Sydney sneak peek at SportCombi

Saab's first all-new car since late 2003 debuts at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney this month. The first new model Down Under since the troubled Swedish carmaker's local operations were swallowed by GM, the 9-3 SportCombi was shown as a concept at last year's show but will debut in production-ready form at Darling Harbour.

Launched to the European media early this year and already onsale in the UK and other main Euro markets (it went on sale in early September), the SportCombi will be onsale in Australia in the first quarter of 2006.

It will be available locally with two engine variants: a turbocharged four-cylinder and top-of-the-line Aero with a new 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine. The turbo engine is a version of the same Alloytec V6 that powers the Holden Commodore and latest Vauxhall/Opel Vectra in Europe.

The SportCombi blends the look of a sports hatch and wagon. It has been well received in European markets.

According to Saab Australia, some of the SportCombi’s stand-out design features, include: large rear load area with cargo tie-down loops; lightweight tailgate with concealed hinges, TwinFloor storage space underneath the main cargo deck.

Director of Saab Australia, Ralph Stevenson, said the bold, Swedish styling would attract new customers and appeal to current Saab hatch lovers.

“SportCombi smashes the wagon mould,” Mr Stevenson said. “It will meet the demands of people with an active lifestyle but still deliver a sporty, fun-to-drive experience for car lovers.”

According to Saab Australia, dealer response to the new SportCombi has been enthusiastic. Worldwide dealers have already placed over 8500 orders for the new car -- a record.