Saab 9-3 Aero now available with diesel in Australia
The Astra isn't the only GM model getting a new diesel option in Australia. The performance Aero model of the Saab 9-3 is now available with a 177hp 1.9L diesel. The 295lb-ft of torque is apparently enough to motivate the 9-3 Aero TTiD at similar rates to the gas engined version. The gas-fueled model however cannot approach the 41.3mpg (U.S.) rating of the manual transmission model. Even the automatic version achieves 34.6mpg (U.S.). The diesel in the Saab has the two-stage turbocharger setup with a smaller turbo for quick low speed response and a second larger unit for maximum power. Here in the U.S., the Aero with the 2.8L turbo V6 is rated at a mere 16/24mpg by the EPA. Even accounting for differences in test procedures, the diesel is clearly far more efficient than the V6. Unfortunately, here in the States we again don't have this option.
[Source: Drive.com.au]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
steven 4:17PM (5/29/2008)
I think the EPA's new 2008 "fudge factor" tests have an issue with turbos as well as diesels in terms of seriously understating the mileage. I get 33-35 MPG on the HWY and ALWAYS average 27-28 MPG per tank full on my 9-3SC Aero running on midgrade.
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Kevin Nugent 4:25PM (5/29/2008)
"Unfortunately, here in the States we again don't have this option"
Its all about those emissions and manufacturers don't see it as making business sense to get them below our strict us standards . BUt in my opinion they are not strict enough ., To keep manufacturers on edge and push them to innovate i think we should raise the bar nationally every year . Not by much but so that last years car will have to be refined more to meet this years standard. ( this would only apply to new cars)
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Tim 8:02PM (5/29/2008)
Diesel Crosses $5.00/Gallon Mark in California
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/05/diesel-crosses.html#more
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steven 4:58PM (5/29/2008)
Not sure about the Aussie version, but in the UK, where there are 118HP, 148HP, 178HP versions of this Fiat-based twin-turbo beast available in 3 different body styles (with the best getting 51 MPG US), this engine is only Euro4. And the upcoming U.S. Bin5 is 6 times tougher than the newer Euro5.
As VW has learned the hard way, getting these Euro diesels "clean" and into the US causes a pretty good size drop in MPG. That is a double whammy, development costs and a big cuts in the formerly amazing MPG numbers can lead to less than robust sales results.
Not sure Kevin's ideas are going to help that, but I think the same way the marketplace drove the HP wrds, the marketpalce is NOW going to drive the Green/MPG wars.
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Mr Brody 10:41AM (5/30/2008)
I hate the cost of diesel cars, the cost of diesel fuel and the increased emissions.
I prefer EVs or REEVs if you have only one car in your family.
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brian hague 2:53AM (5/30/2008)
"As VW has learned the hard way, getting these Euro diesels "clean" and into the US causes a pretty good size drop in MPG."
Can you elaborate? The 2006 (outgoing "dirty" diesel) is rated three MPG lower than the new 2009 clean diesel. Might as well look it up... EPA can't lie, but they might not be able to test diesels correctly.
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Karl-Uwe Strunzen 10:09PM (5/30/2008)
Only euro4?
This engine (more known as the multijet) was the first in its class to be euro5-ready on the Bravo. Keep in mind that euro5 hasn't come into being yet.
As far as the twin-stage turbo multijet version (177 hp) is concerned, a 190 hp version will be out soon on the upcoming Lancia Delta (launch is June 2008)
http://www.planete-fiat.com/dotclear/index.php?2008/05/01/645-lancia-delta-les-prix-allemand-pour-autoblog-espagne
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