SAAB TO HATCH NEW CONCEPT AT FRANKFURT SHOW
Saab will unveil a new 'Sport-Hatch' concept car at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show that challenges the distinction between traditional hatchback and estate bodystyles.
Saab continues its recent product offensive with the Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept - a sporty, five-door, four-seat car that offers driver-focused performance and innovative versatility features, all packaged in a 'fastback' shape that draws its inspiration from the Saab 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept that premiered last year.
Powered by a high performance 250 bhp, 2.0-litre turbo engine, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept signifies Saab's intention to enter the mid-size premium estate segment with a sporty product that reflects Saab's tradition for designing surprisingly versatile 5-door models. The Sport-Hatch concept team, under the direction of Saab Executive Director of Design, Michael Mauer, has expanded a number of exterior and interior design themes from the 9-3X concept car - signalling Saab's future in this segment.
"Just as the 9-3X occupies a position where coupé meets off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback and estate," says Mauer. "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 in the future."
"We have promised the largest product offensive in our history," says Saab CEO Peter Augustsson, "and with all the products that we've shown in the last two years, it's obvious that we're keeping that promise. This concept car isn't just a show car. It demonstrates our intent to continue to evolve and expand the 9-3 model range."
The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is the latest development in the most comprehensive product development programme in Saab's history. Following the unveiling of the award-winning, multi-dimensional Saab 9X concept at Frankfurt two years ago, the 9-3X was shown at Detroit last year, and the all-new 9-3 Sport Saloon went on sale last autumn. This September, the new Saab 9-3 Convertible is launched, and next summer the all-wheel-drive Saab 9-2 model is scheduled to arrive in North American markets.