To celebrate the first year of independence Saab has announced a limited edition 9-3 Convertible. Details of the updated 9-3 Saloon and SportWagon have also been released ahead of their debut at the
Geneva Motor Show.
The 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition was unveiled at the anniversary celebrations; 366 examples will be built with 80 coming to the UK. Based on the Aero-specification Convertible it comes with unique Amber Orange metallic paint. The orange theme is repeated in the stitching on the steering wheel and floor mats. A unique serial number is etched into the rear side windows. The Independence Edition also gets 18-inch satin chrome and black alloy wheels. Power comes from a 1.9-litre, 178bhp turbodiesel that drives through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Saab also announced the updated 9-3 MY12 range. The new looks include 'ice block' headlamps like those fitted to the 9-5, a more prominent central bar on the radiator grille and re-shaped front bumper. At the rear, there is a new Saab insignia and saloons get a new boot spoiler. The cabin gets Titanium-effect trim with graphite-fibre trim for the Aero versions.
The changes are more than skin deep; the TTiD turbodiesel engines produce less CO
2 - down to 119g/km. Petrol engines are cleaner too with an average four percent improvement in fuel consumption and emissions. The top petrol engine also gets a 10bhp power increase to 217bhp.
Prices for the updated 9-3 and Independence Edition Convertible will be announced later.
John Lambert - 24 Feb 2011
