Saab's resurrection Geneva bound

Saab's long-awaited 9-5 SportWagon will make its motor show debut at Geneva in March.

The car that will lead the Swedish brand's renaissance brings a distinctive and alternative choice to the premium large estate segment, says Saab, and shares many styling cues familiar to those seen in Trollhätttan's 2006 concept, AeroX.

Featuring an extended, falling roof-line and a steeply raked rear screen, flanked by Saab's signature 'wraparound' glazing, the sporty 9-5 SportWagon presents a low-slung and dynamic visual presence, while still offering traditional wagon practicality.

Intelligent packaging sees an adaptable multi-fold floor, flexible (optional) U-rail load space configuration and under-floor storage with a sealed wet storage compartment. The electrically-operated tailgate is also programmable to allow sufficient clearance in underground garages. In total, SportWagon's cargo capacity totals 1600 litres -- or 527 litres available with the rear seats still in place.

Up front, 9-5 SportWagon is powered by the same all-turbo petrol and diesel powertrains as found beneath the bonnet of the 9-5 sedan. Both variants are mated to Saab's intuitive XWD all-wheel-drive system.

Interior features will include adaptive cruise control (from late 2012), bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive 'SmartBeam' technology, keyless entry, tri-zone climate control and head-up display.

"The launch of the 9-5 SportWagon is a much-awaited next step in the roll-out of our new product offensive," said Saab Automobile CEO, Jan Åke Jonsson. "It will take Saab back into the large estate segment where we have established a strong presence in many key markets with our previous offering."

The all-new Saab 9-5 SportWagon will be available to European customers from Q2 with first customer deliveries to follow in September. Saab has officially announced its return to the Australian market, with the company's wholely owned distribution network commencing operations from next month.

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