Saab cuts 9-3 price, adds power

SAAB has taken the scalpel to pricing of its under-performing 9-3 range, wiping up to $8000 off the price of its entry 9-3 Linear Sport.

In cutting the price, Saab has also respecified the car with leatherette/woven textile seats and steel wheels as standard. It is now priced from $39,990, down from $47,900, a saving of $8000.

A Linear Lux model, with leather seats and alloys, is available from $42,900. The Vector has also been given a $4000 price cut, from $57,900 to $53,900 but gained the high-output 2.0-litre turbo from the 2005 9-3 Aero.

The Vector 2.0-litre now delivers 154kW, up from 129kW and torque from has increased from 265Nm to 300Nm.

Prices of the 9-3 Linear and Vector convertible variants have also been cut $2000. They now start at $64,900 for Linear and $71,900 for Vector.

The Vector convertible also gains the 154kW high-output turbo.

The addition of the 184kW 2.8-litre V6 turbocharged engine in the 9-3 Aero models, sees Aero Sport Sedan increase from $67,900 to $69,900.