Crossover signals Saab expansion

Saab is using the Detroit motor show to display -- at least in concept form -- an all-new crossover designed to boost the marque's diminishing sales volumes.

Labelled the 9-4X BioPower Concept, the design study also showcases Saab's BioPower drivetrain, which is optimised to run on E85 bioethanol -- comprising 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent unleaded.

"This concept is a clear statement of what our brand is about," said Saab Automobile managing director Jan Ake Jonsson. "It is also an important next step in our plans to enter new market segments with distinctive product offerings."

Vaguely similar to the 9-7X, which was spawned off a Chevy TrailBlazer (hence the nickname 'Trollblazer'), the 9-4 features Saab's familiar three-element grille and swept-back headlights. Anoraks may also notice a slight resemblance to the Aero-X concept, which was one of the stars of the 2006 Geneva motor show.

Its maker also points to the 9-4X's "clean and uncluttered lines", which are free of any cladding, mouldings or roof bars. They are also said to define 'ice-block' surface and lighting themes.

Those who like getting on the piste are bound to warm to the 9-4X as it debuts an innovative storage system for stowing skis and equipment inside the car.

Developed in conjunction with Salomon, the rear cargo deck features a sliding floor with a fold-out aluminium ski-holder, through which up to three pairs of skis and poles can be slotted.

Boots are stowed in an underfloor, heated compartment and, for maximum practicality; the entire rear cargo area is covered in a waterproof and scratch resistant rubber 'skin'.

Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder BioPower turbo engine should make short work of getting you to the alps, if outputs of 220kW and 400Nm are any indication.
What's more, E85 produces less CO2 emissions than a conventional petrol engine, which obviously means its global-warming impact is reduced.

Saab boasts that "driver involvement is taken to a new level" via a new all-wheel-drive system dubbed Saab XWD (which stands for Saab 'cross wheel drive').

As per most torque-on-demand systems these days, the torque split between front and rear axles is actively managed by an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD).

The driver-focussed cockpit in the sporty, four-seater cabin features an Aero X-inspired 'clear zone', with a flush-mounted starter button and 'infotainment' controls, that sweeps up from the central console to the main display screen. There's also a panoramic glass roof, which Saab says is in harmony with a car designed to deliver the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits.

There's no doubt there's a market out there for vehicles such as the 9-4X, but the question remains whether Saab has left its run to late.

Saab Automobile recorded an operating loss of 2.9 billion kronor ($500 million) in 2006, yet company boss Jonsson is confident the Swedish marque will be back in the black by 2010. Time will tell...

 » Get the best price on a new Saab

To comment on this article click here