A fast Scandinavian

By ALASTAIR SLOANE motoring editor

The new Saab 9-3 Aero, the latest in a line of high-performance models from the Swedish carmaker, has arrived in New Zealand, starting in price at $79,900.

The car is the flagship of the new 9-3 fleet and follows the Linear, Arc, and Vector sedans, which landed here last year.

The 9-3 range will be topped off by the appearance here later this year of the convertible model. An Aero variant of the soft-top will come later.

The Aero badge first appeared at the 1984 Brussels motor show, when the Saab 900 Turbo 16 Aero, the carmaker's first four-valve turbocharged engine, made its debut.

But it wasn't Saab's first lickety-split model. That honour belonged to the 93 Gran Turismo 750, a three-cylinder model of the late 1950s.

The Aero is powered by the same boosted 2-litre engine used across the 9-3 model range. But unlike the low-pressure turbos in the Linear, Arc, and Vector, the Aero gets a high-boost unit developing 155kW at 5300rpm and 300Nm of torque between 2500 to 4000rpm.

By comparison, the engine in the Arc and Vector develops 129kW/265Nm. The entry-level Linear puts out 110kW/240Nm.

The Aero engine is mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox, or a five-speed automatic with manual mode that Saab calls Sentronic. This model costs $83,000.

The power and torque boost for the Aero engine is achieved by fitting a larger turbocharger running with higher maximum boost pressure (0.85 bar), together with more aggressive camshafts and high-performance pistons, rings and fuel injectors.

Saab's engine management system brings the turbo in slightly earlier, which at low revs briefly opens the throttle more than requested to spool up the turbo more rapidly for smooth power delivery.

The engine's rapid torque is especially noticeable at overtaking speeds between 80/120km/h.

Completing the powertrain improvements is a new six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox, with improved syncromesh for more positive gear-changing.

The new model comes with sports-tuned suspension and its 17-inch wheels and body kit make it stand out from the range.

The body kit incorporates front air dam, side and rear skirts and boot lid spoiler.

Saab says the kit cuts lift forces over the standard 9-3 sedan by 70 per cent at the front and 40 per cent at the rear.

Interior enhancements include dual-tone Aero sports leather seats and matt chrome highlights on the sports steering wheel, door inserts and instrument gauges, plus a 300-watt Prestige entertainment system with in-dash six-disc CD player and 13 speakers.

"Aero is the essence of all that is unique and sporting about Saab," says Saab Automobile Australia managing director, Tony Jennett.

"It is the halo car of the 9-3 range and will appeal to Saab enthusiasts as well as those seeking a performance and luxury alternative to more mainstream European brands."

The Aero is equipped to suit its role in the luxury market and comes complete with electronic aids like traction, cornering and stability controls along with the best in braking technology.