Saab crossover getting closer

This could be the most important new model embattled Swedish brand Saab has ever produced: the 9-4X. Caught by spy photographers Carparazzi undertaking cold weather testing the mid-size SUV is looking almost production ready.

Saab parent company General Motors is reviewing all options for the luxury car maker as it works towards securing its own future. One of those options includes setting Saab up on its own -- independent of GM -- to make it more appealing to a potential buyer.

That means there is extra pressure on the 9-4X to succeed when production of the car begins later this year in the United States. Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have all added mid-size SUVs in recent years making it a critical segment of prestige brands to have a presence in.

Given that the current 9-3 and 9-5 ranges are now several years old the 9-4X could be what is needed to revitalise the company.

Saab operates under the GM Premium Brands banner in Australia and a spokeswoman for the company says the 9-4X has already proven popular.

Rebecca Clout, GM Premium Brands communication manager, says the concept car for the 9-4X attracted an "extreme amount of interest" when it was revealed at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. 

But with Saab not officially committed to building the car, Clout can't confirm if it will make it to Australia.

"In regards to Australia, if and when that car is produced, we'd look at all options in the Saab line-up," Clout says.

But she did admit that if it did officially join Saab's product line-up it would make a "fantastic addition" to the Australian range.

As for Saab's future as part of General Motors, Clout says it's too early to make any announcement.

"I think from a point-of-view globally it's still under review and no decision has been made," she says.

The 9-4X is based on GM's TE-chassis, the same platform as the new Cadillac SRX. In keeping with Saab's environmentally friendly image the car is expected to sport a petrol engine capable of running on bio-ethanol and a diesel unit. The diesel is part of the joint-venture between GM and Italian firm VM Motori.

Drive will go through all four wheels thanks to Saab's 'XWD' all-wheel-drive system.