Saab is to become the first mainstream car manufacturer in the UK to offer an all-turbocharged product line-up.

From September, the new entry point for the latest Saab 9-3 range will feature models powered by 154bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, priced from just UK�16,795 on the road. It is part of a comprehensive power and performance upgrade throughout the entire range of three-door Coupe, five-door and Convertible models. Prices have also gone up of course.

The new light-pressure turbo engine replaces the current 130bhp 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine,delivering 19 per cent more power and 24 per cent more torque. Other engines in the 9-3 range are also upgraded. A revised, 185bhp turbo unit becomes the new mid-point of the line-up, followed by a 205bhp version at the top of the range. The specialist Viggen sports tourer also receives a modest boost in power to 230bhp.

All petrol engines are controlled by Saab�s own 32-bit Trionic engine management system, the most powerful in commercial production, which eliminates the need for a distributor and spark plug leads, just like the advanced Toyota Yaris. The full Model Year 2000 Saab 9-3 line-up now comprises 27 variants and five engine options, including a 115bhp, 2.2-litre turbo diesel.

Boosted entry models
Standard specification three-door Coupe (�16,795) and five-door (�17,295) models now benefit from improved performance, compared to the naturally-aspirated models they replace. Acceleration from zero to 60mph is considerably faster, at just 8.2 seconds, compared to 10.5 seconds for the naturally-aspirated engine. Similarly, the exceptionally strong torque of the turbocharged engine is reflected by impressive in-gear performance. In fourth gear, 40-60mph is accomplished in 7.3 seconds (previously 9.5 secs) and 50-70mph, fifth gear, in 11.5 seconds (a massive improvement over 15.6 secs).

Colour-keyed door mirrors and the addition of a flexible storage pocket in the front passenger footwell are further improvements for the new model year. Not very much, we know, but the customers will appreciate it. The standard specification includes: driver and front passenger airbags, two-phase side airbags, interactive front head restraints, ABS, electric windows all-round, central locking with deadbolts, electrically-adjustable headlamps/mirrors with wash/wipe, engine immobiliser, power steering with telescopic adjustment, interior light delay and a radio/cassette unit.

At �18,145 on road, the Saab 9-3 five-door 2.2TiD, Saab�s first-ever diesel model, is held in price. Introduced last year, this popular addition to the range features a 115bhp engine, giving excellent performance and economy. It is available only with a manual gearbox and a five-door body.

Full turbo choice
A complete range of turbocharged engines is available for �S� and �SE� specification models. In addition to the 154bhp engine, from �18,795, there are new, more powerful 185bhp mid-range versions, from just �20,145, and top of the range 205bhp models from �22,395. The 185 and 205bhp engines feature a series of modifications to give reduced internal friction, lower weight, improved fuel economy, better emissions and sharper performance. An electronic throttle is part of the latest Trionic 7 engine management system.

In addition to the standard specification, all �S� variants benefit from air conditioning, a Category 1 alarm system (no doubt, the turbo aspect appeals to joy-riders), luxury cloth upholstery, a unique-fit Saab radio/CD unit, a rear spoiler, alloy wheels (185 and 205bhp models), pre-wiring for a hands-free phone and steering wheel audio/phone controls. �SE� models are further equipped with automatic climate control, wood veneer fascia, front fog lamps, alloy wheels (15-inch for 154bhp/TiD models, 16-inch for 185/205bhp models) and a leather steering wheel, gearknob and gaiter.

9-3 Aero
The 200bhp 9-3 Turbo Sport is now replaced by the 205bhp 9-3 Aero, as the sporting flagship of the range. Based on �SE� specification, the 9-3 Aero is distinguished by deeper front and rear bumpers, scalloped side sill extensions, a larger rear spoiler and three-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels. The �pebble� grain sports leather seating is unique to the Aero and complemented by stitched leather door inserts together with chromed door handles. Both front seats are electrically-adjustable. I should hope so for that price...

9-3 Viggen
The "ultimate" in high performance Saab motoring, the newly-announced Viggen sports tourer is also further enhanced for the new model year. Dual electrically-powered seats become standard fitment and its widely-acclaimed 2.3-litre turbocharged engine gains even more power and torque, up from 225 to 230bhp and from 252 to 265lb.ft, respectively. Built in limited volumes, only 500 units a year will be sold in the UK. The Viggen is primarily intended for Saab enthusiasts who are seeking a level of performance beyond the �mainstream� Saab 9-3 range. A bit like the M-series BMWs.

Boosted range
Announcing the new 9-3 model line-up, Jonathan Nash, Saab Great Britain�s Sales and Marketing Director, said: "In terms of power, performance and value, Saab has moved the goal posts in the compact, executive sector.

"Our competitors simply cannot offer a comparable proposition. Backed by extremely competitive pricing and comprehensive standard equipment, our turbocharged models now offer a level of power, refinement and torque that is simply beyond direct comparison.

"It has long been our ambition to have an entirely turbocharged product range. Now with our new 9-3 and current 9-5 line-ups, we are the first non-specialist manufacturer to reach this position in the UK market. Saab regards turbocharging as a normal part of engine technology. We can now bring its benefits to an even wider audience."

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