SAAB is slashing up to £3,000 from models in its 9-3 range in a radical V-plate shake-up that will also see the disappearance of all normally-aspirated petrol-engined models. The changes come into force on September 1 and the manufacturer says they are part of a 'realignment' to make the brand more competitive.

Jonathan Nash, Saab GB's sales and marketing director, said: 'In terms of power, performance and value, Saab has moved the goalposts in the compact executive sector. Backed by extremely competitive pricing and comprehensive standard equipment, our turbo-charged models now offer a level of power, refinement and torque that is beyond comparison.'

From September, the range will start with the three-door 154bhp 9-3 2.0t at £16,795, with almost all the specification of the current S trim level. The price of the 2.0T SE, with a revised 185bhp engine, drops to £21,895 (£24,200) and even the convertible 9-3 range sees a dramatic drop with the naturally-aspirated models scrapped and the new entry-level turbo-charged model falling to £24,945 (£27,200). The 9-3 diesels and the range-topping 2.3-litre Viggen three-door and convertible see no changes in price but the the five-door Viggen drops £500 to £31,000.