Saab's new 9-5 2.2 TiD range, due on sale in the UK from mid-March, aims to increase the Swedish car maker's presence in Britain's burgeoning premium diesel market sector.

In 2001 UK sales of diesel cars in the upper premium segment grew by 38 per cent. The New Saab 9-5 2.2 TiD is available in both saloon and estate body styles, with the same high level of standard specification as the equivalent 9-5 petrol models.

Initially the 2.2 TiD will be offered with manual transmission, with a five-speed automatic option becoming available from late summer 2002.