SAAB will unveil timely CO2 reductions for its key diesel models at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.
The 9-3 diesel models now get ‘Saab EcoPower Technology’ branding, which leads to vital reductions in CO2 emissions.
The big news is that both the 150bhp TiD and 180bhp TTiD saloon manual models come in at under 140g/km – a key benchmark for company car drivers, which also ensures the cars get more favourable road tax rates.
1.9 TiD 150 models now have a 137g/km CO2 figure, and combined economy of 54.3mpg. Even more impressively, the 1.9 TTiD 180 emits 139g/km, and can average 53.3mpg.
SportWagon estate drivers who want the same punchy twin-turbo engine can’t quite enjoy the same tax benefits, though. It has CO2 emissions of 144g/km.
The gains average around 7 per cent. How have they been achieved? By the following measures:
• Wider gear ratios
• Longer final drive
• Idle and low engine speed remapping
• More restrictions on tyre and wheel size
Dealers should note that it’s only manual models that benefit from the CO2 reductions.
Even so, they will quickly become key models, allowing Saab dealers to compete with eco versions of the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.
