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.

Photo: http://www.saabusa.com/images/magnified_combi.jpg

The 9-3 SportCombi is a 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 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