GREEN SAAB A SWEDE DREAM

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Nov 11, 2007 | by QUENTIN WILLSON

YOU'VE got to feel for Saab. They've spent the equivalent of Sweden's national debt on a range of bio-power cars, hoping for a glimmer of support from our Government, only to be cruelly disappointed.

Instead of big cuts in duty, incentives for consumers and a promise to roll out more pumps, the silence has been deafening.

In Sweden there are more than 1,000 biofuel filling-stations. Here, we're only just into double figures. And before you say we can't have biofuels and eat, as making all that ethanol will disrupt the food chain, remember bioethanol can be made out of sawdust and scrap paper.

Of all the eco-cars on the market, the bio-Saabs require no compromise. They're quick, handsome and beautifully made.

I sampled a tank of E85 bioethanol in a dual-fuel 9-3 2.0 turbo estate, and got 36mpg, while 60 appeared in seven-and-a-half seconds (ethanol actually gives better performance). I also enjoyed the turbo's lag-free urge, the mighty brakes, slick sixspeed box, leather trim and cavernous cargo area.

And 9-3s are exclusive without being expensive, a refreshing antidote to all those everyday Audis, BMWs and Mercs.

As used buys, they're outrageous value. You can buy a year-old 9- 3 2.0t Aero with just 7k miles for fifteen grand, which is a whopping ten grand saving on new. It's also three grand less than a top-drawer Toyota Prius.

I know which green motor I'd choose.

TECH FILE

Engine: 1998cc turbo

Power: 197hp

0-60: 7.5

Max: 140

Price: pounds 26,385'

Who'll Drive It: Classy sophisticates with a social conscience