The Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin (facelift 2011) 2.0t BioPower Sentronic represents a final iteration of Saab’s popular compact executive car before the brand’s unfortunate demise in December 2011. This model, a station wagon (estate) body style, was primarily aimed at the European market, offering a blend of practicality, Scandinavian design, and a focus on fuel efficiency through its BioPower engine technology. While Saab never achieved significant market share in the United States, the 9-3 series, and particularly the SportCombi, garnered a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciated its unique character and engineering.
Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin: A Detailed Overview
The 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin facelift, introduced in 2011, featured subtle styling updates to the existing second-generation 9-3, launched in 2007. These changes included revised front and rear bumpers, a new grille, and updated interior trim. The “Griffin” designation typically indicated a higher trim level with additional standard features. The 2.0t BioPower engine was a key selling point, designed to run on both gasoline and a blend of up to 85% ethanol (E85), offering potential cost savings and reduced emissions in regions where E85 was readily available.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine, designated the B207H. This engine produces 163 horsepower at 4,000-6,000 rpm and 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,750 and 3,500 rpm. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. The “BioPower” designation signifies the engine’s capability to run on gasoline or E85 fuel, or any mixture thereof. This flexibility allowed owners to take advantage of potentially lower fuel costs when E85 was available. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed Sentronic automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.6 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 9.1 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph).
Design & Features
The Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin is a five-door station wagon, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design emphasizes Scandinavian minimalism, with clean lines and a focus on functionality. The interior is designed with driver comfort in mind, featuring supportive seats and a logically laid-out dashboard. Key features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a comprehensive safety package typical of European vehicles of the era. The SportCombi body style provides a generous cargo capacity of 477 liters (16.85 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1331 liters (47 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. 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 wheelbase measures 2675 mm (105.31 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 9-3 |
| Generation | 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0t BioPower (163 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) | 12.1 l/100 km (19.4 US mpg, 23.3 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 190 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 4000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1750-3500 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B207H |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-scroll turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1480-1620 kg (3262.84 – 3571.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2070 kg (4563.57 lbs.) |
| Max load | 450-590 kg (992.08 – 1300.73 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 477 l (16.85 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1331 l (47 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4691 mm (184.69 in.) |
| Width | 1762 mm (69.37 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2038 mm (80.24 in.) |
| Height | 1492 mm (58.74 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2675 mm (105.31 in.) |
| Front track | 1524 mm (60 in.) |
| Rear track | 1506 mm (59.29 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1002 mm (39.45 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1014 mm (39.92 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission Sentronic |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 296 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 292 mm |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16; 225/45 R17; 235/45 R17; 225/45 R18; 235/45 R18; 235/40 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17; 7.5J x 17; 7.5J x 18; 8J x 19 |
The Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin (facelift 2011) 2.0t BioPower Sentronic, while short-lived, represents a compelling example of Saab’s commitment to innovation and practicality. Its blend of Scandinavian design, fuel-efficient technology, and versatile wagon body style made it a desirable choice for those seeking a unique and capable vehicle.
