Saab reveals 9-3 facelift 23 | 02 | 2011

SAAB HAS DECIDED to give its venerable 9-3 one last update. The latest tweak comes nine years after it was introduced and has resulted in the car gaining new front bumpers and headlights designed to bring it more into line with the 9-5. There's also a revised cabin which includes metallic-effect trim and new fascia materials.

The range also benefits from the addition of are two new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines, delivering 163bhp and 220bhp; as you would expect, not only do the new powerplants deliver more power then the outgoing engines, but they reduce fuel consumption and emissions by around 4%.

Just for good measure, Saab has also retuned its TTiD diesel engines. The result the SportWagon estate now achieves 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

And to mark its first year free of GM ownership, Saab has introduced a new 9-3 Independence Edition cabriolet. Powered by its 1.9-litre twin-turbodiesel, the cabrio comes with an auto gearbox, new-design 18in alloys and parchment sports leather seats.

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