Rendered Speculation: Saab MINI-fighter
Automotive journalists visiting a GM design studio recently got an eyeful of something interesting: a MINI rival from the General, leaving the door open to speculation over which GM division could make it work.
While the drawings spotted reportedly featured Chevy bow-ties, the scribes over at Motor Trend venture that Chevrolet couldn't sell it at high enough a price-point to make it a viable option. It'd be too small for Buick or Cadillac, and too European-flavored for Pontiac. (We don't need to point out that HUMMER and GMC wouldn't be a fit, either.) That leaves Saab and Saturn, either or both of which (in possible collaboration with Vauxhall/Opel) could present an intriguing alternative to the fashionable Anglo-Saxon retro-hatch, whose monopoly is coming to an end thanks to Fiat's hot-selling 500 and Alfa Romeo upcoming "Junior" model. It was nice while it lasted, wasn't it, MINI?
[Source: Motor Trend]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
A47 7:13AM (2/14/2008)
Ok... is it just me or is SAAB putting a new grille on old faces....
Reply
Doogs 7:20AM (2/14/2008)
First, it's Motor Trend, so, you know, pinch of salt and all that. I'm still waiting for the new Land Rover Defender they promised me back in 2000...
Second, I'd personally prefer to see such a vehicle as a Saturn. Saab - or at least what Saab stands for these days - is boring. And low volume. I swear they'd be in a race with Jaguar to see whose sales could suck the most, but Isuzu already owned both of them.
Third, Saturn is a resurgent brand right now. It has a playful side, it's anti-extravagance messaging is a good fit thematically.
Either way...I don't think Mini has too much to worry about for awhile yet.
Reply
AlexP 7:42AM (2/14/2008)
What's boring about the 9-3?
Personally, if this were to go into production, I'd call it the Hornet.
Reply
psarhjinian 7:45AM (2/14/2008)
9-1.
AlexP 9:34AM (2/14/2008)
I know, but I'd still call it the Hornet. :D
DIRETTORE 10:03PM (2/14/2008)
* How about calling it 'Horn-E'?!
Do I make you horny baby? This thing is shagadelic baby!
psarhjinian 7:44AM (2/14/2008)
This is a smart move by GM, unlike the "Yet Another Crossover" tricks they've been pulling recently. This would suit either brand well as both have well-suited demographics, and it doesn't compete with anything else in GM's stable.
Saturn could use something to slot in below the Astra that's nice enough to beat the Fit or upcoming challenges from Ford/Mazda (Fiesta/Verve/2) or VW (Polo). I don't think a Mini fighter would be best, though. I think the Opel Meriva would be a (pardon the pun) better Fit.
A real mini-beater would do well at Saab. It's customers are more willing to pay a premium and there's room for a premium compact now that Acura has sent the RSX packing.
Really, the only way GM could screw up would be to give both Saturn and Saab this vehicle. And then give it to Chevy just for kicks.
Reply
lexx 8:24AM (2/14/2008)
the rendering here looks very cool (from what i can see) and i think it would do well for saab, even though its not really in its category, kindve like the 9-7x, if gm is trying to make saab a brand leader, they shouldnt put something based on a trailblazer into their lineup, just like buick, as the enclave is very nice, i dont think a suv or cuv should be a flagship, unless there making another mistake for the lucerne for a flagship (ha) but otherwise this saab would be great with a twincharged 4, getting 30-40 mpgs
Reply
Peter 8:46AM (2/14/2008)
Saab would be good - except they should make it look like the old models - perhaps the 96
http://www.vsaab.com/Thor/thor_index.html
Reply
RoadSlinger 8:48AM (2/14/2008)
I agree with your estimation of the market. A fast, zoomy cross-over should Saab's way though vice Saturn, especially with it's Audi-esque headlights. Let's see how the non-Euro spec Astra sizes up here before Saturn goes for another re-brand.
Reply
MikeInNC 8:50AM (2/14/2008)
Someone call Saab and tell them it's already been done better by Volvo (C30). Saab hasn't really lit the passion since about 1989 for me. I like the rendering but like I said before, between MINI (Cooper) and Volvo (C30) it would be hard to sell unless it was AWD and about 300hp. At that point there are cost considerations as well plus, the C30 would be easily converted to the same spec considering it's on a similar (if not identical) platform to the already AWD capable S40.
Saab needs to bring back the Sonnet and deeply integrate the look of the Aero X into their designs if they want to step out of GM's shadow and back into the light of the semi-premium segment.
Reply
mehugtree 8:55AM (2/14/2008)
while it looks pretty good, I wish the SAAB version would harken more to SAAB's classics, like the 900, or even earlier versions. If the lines at least hinted at the iconic 900, it would fit the retro-throwback thing Fiat and Mini have been so successful with. Of course the ole 900 wasn't that small.
Reply
Dave Lawson 9:23AM (2/14/2008)
Saab 9-1
Delta Platform
Reply
rgseidl 9:36AM (2/14/2008)
Most likely there will be a regular version wearing an Opel/Vauxhall/Saturn badge and a premium one with a Saab badge. They will share a platform and may well be assembled in the same plant. GM's global powertrain division will support both with off-the-shelf engines and transmissions, with the OPC/VXR/RedLine variants and the Saab getting a turbocharger. The latter will also get flex-fuel capability. Otherwise, the differences will be external styling, soundproofing, the quality of the materials used in the interior and trim packages.
Reply
ahkmel 9:38AM (2/14/2008)
I would buy a Saab 9-1x Aero... Assuming it was built with the right hardware under the hood (direct injected, turbocharged 4 cylinder) and the proper drivetrain (all wheel drive, hence the x). I'm confident that Saab could make this car look good. Although I've got the 2007 9-3 Aero, I'll admit that the 2008 refresh turned out nice.
I was initially drawn to the brand by my 2005 9-2x Aero, which is surprising considering the fact that it's a Subaru in Saab clothing. I've still got that car and the all wheel drive is marvelous, but it lacks refinement. The 2007 9-3 Aero has all of the refinement I need, but is missing the all wheel drive.
Reply
Rich 10:10AM (2/14/2008)
This is a re-badged Chevy Nomad from the 2004 Auto Show circuit. This would have been built long ago except for the fact that the Kappa platform can't be extended to accommodate a longer wheel base for the back seat.
I agree that it would be competition for the Volvo C30, but the pricing on that product is too close to $30K with a decent set of options. Volvo missed the market segment on the C30. It is a nice product otherwise.
Saturn should have a version, but it will have to fit into a mix with Astra and the Corsa, which is coming over soon.
Reply
Rick 12:51PM (2/14/2008)
Other than the Mailbu grill, I think the Saturn is better looking than the Scion inspired Saab.
Reply
Doogs 10:25AM (2/14/2008)
"What's boring about the 9-3?"
*********************
Um...what isn't boring about the 9-3? Just thinking about it makes me want to go take a nap.
Reply
Alpha 3:15PM (2/14/2008)
I'd love too see Saab do a MINI fighter, but I think that car is probably Astra-sized. IIRC Saab is presenting a concept version of the 9-1 at the Geneva show (at 1st it was supposed to be introduced at the London show).
Reply
BGJ 10:58AM (2/14/2008)
You've obviously not driven one then, especially the Aero with 2.6L turbo V6, 250hp/258ft-lbs. I haven't driven the V6, but the turbo'd I4 was far from boring.
Reply