Saab all geared up Downunder

Swedish carmaker Saab has cut the New Zealand price of its entry-level model by $3000.

The 9-3 linear sport sedan costs $60,000 for the five-speed automatic and $56,900 for the five-speed manual, down roughly 5 per cent from $63,000 and $59,900.

The director of the brand in this part of the world, Ralph Stevenson, said he believed the new prices would attract new customers: "Saab is focused on building its presence in the New Zealand market."

There are three other models in the 9-3 sedan line-up: the Arc is priced from $63,900, the Vector from $68,900 and the go-fast Aero from $78,900.

The 9-3 convertible, the best-selling soft-top in California, is priced from $76,900 to $99,900.