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Geneva 2011: Saab 9-3 Range Gets Updates, Griffin Badges

Saab is celebrating one year of independence from General Motors, and as part of that celebration, a refreshed range of 9-3 models has debuted to carry the model over until an all-new generation comes next year. While on the surface the changes seem to be limited to blue-ish "ice block" headlight lenses, a new front bumper, and in some cases some new wheels, there's actually more to the 2012 9-3 than that.

To commemorate this final year of the current car, every new 9-3 will be marked by a "Griffin" badge on each front fender, and as such the new range of cars--sedan, sportcombi, 9-3X, and convertible--will all be called 9-3 Griffins. To simplify build configurations, all bodystyles will be offered in either base or Aero trim. Base cars will get 16-inch wheels standard, while Aero and all-wheel drive cars start with 17s. New designs in both 17 and 18 inch diameters will be offered as options.

Inside, you'll have to look hard to spot the updates. Titanium-look trim wraps the instruments, gear shifter, doors, and glovebox edge, while graphite-fiber trim comes on the Aero models. A brushed metal will be available for either trim as well. Fabrics are updated as well with new color combinations offered, and small storage pockets are stitched into the sides of the front seats.

While Europe's diesel engine range goes unchanged, the gas engine choices are quite different. The V6 option is gone, while the 9-5's 2.0-liter turbo has been brought in at two different power levels. The base version boasts 163 hp while the more powerful one gets 220 horses, a boost of 10 hp over the outgoing engine. DIrect-injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger are fitted to each, and either can be linked up to front- or all-wheel drive through a set of six-speed transmissions. Here in the US, we actually wouldn't be surprised if only the 220-hp version is offered. These are all great updates, but we do hope that when Independence Day Number Two rolls around, we'll be looking at an all-new 9-3 that returns to the car's hatchback roots.

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