Aside from new alloy wheels, a few new aero pieces and some new colors, the primary update is the addition of XWD to the 9-3 2.0T model, expanding it beyond the Sport Sedan, SportCombi, V6-equipped Aero and limited-edition Turbo X cars it debuted on. In addition to the XWD system, Sport Sedan and SportCombi 2.0T models will also feature a winter package, moonroof and automatic transmission as standard equipment, though the manual is still available as an option.
The price jumps are in line with the industry's regular adjustments at around two percent for most models. Though a host of tweaked appearances are found throughout the model range, few new features are added to explain the price rise, so the most likely explanation is that it's a response to increased costs. Saab took a more drastic step in reaction to rising costs and slow sales earlier this year when it announced it was chopping the standard 100,000mi (160,000km)/7-year warranty to a maximum of 50,000mi (80,000km)/4-years. The brand's practice of providing free maintenance for the first 36,000mi (57,600km) was left untouched, however.
While the updates may be targeted to help pick up sales, the company has already predicted a slow 2008, and industry totals don't look to be turning around yet. Full pricing for the 2009 lineup below.
Saab U.S. Model Year 2009 Pricing (excludes $ 775 destination charges)
• 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan: 28,835
• 9-3 2.0T SportCombi: 30,265
• 9-3 2.0T XWD Sport Sedan: 34,870
• 9-3 2.0T XWD SportCombi: 36,285
• 9-3 Aero V6T XWD Sport Sedan: 41,885
• 9-3 Aero V6T XWD SportCombi: 43,165
• 9-3 2.0T Convertible: 40,605
• 9-3 Aero V6T Convertible: 49,610
• 9-5 2.3T Sedan: 38,830
• 9-5 2.3T SportCombi: 39,650
• 9-5 Aero Sedan: 39,400
• 9-5 Aero SportCombi: 40,765
• 9-7X SUV 4.2i: 40,935
• 9-7X SUV 5.3i: 43,665
• 9-7X SUV Aero: 47,425
