The Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin, specifically the 1.9 TTiD (160 Hp) Sentronic variant, represents a final iteration of Saab’s popular compact executive car before the brand’s unfortunate demise in December 2011. This model, a facelift of the second-generation 9-3 Sport Combi, was primarily aimed at the European market, offering a blend of practicality, efficiency, and Scandinavian design. While Saab never achieved significant sales volume in the United States, the 9-3 series, and particularly the Sport Combi wagon, garnered a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciated its unique character and engineering. The 1.9 TTiD model focused on providing a balance between performance and fuel economy through its advanced diesel engine technology.
Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin: Overview
The 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin, produced for the 2011 model year, was a crucial update to the 9-3 line. The “Griffin” designation denoted a higher trim level, offering enhanced features and styling. The Sport Combi body style, a station wagon or estate car, was particularly popular in Europe, where practicality and cargo space are highly valued. The 1.9 TTiD engine, a turbocharged diesel, was a key component of Saab’s efforts to meet increasingly stringent European emissions standards while still delivering acceptable performance. The “Sentronic” transmission refers to Saab’s automatic gearbox, offering convenient gear changes.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin 1.9 TTiD is a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated A19DTR. This engine produces 160 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 360 Nm (265.52 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. A key feature of this engine is its twin-turbocharger configuration, coupled with an intercooler. This setup allows for a broad torque curve and responsive acceleration. The engine boasts a relatively high compression ratio of 16.5:1, typical for diesel engines, and utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery. The engine’s power output translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.1 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 9.6 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 215 km/h (133.59 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 6.0 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg), and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin is a five-door, five-seat station wagon. The exterior design features Saab’s signature styling cues, including a wraparound windshield and a distinctive front grille. The facelifted model incorporated revised front and rear bumpers, updated headlights, and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, the cabin offered a comfortable and functional environment. The Sport Combi body style provides a generous 477 liters (16.85 cu. ft.) of trunk space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1331 liters (47 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The Sentronic automatic transmission contributed to ease of driving, particularly in urban environments. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4691 mm (184.69 in.) in length, 1762 mm (69.37 in.) in width, and 1492 mm (58.74 in.) in height. The kerb weight ranges from 1525 to 1690 kg (3362.05 to 3725.81 lbs.), depending on the specific equipment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 9-3 |
| Generation | 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 TTiD (160 Hp) Sentronic |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | December, 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 159 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm (265.52 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A19DTR |
| Engine displacement | 1910 cm3 (116.56 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1525-1690 kg (3362.05 – 3725.81 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2140 kg (4717.89 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 477 l (16.85 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1331 l (47 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Length | 4691 mm (184.69 in.) |
| Width | 1762 mm (69.37 in.) |
| Height | 1492 mm (58.74 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2675 mm (105.31 in.) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Type of gearbox | automatic transmission Sentronic |
The Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin 1.9 TTiD Sentronic, while short-lived, represents a compelling example of Saab’s engineering prowess and commitment to offering a unique driving experience. Its blend of practicality, efficiency, and distinctive styling continues to appeal to enthusiasts who remember the brand fondly.
