Saab 9-3X – 2009 Geneva Motorshow
March 4, 2009 by Alborz Fallah
If you had a bit of spare cash at the moment, investing in Saab shares right now may be a good idea (as ridiculous as it sounds). Sure, the company is essentially broke and has stopped manufacturing cars, but how much worse can it it get? The only way is up, right? Plus Saab has just unveiled the new Saab 9-3X.
The company says the 9-3X is a versatile sport wagon equipped to handle rough terrain. Hm? Rough Terrain? Sounds somewhat similar to what one might say about the BMW X3.
Not to be overly critical, the 9-3X makes use of Saab’s XWD system, so it can’t be all that bad. The Swedish brand is hoping the 9-3X will appeal to those looking for an alternative to heavier and larger Crossovers or SUVs.
Some time ago we reviewed the Saab 9-3 E85 Biopower and we had very little good to say about it. Needless to say, the 9-3X will be powered by a similar 155 kW, 2.0-liter turbo engine with E85-capable BioPower technology, being ran through an all-wheel-drive system for the first time.
The usual 132 kW, 1.9-liter turbo diesel engine will also be available, but only as a front-wheel drive.
Tags: Geneva Motor Show, Saab 9-3X
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Pity the diesel is ot 4wd. Having driven a Saab 93 last week for the first time I can say I was impressed. To all those pillocks out there about to say “but its a vectra in drag” sod off, there’s little similarity to a Vectra. Yes Saabs depreciate but don’t all cars. I’d buy one, no doubts but I wouldn’t buy the shares in Saab
Saab haven’t stopped manufacturing. They had a blip last week due to the changed nature of their business with the court-supervised reconstruction in effect. That’s been sorted and the plant is running.
This will be a great addition to the 9-3 range. A relatively minor tweak, but a good one. It’s receiving great reviews from the motoring press in Sweden already and they’re usually quite biased toward Volvo.
The 9-3 is a good car to drive. I endorse Cupid Stunt’s comments about people needing to have a drive of the current model 9-3 before they mouth-off about it. However until they do something about updating the interior of the car and addressing the shocking resale issue its not a car I would consider. This 9-3X will be an interesting addition but I fear the absence of an AWD for the 1.9lt twin-turbo diesel is going to limit its appeal.
If GM had allowed them to develop this when Ford let Volvo develope the XC70 then the 90, Saab would have been far better placed than they find themselves now. Sorry but I reckon this is a good vehicle just that it is at least 5 years to late. I like Saabs, the 80’s Aero’s were different but always interesting to drive, GM should have given more developement money all the way through. >:(
From what Ive seen and read about it I like it. Infact I think Holden could/should import the 9-3X instead of the Craptiva; just change the grille..