Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Saab
Saab adds XWD to 2.0T 9-3, pricing goes up
Hooray – the Saab 9-3 2.0T Sport is getting XWD, the Swedish automaker's cross-wheel-drive system. Boo – you're going to pay more for your Saab whether or not you get XWD. The rear-wheel-driving traction-enhancer was previously available only on upper crust models like the Aero and SportCombi, but Saab has announced it will hobnob with the hoi polloi on the 2.0T for 2009.
Any XWD models will also come with a moonroof, the Winter Package and an automatic transmission, though a 6-speed manual is also available. The Convertible will not be offered with XWD, since its platform can't accommodate the necessary mechanicals.
As we mentioned, the Saab range also gets price bumps. A new 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan (without XWD) goes up $420, to $29,610, while the 9-3 SportCombi adds $680 to hit $31,040. General Motors did not list a price for the XWD option alone, but it appears to add a hefty $5,000 surcharge – the 9-3 2.0T XWD Sport Sedan will run you $34,870, and the 9-3 Aero V6T XWD Sport Sedan will list for $41,885.
[Source: GM]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Torrent 2:07PM (9/12/2008)
Where the hell is Saab's low priced MINI fighter?
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Swede 4:19PM (9/12/2008)
It's coming it's coming. But it's premium so no low price for you!
Torrent 7:00PM (9/12/2008)
What about 25K? Seems reasonable as long as it doesn't come with a hideous interior like the MINI.
MachinaDC5 2:11PM (9/12/2008)
Probably a hell of a car... but for $41,885?
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Ahmed 2:59PM (9/12/2008)
I don't get why GM raises prices only to reduce them through rebates. GM currently has over $7000 in rebates on the 9-3.
Steve_S 3:44PM (9/12/2008)
Yep, have to wait for the 5-8k incentives to make them worthwhile.
Crackberry Addict 5:13PM (9/12/2008)
that was my first thought, ill wait 2010 and like ^ said 5-7k off instantly!
Ken Stamper 2:20PM (9/12/2008)
If it isn't even available with a manual, it isn't really a Saab.
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RITmusic2k 3:21PM (9/12/2008)
Since the article clearly states that the manual transmission is available, your comment is rather pointless.
Ken Stamper 3:38PM (9/12/2008)
Oops. That's what happens when comment before I wake up!
Seoultrain 6:20PM (9/12/2008)
At 2pm?? Even on the West Coast that's 11am. Man, I miss being a student/unemployed...
Sandeep 2:22PM (9/12/2008)
42k..wow. Saab was already struggling to sell some of their trims (with the class being so competitive), so I was really hoping XWD would be an option to draw customers in, but 5k is way too much for what is essentially nice AWD.
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Soccer Mom 2:24PM (9/12/2008)
I guess it will add a couple of vehicles to the monthly Saab sales, bringing the monthly average to 10 cars sold.
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Matty 2:29PM (9/12/2008)
Yeah I don't see how someone isn't going to spend a little extra coin and get the 2009 Audi A4 2.0 Quattro. Sorry Saab, you are outclassed in this class.
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Andrew 2:38PM (9/12/2008)
It appears the $5K includes a bunch of other options too, not just AWD. I don't like bundling options like that, but it's probably only about $2K more than a similarly equipped FWD, and that's pretty reasonable. Whether it's as good as other cars above $30K is another issue. I guess GM expects to move more Saabs now that small cars, especially imports, are so popular. The 9-3 is the only premium small car that GM offers (the smallest Cadillac is pretty big, actually), so I expect them to continue hanging onto the brand and improving Saabs. And, just my opinion, I think it's pretty sharp looking.
Matty 2:48PM (9/12/2008)
I don't disagree that it is pretty sharp, but I still prefer the Audi looks-wise. In the spirit of full disclosure, I own a 2003 A4 Quattro and am very, very happy with it. I'm glad someone agrees that the CTS is considerably bigger than this car, which it is.
antrow 2:30PM (9/12/2008)
I think it is amusing that they are raising prices when the last time I checked our local Saab dealers website they had the 9-3 at fire sale prices trying to move them.
Exmaple:
Internet Price: $24,174.00
Value Price: $24,543.00
Invoice Price: $31,499.00
MSRP: $32,475.00
Having had a 2006 9-3 sportcombi, I must say that I think they are overpriced even at $24K.
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slava121276 2:35PM (9/12/2008)
How many used saabs do you see on the roads? Even e-bay doesn't have them that many. and jacking the price up? They hope the whole turbo technolgy will convince buyers that it will save them gas.
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antrow 2:41PM (9/12/2008)
There are not many used ones because there are not that many new ones being moved.
el dorko 2:47PM (9/12/2008)
Is there a reason you used a pic of the pre-refreshed 9-3 to talk about the 2009 9-3? Granted the 03 was arguably better looking...seems like lazy autoblogging. Also the XWD was previously available on Aero and the Turbo X not on the lower 2.0T sport combi. Sloppy or lazy...you pick.
The ridiculous thing about the 9-3 is the 14 weak MPG you get in the Aero and Turbo X with XWD. I can get a freaking Enclave and get better mileage around town. Either give me 350+hp or 20+mpg but not 255hp and 14mpg....lame.
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