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SAAB ENHANCES THE 9-3 SPORT SALOON FOR 2004

SAAB ENHANCES THE 9-3 SPORT SALOON FOR 2004

Saab is enhancing the appeal of the popular 9-3 Sport Saloon range for 2004 by lowering CO2 emission levels, broadening the transmission choice, and adding optional state-of-the-art communication systems.

Since its launch in late 2002, almost 10,000 examples of Saab’s acclaimed new 9-3 have been sold in the UK, with global sales exceeding 75,000 units.

New manual transmission options

For 2004 the appeal of the best selling 9-3 2.0T Aero and 2.2 TiD models is enhanced with the addition of new six-speed manual transmissions.

In the 9-3 2.2 TiD variants, the new six-speed gearbox improves cruising refinement and reduces fuel consumption over the standard five-speed models. The six-speed TiD is fitted with a tall top gear, yielding 32.8 mph (53.3 km/h) per 1,000 rpm, to combine relaxed motorway cruising with impressive levels of economy, 31.7 and 54.3 mpg respectively over the City and Highway cycles. The CO2 emissions figure is also reduced by 3 g/km to 174 g/km.

Saab 9-3 Aero buyers will now enjoy an even more focused driving experience with an all-new, close ratio, six-speed manual transmission as standard. Compared to the previous six-speed unit, the 2004 model’s more tightly spaced gears allow marginally quicker 0-60 mph acceleration, as well as faster in-gear responses.

For the enthusiastic business motorist seeking a rewarding performance saloon with a low tax liability, the 2004 Saab 9-3 Aero is the obvious choice, offering 210 bhp performance with highly tax-efficient CO2 figures, allied to a competitive P11D price.

The new close-ratio six-speed manual has a low CO2 of just 207 g/km (down from the previous 218 g/km in 2003), whilst a new, no cost option, five-speed manual 9-3 Aero alternative has a competitive CO2 of only 202 g/km. Fuel economy for the five-speed Sentronic paddle-shift automatic 9-3 Aero is also marginally improved.

Greater choice inside and out

Two new wood veneer trims, more metallic colours and further alloy wheel options allow 9-3 Sport Saloon buyers greater scope in satisfying their personal preferences.

The entry 9-3 Linear models now include a new, hardwearing, black textile upholstery as standard for the seats and inner door panels. A wool-based Barrathea cloth, or soft, ruched leather, both in Parchment or Grey shades are optional.

All 2004 9-3 Sport Saloon forms offer a new dark grey, or deep red, walnut veneer interior trims as options.

Externally, three new metallic paint shades are added, dazzling Glacier Blue, dark Nocturne Blue, and Espresso Black, together with an additional 17" alloy wheel option.

GPRS telephone for improved communication

An integrated GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) telephone with Bluetooth wireless connectivity now replaces the previous GSM (General Service Mobile communication) unit, providing a four-fold increase in data transmission capacity.

The integrated phone is available as an option with the Saab ES2 and ES3 Infotainment systems, and includes a keypad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. It offers a
wireless connection to a Bluetooth-enabled headset, PDA or laptop via the ‘push-to-talk’ button on the 9-3’s steering wheel.

When used with the optional WAP browser, GPRS functionality allows faster and more cost-effective downloading of data through a laptop, including automatic access to incoming telephone calls during transmissions.