Saab is working to provide their customers the choice of having renewable bioethanol, economical diesel or petrol powered engines. And as part of expanding the effort that the company has started, the new 9-3 range was recently introduced in Australia.

Thanks to the Saab 9-5 BioPower, Saab Australia was recently proclaimed as the first car maker that has produced a renewable, bioethanol powered car for the Australian market.

Knowing the benefit that it could give, Saab decided to add three more E85 flex-fuel vehicles in their line-up. The Saab 9-3 BioPower would then be available as Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Saab Convertible. The distinctive styling has been inspired by Saab's award-winning Aero X concept car to enforce a sporty and performance-enhanced appeal. There will only be a $1,000 premium over the petrol model.

In relation to the 9-3 BioPower launching, United Petroleum, Australia's largest independent fuel retailer, announced its plans to have Australia's first commercial E85 fuel pumps installed.

The E85 is expected to offer reduction of fossil fuel-based CO2 emissions by about 80 per cent. While the diesel engine will be delivering 120-130 grams of fossil CO2 per kilometer, the new 9-3 BioPower will have 40 grams of fossil CO2 per kilometer.

Acknowledging the support from United Petroleum, GM Premium Brands Director Parveen Batish mentioned that United's dedication to E85 would bring change in Australia's transportation.

Batish said, "With the launch of BioPower, Saab set out to break the chicken and egg cycle that prevented Australian drivers from choosing a renewable fuel alternative." "Saab took the first leap and United Petroleum is taking the same bold leadership position with its commitment to make E85 commercially available to flex-fuel car drivers," he continued. "This is a big investment by United Petroleum. We think with this support BioPower will be a success in Australia and will stimulate other manufacturers to bring their flex-fuel vehicles to this country as well. This is the tip of the iceberg," he added.

"With a bioethanol model, a powerful and economical diesel and a carbon off-set through Greenfleet for every new car we sell, the Saab 9-3 range really deliver on our promise of performance with responsibility."

The recently launched Saab 9-3 BioPower is powered with a flex-fuel ethanol engine. It can run on either E85 (a mix of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol) or petrol. This engine has a peak power of 147 kW and 200 Nm of torque.

When sustained with BioPower 2.0t engine on E85, the Saab 9-3 BioPower is provided with additional 18 kW (147 kW vs. 129 kW) and 35 Nm of torque (300 Nm vs. 265 Nm) compared with the 2.0 liter turbo petrol version.

Saab 9-3 BioPower is not just the best selling environmentally friendly vehicle, but also considered the leading Europe's emerging flex-fuel segment. The vehicle has the capability to combine turbocharging with the use of E85 fuel, which is mainly to deliver enhanced engine power and performance along with well-reduced fossil CO2 emissions.

More than having premium Saab relay, the Saab 9-3 range has been covered with highly engineered exterior design. All elements provide a clearer Saab identity and a bolder, more assertive stance. This strategy was made mainly to combine contemporary and classic Saab design.