| How to Save Money by Greener Driving |
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| Green Car
Guide |
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The Top 10 Green Cars
| Executive Cars |
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Biofuel
7. Saab 9-3 BioPower
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Model/Engine size:
1.8t |
| Fuel: Petrol or Bioethanol (E85) |
| Fuel economy combined: 37.7 mpg |
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Summary
By introducing BioPower to the entire 9-3 range, Saab became the first manufacturer to offer flex fuel technology on all of its models in the UK. The decision follows the success of BioPower in the 9-5 range and brings flex fuel to a convertible for the first time in the UK.
Flex fuel cars, or BioPower in Saab speak, can use any blend between E0 (0% bioethanol, 100% petrol) and E85 (85% bioethanol, 15% petrol). Bioethanol can achieve life cycle CO2 reductions of between 50% - 70% but at the moment supply is limited. Flex fuel enables drivers to use E85 when it is available without being stranded when it isn’t and is therefore seen as key to building up an E85 refuelling network.
The technology behind flex fuel is tried and tested. In Brazil the market is dominated by flex fuel whilst in Sweden over 10,000 BioPower Saab 9-5s were sold last year. The same could easily happen here too if there is support for the refuelling infrastructure. Saab is doing its bit by making BioPower as widely available as possible and other manufacturers are following.
BioPower variants cost about £600 more to buy and use about 20% more bioethanol than petrol (E85 costs around 2p per litre less than petrol) but from April 2008 BioPower models will benefit from a 2% reduction in company car tax and E85 brings performance gains. Power rises by 17% and torque by 10% knocking over a second off the 0-60 sprint.
Saab is to be applauded in supporting the flex fuel market. They have recognised that in order to increase the refuelling network flex fuel cars need to be in circulation. £600 is a small price to pay for bringing E85 to the masses. If you’re thinking of buying a Saab make sure it’s a BioPower, you have nothing to lose and plenty to gain. |
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| Fuel economy extra urban: 49.6 mpg |
| Fuel economy urban: 26.9mpg |
| CO2 emissions: 178g/km |
| Green rating: VED band E - £145 |
| Weight: 1675 Kg |
| Company car tax liability (2007): 22% |
| Price: £22,640 (From £18,575 to £29,675) |
| Insurance group: 12 |
| Safety: NCAP 5 star |
| Max speed: 131mph |
| 0-60mph: 7.9 seconds |
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