New Saab 9-3X Revealed

The new SAAB 9-3X has been introduced ahead of its expected debut at the Geneva Motor Show this March. As a lifestyle vehicle the 9-3X features suspension raised by 35mm under the body of a wagon. It will compete with vehicles such as the Audi allroad quattro, the Subaru Outback and SAAB's compatriot the Volvo XC70. The concept behind the 9-3X is the same as its competitors - to provide the looks and utility of an SUV but not the bloated size and compromised fuel economy.

Moving the car along are two engines, a 2.0-litre petrol turbo with 210hp (154kW) and 300Nm as well as a 1.9-litre TTiD turbo diesel worth 180hp (132kW) and a thumping 400Nm of torque. The petrol is driven through SAAB's Cross Wheel Drive system (XWD) while the turbo diesel is front-wheel-driven. Both vehicles are available with either 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. SAAB has recorded a time of the 8.2 seconds for the 2.0-litre turbo's 0 - 60mph time.

Emphasising the outdoor active lifestyle theme are features like dark grey rear bumpers and side arches for protection against harsh elements, skid panels with a matte aluminium finish, roof rails and aluminium-coloured door strips. The front fog lamps are ringed with a chrome finish. The 9-3X has a set of 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels to go with its rugged yet sporty demeanor.

The 9-3X has a volume of 419 litres with the rear seats up and it increases to a good 1287 litres when the seats are folded down.

Wait until Geneva when the car is let out of the box for the public to have a closer look.
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tango - 2/11/2009 12:04:07 PM

+1 Boost

SAAB needs to find an all wheel drive transmission (perhaps from Haldex) that can handle the torque of the diesel. That's he first issue. While I don't actually mind the styling, it isn't distinctive enough. Come on SAAB...go back to the roots...for your own sake.

r_driver04 - 2/13/2009 5:32:28 PM

+1 Boost

Agreed. The ignition key in the center console won't cut it anymore.

downtoearth - 2/11/2009 12:47:21 PM

+3 Boost

http://foreman.blogs.topgear.com/2009/02/11/saab-another-missed-opportunity/

If you want to know what’s been ailing Saab all these years, today’s unveiling of the 9-3X wagon is a good place to start. Saab actually invented this car seven years ago. But GM bungling means it hasn’t been released until now.

I mean, the 9-3X is hardly a difficult car. It’s just the 4WD version of the estate, raised an inch-and-a-half and given a plastic nappy around the lower body. It was planned from the start in 2002 as part of the 9-3 range along with the saloon, cabrio and regular wagon. Back then I snuck into the studios in Trollhattan and was shown a prototype.

Remember, the 9-3 used the Vectra platform. Then GM decided there wouldn’t be any 4WD models of that platform worldwide so Saab was told to kill the X model. Here’s a smuggled picture of the that old prototype

Fast forward five years, and it’s decided that the new generation of mid-size GM cars, including the Insignia VXR, will get an 4WD option. So Saab is told to engineer the system, and gets first dibs of it on the Aero XWD.

Bingo! Seven years late, the door is open for the 9-3X.

[...]


And why does Saab need propping up? Because GM has mucked about and failed to get new Saabs out the door. The 9-5 wasn’t really a class leader when it was new. And that was a shocking 12 years ago.

PPower - 2/11/2009 4:11:02 PM

+1 Boost

I love the looks of the 9-3 sedan, wagon, and convertible, but it's too bad they are such horrible cars. Yawn. I guess Saab figures that they will find more buyers for this over the 9-3 SportCombi just like more XC70 are bought than V70 and Outback over Legacy wagon (enough that the Leggy wagon was discontinued for US). Probably a smart move given their situation but terribly late.

r_driver04 - 2/13/2009 5:30:28 PM

+1 Boost

Subaru's one of the only companies that has posted gains as of late, something like 8%. Ring ring buddy, it's the clue phone. Better answer it quick!

r_driver04 - 2/13/2009 5:31:40 PM

+1 Boost

XC70 and Outback already own that market SAAB. You're a few years late and several dollars short. Thank your Uncle GM for screwing you over.