Sydney show: Saab gets grippier - and greener

STRAIGHT from its global unveiling at the Frankfurt show and taking pride of place at the Saab stand at Darling Harbour was the Turbo X, the new premium 9-3 AWD Saab performance model.

The black limited-edition Turbo X is powered by a 206kW/400Nm turbo V6 and puts power down via Saab’s new XWD four-wheel drive system. Thirty model variants – 25 sedans and five Combi wagons – are due to arrive in June next year, with prices and full specifications to be announced in coming months. Shown with the hero Turbo X was the rest of the heavily revised 9-3 range, with a local launch due next month. The 9-3 gets new bodywork from the A-pillar forward that shares its inspiration with the Aero X concept car and sees the return of the traditional Saab clamshell bonnet. New doors, lights and bumpers on sedan and Combi also feature in the new model. Prices will start from $43,400 for the 2.0t Linear manual and stretch to $93,300 for the Aero 2.8TS auto convertible. The 9-5 Biopower also had its Australian release at the show, with its ability to run an E85 ethanol blend being the key feature over a conventional Linear petrol model. Prices start from $61,900 for sedan and $63,900 for SportEstate.

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First drive: All paws for effect as Saab evolves 9-3