Saab 9-3 Griffin facelift announced

The facelifted 9-3 will be called the 9-3 Griffin, and the car gets minor changes on the inside and outside, as well as new 2.0-litre gasoline direct injection engines. The changes will be the last for the current 9-3 model before an all-new car is launched in 2012.

The facelift applies to all models in the 9-3 range, which includes the sedan, the SportCombi estate, the 9-3 Convertible, and the 9-3X crossover. Among the changes include new front bumpers, a new “ice block” finish for the headlights and the Griffin badge added to the front fenders.

Under the bonnet, there are new 2.0-litre gasoline direct injection petrol engines with direct injection technology, variable valve timing and twin scroll turbocharging. The engines are available with either 163 or 220bhp, and can be had with Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system.

The new engines join the existing 1.9-litre turbo diesel engines that are currently in the 9-3’s range, which produce 130, 160 or 180bhp. All engines are available with six-speed transmissions, and the facelifted 9-3 Griffin is available in either standard or sporty Aero trim.