The new 9-3, which debuts at this week’s Geneva Motor Show, will offer flex-fuel capability (i.e., able to use biofuel E85 as well as regular petrol, or gasoline). It joins the already flex-fuel-powered 9-5.
The 1.8t BioPower engine, which powers all trims of the 9-3, generates up to 70 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) than its gasoline-power sibling. Amazingly, using E85, the 9-3’s engine is even more powerful, producing 17 percent more horsepower and 10 percent more torque.
The new 9-3 goes on sale shortly after the show in Europe. Two transmissions, manual and automatic, will be offered. Pricing has not been announced at this time.
Our take? There’s no news if the 9-3 will be made available in the North American market. However, we’d be surprise if it wasn’t: the new 9-3 is one of the brand’s better sellers in the U.S. and would continue Ford’s environmental-friendly direction first started under former CEO Bill Ford, Jr.
Additional article:
Saab BioPower 9-5 is Virgin Group Branson's Transport