● Bold styling cues from Saab 9-3X ‘cross-over coupé’ concept
● Compact, sporty stance backed by chassis with Saab ReAxs control
● Four-seater layout with central ‘clear zone’ motif in front and rear
● Information displays on demand via ‘touch screen’ functionality
● Glass roof and recessed load fixing points to eliminate roof bars
● Powered tailgate with innovative, integrated bike-carrying function
● Extra storage floor below cargo deck
Geneva, 2 March 2004
The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept car declares Saab’s intention to enter a new market segment.
The distinctive, five-door, four-seater format offers sporty, driver-focused performance and innovative load-carrying features, while challenging the traditional distinction between a hatchback and wagon. It is designed for customers with active, outdoor lifestyles who seek a sporty and rewarding driving experience that also delivers the versatility they need.
Powered by a 250 bhp, 2.0-liter turbo engine with Saab Sentronic automatic transmission and a lowered, sports chassis sitting on 20-inch wheels, the 9-3 Sport- Hatch Concept promises sharp performance to match its eye-catching looks.
It is intended to take Saab into the mid-size wagon segment for the first time by offering a distinctive alternative choice, with hatchback-like proportions that are reminiscent of the shape of its classic Saab 900 forebears. It also represents a further development of the Saab 9-5 wagon’s sporty character.
The exterior and interior styling follows themes from the Saab 9-3X ‘cross-over coupé’ concept and the current 9-3 Sport Sedan. Versatility features that are innovative and surprising support Saab’s concept of ’emotional functionality’.
“Just as the 9-3X occupies a position where coupé meets off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback and wagon,” says Michael Mauer, Saab’s Excecutive Director of Design. “It is the sort of product that should come from Saab and our customers will be able to buy a car very much like this.”
The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is part of the most comprehensive new product plan in Saab’s history. This includes the 9-2X all-wheel-drive sports compact, which goes on sale in North America this summer, the 9-3 Convertible, the 9-3 Sport Sedan, the 9-3X ‘cross-over coupé’ concept and the multi-dimensional 9X concept. All these products have been shown within the last 2 ½ years. And they will be joined next year by the launch of the Saab 9-7X, an SUV product for the North American market.
