progressively installed in models from early in 2008.Mazda will debut its Mazda6, the second Mazda new generation product to evolve to the next stage following the new Mazda2.Although Australia is yet to see the Kia cee'd five-door, the Korean company will debut its new sporty three-door Pro-cee'd, the third model in the family of cars designed for Europe and made in Slovakia.Only the bonnet and the front wing panels are carried over from the five-door model.Volkswagen will revive the 'people's car' with a concept Beetle.It is called the City Expert because The Beetle name has been taken by the more expensive new-generation car.The City Expert goes back to Beetle roots with a rear-mounted, flat-four boxer engine and a cheap price tag.VW will also reveal six new models with BlueMotion diesel technology, including the new Golf BlueMotion claiming economy of 4.5 litres/100km down 0.6-litres from the previous model, and CO2 emissions down 16g/km to 119g/km.Range on a 55-litre tank is now more than 1200km.Peugeot's 308RCZ concept will give a big hint towards a future body style for the 308 family.The ultra-light 2+2 coupe uses aluminium, polycarbonate windows and carbon fibre body parts and is powered by a 160kW 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo jointly developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW.Renault will show a wagon version of its Clio mini.The Clio Sport Tourer will go on sale in Europe early next year.Mini is also on the bandwagon with the return of the Clubman van.The five-door model has double rear doors and a suicide door on the driver's side.The suicide door, which opens the opposite way, is designed to allow passengers easier access to the back.It would make more sense on the other side, but clearly the former British car now owned by BMW is designed for left-hand-drive markets with the blinkers also on the left.Ford will show its Kuga crossover all-wheel-drive probably powered by a range of petrol and turbodiesel engines, including the 2-litre 100kW/320Nm TDCi that has just appeared in the Focus.The Kuga is based on the Iosis X concept unveiled at last year's Paris Motor Show.In a surprise move, Suzuki will show it's expanding from small cars and SUVs into the family market.Their Kizashi family car looks mean with a massive black grille, sloping lamp clusters and low-level fog lamps.Also looking mean is Saab's 9-3 Turbo X which will rekindle the spirit of the 1980s Saab 900 Black Turbo.It will feature Cross-Wheel Drive allowing torque to be split to either side of the rear axle via an electronically limited slip differential, based on information from the stability and traction control systems.However, the show-stealer is likely to be seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher when he unveils the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, a lighter and faster development of the existing 430 coupe and convertible.Power is up to 380kW, weight is down 100kg and the F1 transmission has new software that cuts shift times to 60 milliseconds. 

With almost two-thirds of its worldwide sales hinging on the new 9-3, Saab has made more than 2000 changes to the new model.The platform remains the same, but all-wheel-drive has been added.Due here early next year, the company hopes the XWD, Saab's designation for the latest-generation Haldex 4 system, which will make the model more popular with buyers.Australia's GM Premium Brands director Parveen Batish wants sales improvements in 2007 and says the 9-3 will achieve that.“We did 1650 last year and this year we're tracking 16.5 per cent up on that. We're aiming for June 30 when we hope to be over 20 per cent up. It's been a great start,” he said.Saab's priorities are the new 9-5 and an SUV (which appears destined for a 9-4 badge) and a compact car built on the next-generation Astra platform, to transform its sales results.The new 9-3 range is expected to sell here in November. The flagship Aero XWD and TTiD will arrive in the first quarter of 2008.The base-model has the 1.8t 110kW/167Nm motor, with 129kW/265Nm and 155kW/300Nm options on offer.The Aero gets 188kW (up by 4kW) and 350Nm or 206kW and 400Nm in the XWD model. The current 110kW/320Nm diesel is joined by a 132kW/400Nm two-stage turbo.The XWD's Haldex system is also used by Audi and Volkswagen.Its biggest asset is a system that claims to provide a better response to a lack of traction. In-car electronics and traction aids determine which wheel is best served with drive torque. It also uses a rear, electronic, limited-slip diff for added traction and yaw control.The all-wheel-drive system is, for now, an Aero-only option, teamed with the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6.The other newcomer to Saab's 9-3 range is a second turbo-diesel, the TTiD two-stage turbo-diesel.Displacing just 1.9 litres, the turbocharger has two turbines, one small, one large which tag-team depending on engine revs.It produces 132kW and 400Nm, with an economy of under 6 litres/100km.Prices are still to be set, but Saab wants the new model's price to be close to the present range.The new 9-3 has been fitted with more engine-bay insulation so that the new turbo-diesel is much quieter, though you are still aware of it at idle.Power delivery has been improved considerably, offering a wide spread of torque and power delivery in the upper-rev ranges.