The Saab 9-3 Sedan II Griffin (facelift 2011) 1.9 TTiD Sentronic represents a final refinement of Saab’s popular compact executive car before the brand’s unfortunate demise in December 2011. This iteration, powered by a 1.9-liter turbocharged diesel engine, aimed to balance performance with fuel efficiency, catering to the European market’s demand for economical yet capable vehicles. While Saab as a brand was not widely present in the United States, the 9-3 was briefly sold here, offering a unique alternative to established German and Japanese competitors. The Griffin facelift brought subtle styling updates and improvements to the interior, attempting to maintain the 9-3’s appeal in a competitive segment.
Saab 9-3 Sedan II Griffin (2011) Overview
The 9-3 Sedan II Griffin, produced for a very short period in 2011, was the culmination of a lineage that began in 1998. Positioned as a competitor to cars like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the 9-3 distinguished itself with its Scandinavian design philosophy, prioritizing functionality and a driver-focused experience. The 1.9 TTiD variant, specifically, was a popular choice in Europe due to its combination of reasonable power output and excellent fuel economy, achieved through the use of twin-turbocharging and common-rail diesel injection technology. The Sentronic automatic transmission offered convenience, while the car’s overall design aimed for a blend of sporty aesthetics and practical usability.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the 9-3 1.9 TTiD Sentronic lies 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. The key to its performance is its twin-turbocharger setup, which minimizes turbo lag and provides a broad, usable powerband. The engine features a diesel commonrail fuel injection system, ensuring precise fuel delivery for optimal combustion and efficiency. The engine’s 16.5:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine, contributing to its thermal efficiency. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.5 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 9 seconds. The car boasts a maximum speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). The power-to-weight ratio is 9.4 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 4.2 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably responsive driving experience.
Design & Features
The Saab 9-3 Sedan II Griffin is a four-door, five-seater sedan. The 2011 facelift brought minor cosmetic changes, including revised front and rear bumpers, a new grille, and updated headlight designs. The interior maintained Saab’s characteristic minimalist aesthetic, focusing on ergonomics and driver comfort. Key features included a comfortable cabin, a well-designed dashboard, and a focus on safety. Safety features, standard for the time, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis designed for impact protection. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 461 liters (16.28 cu. ft.), providing ample space for luggage and cargo. The car’s dimensions are 4668 mm (183.78 in.) in length, 1762 mm (69.37 in.) in width, and 1486 mm (58.5 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2675 mm (105.31 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 9-3 |
| Generation | 9-3 Sedan 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 | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 153 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.4 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 | 1505-1625 kg (3317.96 – 3582.51 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2080 kg (4585.62 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455-575 kg (1003.1 – 1267.66 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space | 461 l (16.28 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Length | 4668 mm (183.78 in.) |
| Width | 1762 mm (69.37 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2038 mm (80.24 in.) |
| Height | 1486 mm (58.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2675 mm (105.31 in.) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Type of gearbox | automatic transmission Sentronic |
The Saab 9-3 Sedan II Griffin 1.9 TTiD Sentronic, despite its short production run, represents a compelling example of Saab’s engineering prowess and commitment to creating a unique driving experience. Its blend of efficiency, performance, and Scandinavian design continues to appeal to enthusiasts and collectors, serving as a poignant reminder of a brand that left a lasting mark on the automotive world.
