Saab has launched a new diesel version of its 9-3 saloon, an addition that couldn't come too soon as the Swedish marque struggles to prove itself to its US parents, General Motors, writes Michael McAleer, Motoring Editor
Due here in September, the 1.9-litre TiD is the latest in a rapidly expanding range of new models and entrants. Saab is under strong pressure from its US parents to improve productivity and start showing a profit.
Among new models are the 9-7X SUV and the 9-2X sports compact. Neither will come here, but plans are said to allow for a European off-roader in the next two years. Its target will be the road-going market not the rough and tumble end.
For now Saab in Europe must make do with what it has on offer. This new diesel engine, part of a joint GM-Fiat venture, will be very welcome, particularly in Germany and France where diesel sales in the saloon segments are topping 60 per cent. The new engine comes in two formats: 120bhp with 280Nm of torque or 150bhp with 320 Nm of torque. That's 20 per cent more power than the previous 9-3 diesel. Both are matched with six-speed manuals or a new six-speed automatic transmission, which Saab claims is the first of its kind in this segment.
On road the new 1.9-litre makes the old diesel engine seem positively agricultural. It can easily compete with German rivals, making 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds, with 90 per cent of torque kicking in from 1,750 to 3,250 rpm.
The 120bhp version is expected to enter the market at about €37,000 and the 150bhp at €39,000.
There are some minor flatlines in power distribution, but on autobahns it cruised at 200km without a hint of rattle or roar. Even starting from cold, noise from the front was largely contained. The extra weight lends itself well to the car's handling as well.
Saab also introduced its optional Advanced Voice Recognition system. Just press a button on the steering wheel and tell the softly spoken female to turn on the radio, set the Sat-Nav or dial a number.
Saab says the system can understand dialects. Unfortunately it had not accounted for the soft drawl of yours truly - 0 became 7, 7 became 5 and requests to dial left her in a quandary.