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Spy Shots: Saab 9-3x in the works
by Dan Roth on Jul 16th 2008 at 9:03AM 
Saabs with the latest Haldex bits tucked underneath are a hoot to drive, as we found out the two times we sampled the Turbo X. That hardware will also be available on the 9-3 Aero, and Saab's got another trick up its sleeve in the form of the 9-3X. Rather than go the lowered, Vaderized route of the Turbo X, the 9-3X is angling for the table scraps left over by the Audi Allroad, Volvo XC70, and even the luxed-up versions of the Subaru Outback. Raised suspension and skid-platey accents butch it up, along with extra cladding and exhaust tips big enough to flank some bumper nutz. The official unveiling will most likely be in Paris in October. With the pending 9-4 and tweaks to the 9-5, it's going to be a busy few months for Saab. Thanks for the tip, Swade![Source: Trollhattan Saab]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rick 8:59PM (7/16/2008)
Looks boring and clunky. They should've stayed with the sleekness they had prior with the lowered, sporty suspension.
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wilsonce01 11:32AM (7/16/2008)
Uh, that would be called the 9-3, with or without XWD. So to recap: the 9-3 would be similar to the Legacy, A4, and the S60/V70 (normal ride height), and the 9-3X is similar to the Outback, Allroad, and the Cross Country (higher ride height and additional body cladding).
J3-Colt 9:22AM (7/16/2008)
Very nice, I think this could be my next car...although I wish they'd bring back a 3 door hatch!
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Cary 10:17PM (7/16/2008)
I disagree entirely. Terrible car, as could be expected from them. What a waste of sheet metal and man hours.
I'd rather have the Hyundai's new Mercedes look-a-like.
Atomicbri 9:22AM (7/16/2008)
I really miss the old Saabs of yore... not necessarily their inherent problems, but I miss how when you saw one on the road, you knew what it was without thinking twice. I think Saab has lost its focus, some soul, and what it is to be a Saab... its not all about being born from jets. I think Saab represented a car that was versatile, quirky, with a dose of fun dashed in. My friend had a 1992 900 and it was her favorite car, still to this day and she now drives a BMW 3 Series. She misses the quirkiness.
Today's Saabs are just so nondescript. they could look like anything else on the road. Now don't get me wrong, I really like the new front end treatments, but once you work past the B-pillar, it is downhill from there. They are so plain, nothing that says SAAB. Hell they don't even offer a hatchback anymore. I know, I know, they offer the Sportback which is fancy for wagon (estate). But it is not the same.... I dunno. I am afraid GM has ruined this company.... only time will truly tell us. I hope they are concentrating on a small, fun, sporty, small car that has both 3 and 5 doors and good on gas mileage. Otherwise I think Saab may be lead out to pasture in a few years time...
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saabyurk 11:12AM (7/16/2008)
Atomicbri: You make me want to cry. I'm an old SAAB fan from way back, but the truth hurts. SAAB needs an owner that understands them. However, I do hope the 9-3X is successful. SAABs of yore were great in the snow, in part due to their generous road clearances. At least the 9-3X has that, unlike the Turbo-X.
Brandon 4:34PM (7/17/2008)
I totally agree, and have been pissed about it for years. My family had a 900 sedan back in the 80s, and I briefly owned a 900 hatchback. Just because they keep the ignition switch between the front seats doesn't mean it's a true Saab.
GM went completely corporate with Saab. It reminds me of Harley-Davidson when it was owned by Brunswick. They were only able to revive the soul of H-D after the managers bought the company back and became an independent again.
Maybe Trollhattan will follow suit someday. Till then, Saab will sadly remain nothing more than an empty product in GM's portfolio.
P.V. 9:40AM (7/16/2008)
I thought the 9-AX (where A can be any number) designation would only be used on crossovers/SUVs.
What's the rationale behind this designation?
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styleguy 10:15AM (7/16/2008)
The article stated that this is the answer to the Volvo XC70 and the Audi Allroad. It's a 9-3 Sportcombi fitted with the newest XWD, and raised by about an inch. I'm sure they'll sell it as a crossover, just like Suzuki does to its SX4.
Kumar 10:32AM (7/16/2008)
Well, Subaru calls the outback an SUV (for now at least) if that's any indication.
I'm thinking wagon may be a cool word shortly if gas prices keep rising, just not 'family truckster'
ChopperDave 11:01AM (7/16/2008)
Excellent idea--competition for the XC70, but with far better gas mileage (Volvo should be embarassed about the mpgs on the XC70). Bring it.
(But can we please get rid of the g--damn parts-bin interior?)
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Alex 11:34AM (7/16/2008)
Although its an idea taken from other companies I hope its a success. I know everyone on here loves to rip on current SAABs but I have to say I've been impressed by the 9-3 and even the old but still very capable 9-5 aero. I recently purchased my first saab, a used '03 9-5 aero and love it, even after testing 3 series, A4s & S60s. It has great mileage, amazing turbo boost & the best stereo of any of the cars in its class. I honestly think if more people got into SAABs they would love them and judging from the amount of XC70s i see this might be just the car to do it.
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Disgruntled Goat 11:37AM (7/16/2008)
A new Saab? Why? I'd really love to see some numbers for GM's return on investment in this company.
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Michael D. 1:22PM (7/16/2008)
I'm reposting this comment from another site:
This looks like a nice variant of the 9-3 wagon. I’ve also seen this pic, and others, on other auto-related sites. It also looks like the spy-photographer for more than he bargained for; that appears to be the production 9-4 crossover in the background! The concept version is production-close as it is, so that isn’t necessarily a surprise, anyway, but this really appears to be a hot ticket for Saab!
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Sorin 1:29PM (7/16/2008)
It's the first time when I hear about this model. I always liked Saab and I think will get something good here. I guess it will be a good car, like always.
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ROOLLY 1:50PM (7/16/2008)
Saab has finally joined the AWD game with XWD, it looks like they’re moving fast to offer products that make good use of it.
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