Saab Opens Top On Big Savings

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday July 28, 2006

David Berthon

January's sharper pricing saw Saab sales increase by 47 per cent in the first half of this year - now fresh drive-away deals on the 9-3 convertible provide further savings of up to $16,990.

Until the end of August, Saab dealers have the 9-3 Linear turbo Convertible for $62,400 drive-away, a saving of $11,770.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged Linear model with a five-speed automatic transmission is normally $74,170 drive-away. Metallic paint adds $1200.

The price of the 110kW Linear dropped by $2000 on January 1 to $67,400 plus on-road costs. The model gained electronic stability control and climate control air-conditioning.

Standard equipment on the Linear includes four airbags, anti-lock brakes, a power drop-top with glass rear window, cruise control, alloy wheels, full leather trim with heated front seats, alloy wheels and a CD player.

Buyers of the more powerful Vector model with a high-output 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (154kW) and a five-speed automatic can save $12,831. The Vector is now $68,900 drive-away. Add $1200 for metallic paint.

In addition to the Linear's equipment, the Vector has distinctive alloy wheels and manual shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The top-of-the-line Aero that was introduced in January, with a 2.8-litre V6 turbo and six-speed automatic, produces the best performance of the trio, at 184kW of power.

The Aero, at $84,900 drive-away, saves buyers $16,990 on the normal on-road price. Metallic paint is a no-cost option.

To the Vector's equipment, the Aero adds a sports body kit, twin sport exhausts, larger alloy wheels and upgraded electronic stability program, suspension and brakes.

Saab's resurgence in the prestige market has come on the back of the new 9-3 SportCombi wagon that was released earlier this year and which accounts for the bulk of the 9-3's 121 per cent increase in sales for the first half of this year.

Discounts on the wagon have been hard to come by. However, Heartland Saab at Parramatta has a $14,780 saving on the SportCombi Aero. Pay $65,900 drive-away (metallic paint included) instead of the normal price of $80,680 on-road.

Features are much the same as for the Aero Convertible, along with standard 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Saab sales have also shown substantial growth worldwide - up by 10 per cent in the first half compared with the same period in 2005, the European market alone has recorded sales growth of 24 per cent.

© 2006 Sydney Morning Herald

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