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Saab Announces 2006 9-3 SportCombi Pricing

Detroit, Mich. - Saab USA has released prices for the 2006 9-3 SportCombi 5-door, the newest member of Saab's best-selling line-up of premium midsize cars. The 9-3 2.0T SportCombi will go on sale this autumn with a base MSRP of $27,620. The Aero model with the new 250-hp Turbo V6 starts at $33,620. Both prices include delivery charges.

The 9-3 SportCombi is an important extension of the 9-3 range, which currently includes the Sport Sedan and Convertible. Its 5-door body style pays tribute to highly regarded Saab hatchbacks of the past, in particular the Saab 99 Turbo "Combi Coupe."

"The SportCombi enhances the 9-3 range with Saab trademark versatility and fresh styling that provides a distinct alternative to conventional 5-door designs," said Jay Spenchian, Saab USA general manager. "It plays a very important role in Saab USA's strategy to grow sales and profitability."

The 9-3 SportCombi's base price is approximately $3,000 less than that of the Audi A4 2.0T Avant, a prime competitor.

Standard power behind the 9-3 Aero SportCombi is a new 2.8L V6 Turbo that generates 250-hp and 258 lb. ft. of torque. Aero customers can choose from a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional Sentronic six-speed automatic. The 2.0T comes with a standard five speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed Sentronic gearbox.

In addition to Saab's signature styling cues like the rising beltline and hockey stick-shaped D-pillar, the 9-3 SportCombi features dramatic rear quarter styling and an integrated spoiler atop its steeply raked tailgate. It features a twin load floor cargo deck and 72 cu. ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

Starting MSRP's on all other 2006 9-3's have been reduced as part of Saab's "Total Value Promise" marketing strategy. Also for 2006, all former 9-3 Linear and Arc models have been "blended" into a single, well equipped, entry-level model, the 2.0T.

The starting MSRP for the 2006 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan is $26,620, a decrease of $950 vs. the 2005 Linear. On a comparably equipped basis, the 2.0T is priced $3,105 less than the car it replaces.

The starting price for the 2006 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan is $32,620, a decrease of $950 vs. the 2005 Aero. On a comparably equipped basis, the Aero is priced $3,170 less than the 2005 model.

Starting MSRP for the 2006 9-3 2.0T Convertible is $37,220, a decrease of $600 vs. the 2005 Linear Convertible. On a comparably equipped basis, the 2.0T is priced $3,580 less than the 2005 Linear.

The starting MSRP for the 9-3 Aero Convertible is $42,620, a decrease of $700 vs. the 2005 Aero Convertible. On a comparably equipped basis, the Aero is priced $2,920 less than the model it replaces.

Across the 9-3's 2006 lineup, Saab's turbocharged 210-hp 4-cyl. engine replaces the previous 175-hp unit as the base engine. Many features which were optional are now standard, including a power driver's seat on the 2.0T Sport Sedan, in-dash 6-disc CD changer on the Aero Sport Sedan, leather appointed upholstery on the 2.0T Convertible and xenon headlamps on the Aero Convertible.

Saab's 2006 9-3's will roll into dealerships beginning in September 2005.

The following provides more details about Saab's 2006 9-3 price and content changes.

9-3 SportCombi for 2006 2.0T SportCombi

The starting MSRP for the 2.0T SportCombi is $27,620 (incl. destination) Standard Equipment

* The 2.0L, 210-hp engine is standard. * A power driver's seat is standard. * Automatic Climate Control is standard. * The LCD-screen infotainment audio head unit with 150 watts and seven speakers is standard. * Body color-matched rocker panels and bumper extensions are standard. * Body color-matched door handles are standard. * Wood-effect interior trim is standard. * 16" twin 5-spoke alloy wheel is standard. * Sport leather steering wheel with metallic button surrounds is standard. * Twin load floor is standard. * Grocery bag net is standard

Aero SportCombi

The starting MSRP for the Aero SportCombi is $32,900 (incl. destination) Standard Equipment: Follows that of the 9-3 Aero Sedan

* An all-new 2.8L, Turbo V6 engine with 250-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque is standard. * 6-speed manual transmission is standard. A new 6-speed Sentronic automatic with steering wheel controls is available as an option * New 5-spoke 7.5" x 17" alloy wheels are standard * In-dash 6-disc CD changer is standard * Xenon headlamps are standard * A new sport steering wheel with metallic accents is standard * Body color-matched door handles * Twin load floor standard * Grocery bag net is standard

9-3 Sport Sedan Changes for 2006 2.0T Sport Sedan

Price Changes:

* The starting MSRP of the 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan is $26.620 (incl. destination), a decrease of $950 vs. the 2005 Linear. On a comparably equipped basis there is a decrease of $3,105 * Metallic paint increases from $525 to $550 * Navigation system decreases from $2,295 to $1,995

Standard Equipment Changes

* "Blending" of the former Liner and Arc models into a new, entry-level 9-3 2.0T * The 2.0L, 175-hp engine has been dropped and the 2.0L, 210-hp engine is now standard * A power driver's seat is now standard * Automatic Climate Control is now standard * The LCD-screen infotainment audio head unit with 150 watts and seven speakers is now standard * Body color-matched rocker panels and bumper extensions * Body color-matched door handles * Wood-effect interior trim * 16" twin 5-spoke alloy wheel * Sport leather steering wheel with metallic button surrounds

Aero Sport Sedan

Price Changes:

* The starting MSRP of the 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan is $32,620 (incl. destination) a decrease of $950 vs. the 2005 Aero. On a comparably equipped basis there is a decrease of $3,170 * Metallic paint increases from $525 to $550 * Navigation system decreases from $2,295 to $1,995

Standard Equipment Changes:

* An all-new 2.8L, turbocharged V6 engine with 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque is now standard * 6-speed manual transmission is standard. A new 6-speed Sentronic automatic with steering wheel controls is available as an option * New 5-spoke 7.5" x 17" alloy wheels are standard * In-dash 6-disc CD changer is now standard * Xenon headlamps are now standard * A new sport steering wheel with metallic accents is now standard * Body color-matched door handles are standard

9-3 Convertible Changes for 2006 2.0T Convertible

Price Changes:

* The starting MSRP of the 2.0T Convertible is $37,220, a decrease of $600 vs. the 2005 Linear. On a comparably equipped basis there is a decrease of $3,580 * Metallic paint increases from $525 to $550 * Navigation system decreases from $2,295 to $1,995

Standard Equipment Changes:

* "Blending" of the former Liner and Arc forms into a new, entry level 9-3 2.0T * The 2.0L 175 hp engine has been dropped and the 2.0L 210 hp engine is now standard * A power driver's seat is now standard * Leather-appointed upholstery is now standard * The LCD-screen infotainment audio head unit with 150 watts and seven speakers is now standard * Body color-matched rocker panels and bumper extensions are now standard * Color-matched tonneau is now standard on all colors * Body color-matched door handles are now standard * Wood effect trim around the gear lever is now standard * 16" twin 5-spoke alloy wheels * Sport leather steering wheel with metallic button surrounds.

Aero Convertible

Price Change:

* The starting MSRP of the Aero Convertible is $42,620, a decrease of $700. On a comparably equipped basis there is a decrease of $2,920 * Metallic paint increases from $525 to $550 * Navigation system decreases from $2,295 to $1,995

Standard Equipment Changes:

* An all-new 2.8L, Turbo V6 engine with 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque is now standard * 6-speed manual transmission returns on Aero models. A new 6-speed Sentronic automatic with steering wheel controls is available as an option * New 5-spoke 7.5" x 17" alloy wheels are standard * In-dash 6-disc CD changer is now standard * Xenon headlamps are now standard * A new sport steering wheel with metallic accents is now standard * Color-matched tonneau is now standard on all colors * Body color-matched door handles are now standard