Geneva Preview: All roads lead to 2010 Saab 9-3X
by John Neff on Feb 11th 2009 at 8:58AM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Saab 9-3X
Despite an uncertain future, Saab will continue adding more product to its portfolio next month when it debuts the 2010 9-3X at the Geneva Motor Show. The 9-3X is a jacked up version of the 9-3 SportCombi that employs the Swedish brand's Cross Wheel Drive (XWD) system that first debuted on the sporty Turbo X sedan. It sits 1.4 inches higher than the standard SportCombi on new multi-spoke 17-inch wheels and is powered solely by Saab's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The exterior also features new styling elements that reinforce the high-riding wagon's prowess when the road gets gravely, including this segment's obligatory two-tone paint scheme that highlights its flared fenders. The 9-3X also comes with roof rails to carry your surf board and skis, skid panels fore and aft for when the curbs get really high and twin tail pipes. The new 9-3X looks ready to pick up where the late 9-2X – which was actually a rebadged Subaru WRX – left off. The 9-3X, however, is all Saab... err... GM.
[Source: Saab]
PRESS RELEASE
The Smart All-Rounder For Outdoor Enthusiasts
New Saab 9-3X World Premiere at Geneva Motor Show
DETROIT – At the Geneva motor show in March, Saab will introduce the 9-3X -- a new addition to the 9-3 range, becoming available in the 2010 as of Model Year. Designed for people with active lifestyles who don't want a large Crossover or SUV, the sporty 9-3X is scheduled to make its American debut at the New York auto show in April.
The Saab 9-3X is a rugged all-round car designed to take active individualists to the start of their adventure. With distinctive looks, a versatile SportCombi body, higher stance and advanced all-wheel drive technology, the 9-3X offers fuel efficiency and functional storage without limiting the kinds of roads that need to be driven.
In the 9-3X, the acclaimed Saab Cross Wheel Drive (XWD) system – which made its debut in the Turbo X limited edition model last year – will be combined with the fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. Overall, the 9-3X embodies Saab's "EcoPower" technology philosophy, which aims at combining a dynamic driving experience with an efficient use of resources to achieve responsible performance.
Distinctive Appeal
Saab designers raised the chassis of the two-wheel drive 9-3 SportCombi 35 mm (1.4 inches) higher, so the 9-3X can handle a rugged driving terrain. It is specifically designed for those who frequently hit gravel or unpaved roads, without compromising the driving experience on asphalt.
The Saab 9-3X is a car in tune with the less-is-more needs of today's customers. "The 9-3X is an efficient all-rounder for anyone who doesn't want or need an SUV- type vehicle," says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. "Simply put, we are offering a trekking shoe that will do what's required in more comfort and style than a heavier mountaineering boot."
New front and rear bumpers feature a dark gray, grained finish that is also applied to the side sills and the edges of the wheel arches as a protective covering when the terrain becomes loose or muddy. This treatment is complemented by skid panels with a matt aluminum finish, curving up towards the door opening at the rear and adopting a wing form in the lip of the lower front bumper. These are matched by matte, aluminum-colored lower door decor strips. Roof rails and visible, twin round exhaust tailpipes are standard. Front fog lights ringed with a chrome finish add yet another bold accent.
With the addition of newly designed, multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, the 9-3X's exterior character reflects its ability to handle mixed road conditions, whether rough or smooth, loose or paved. Inside, the 9-3X interior is based on top-of-the-line specification, adding a dark metallic finish to the door trims, glove box and gearshift surround.
Total Traction
At the heart of the 9-3X is Saab's cutting-edge XWD system. It is an intelligent, active system that continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles as required for optimum stability and grip in all conditions.
The hardware includes an electronically-controlled Torque Transfer Device (TTD), which varies power delivery between the axles. A valve increases or reduces hydraulic pressure on wet clutch plates inside the TTD to progressively engage or disengage the rear axle. The degree of 'slip' dictates how much drive is transmitted to the rear wheels. A standard rear limited slip differential (eLSD) operates on the same principle, splitting drive across the axle to whichever wheel has more grip.
As part of the Swedish-manufacturer's rightsizing strategy, the 9-3X will come to the U.S. with Saab's hallmark 2.0-liter gasoline turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, offering 210 horsepower. Complementing the sporty exterior styling, the engine is mated with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Form meets function in luggage area
The 9-3X is also designed to make loading sports and leisure equipment easy, matching form with function. The rear cargo area, with a low floor, is surprisingly spacious and well-proportioned. The compact design of the rear suspension allows a deep box-like space, free from intrusions, offering a useful rear seat up/down volume of 29.7/72.3 cubic feet .
The 60/40 split rear seat-back incorporates a ski-hatch and folds down without any need to move the fixed seat cushion. The fold-down front passenger seat-back also makes it possible to carry items that are as long as 8 feet.
The fully carpeted rear load space is illuminated by two interior lights mounted on the inside of the D-pillars. It is accessed by a lightly-weighted tailgate that opens down to bumper level, its damper rods completely hidden in the roof to allow a clear, uncluttered opening. The flush-fitted, black molded floor plate has been designed to stay scratch-free even in heavy use.
The TwinFloor stowage facility, too, helps keep luggage and equipment safe and tidy. The middle section of the floor hinges upwards transversely when the handle is pulled so that the front edge fits into two retaining slots. There is also a 12-volt power socket in the main load area (for a hot or cool box) and a separate storage compartment at either side of the floor, one fitted with a molded holder for large bottles.
Arriving for the 2010 model year, the 9-3X is expected to arrive in Saab showrooms throughout the United States this fall. Pricing will be announced at the start of the model year.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Ligor 9:24AM (2/11/2009)
Very nice
at least they did not leave of fthe roof rails
but just don't tell me this will start out at $40k
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Kattleox 9:24AM (2/11/2009)
Same old boring saab. Too bad. I liked saab up until 2002 or so.
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MixiM 9:31AM (2/11/2009)
Ugly ass car, and I'm swedish...
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woody 10:28AM (2/11/2009)
It is a direct rival of the Impreza at legacy pricing.
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1337 1:33PM (2/11/2009)
It's not even the rival of a last-gen Impreza. A last-gen Epsilon derivative is inferior to any Impreza made since '02. I'd take a used 9-2x, even a 2.5i, over this any day. The 9-3 has sloppy handling compared to a Forester. I can't see how Saab expects this to compete with anything north of a Hyundai Sonata.
Jared 9:46AM (2/11/2009)
And what are the chances that Saab will still be around by this Fall? I'd say less than 50-50. And if it is still around, Saab will be lucky to sell 2000 of these per year, with $6,000 on the hood of each one.
Too little, too late.
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MUSASHI66 10:56AM (2/11/2009)
More like 9K...
Saab_Guy 9:50AM (2/11/2009)
What that car desperately need is a wider rear track. Otherwise, it's all good Swedish design without the bling bling factor of BMWs or Audis.
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BoxerFanatic 10:31AM (2/11/2009)
Ok... I still like the hawkish headlights....
But this is better than a Subaru Outback HOW?
All of Saab's fancy marketing speak about XWD, it is still HALDEX, and still basically rear-wheel-assist.
Subaru's AWD is longitudinal, with three differentials, not a clutched PTO, torque variable, and slightly rear biased, and the engine is lower in the chassis.
Plus a fully loaded Subaru Outback 3.0R or 2.5XT turbo is probably less expensive than a Saab.
Legacy 2.5 GT Spec B certainly undercuts 9^3 Turbo X sedan on price by a significant margin, and is at least as fast.
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MUSASHI66 11:14AM (2/11/2009)
I drive an Outback, I have three Subaru models in my family, but you really can't compare Subaru to SAAB. Fully loaded Spec B is 36K or so, Turbo X is just over 40K, so not a world of difference. Subaru, no matter how loaded is still very rough car compared to a SAAB
BoxerFanatic 11:53AM (2/11/2009)
A rough car, how?
My Legacy GT Limited has more power, heated leather seats, heated wipers and mirrors, auto climate control, and a stick shift (hard to find on a performance car anymore)
What exactly besides maybe comfier seats, and an inferior AWD layout, does Saab offer, for the extra cash?
PGAero 12:49PM (2/11/2009)
My wife drives an '00 Legacy Outback, and I have a Saab 9000 Aero. Granted, I haven't driven anything newer than an '04 Subie (both WRX and Legacy) and an '01 Saab 9-5 (I've also spent a fair bit of time in a '97 Saab 900), but I'll take the Saab (any one of them) over any of the Subies. I like Subarus, a lot, and my wife's car is a good one, but based on seats, wind noise (frameless windows? Really?), fit and finish, paint quality, switch gear, torque curves, and a few other things, I'll take the Saab.
Also, the eLSD option in the new Haldex system makes Saab's AWD system the most advanced on the market. (No other US car has this system... You can't compare it to previous Haldex systems.) Subaru's system is fantastic, but the preemptive nature of the Saab's system separates it from the others, especially in the sporting situation.
All told, I won't buy this 9-3X until it has depreciated (and it will, a lot), if I buy it all (unlikely). I do see my wife and I replacing her Legacy with something with better seats. I can't stand having a car that I hesitate to take on long drives (anything over an hour... the longest drives being all-day drives) because it's uncomfortable and noisy.
Saabs are over-priced at MSRP. I don't know if any Saab (except a few early Turbo-Xs) has sold for anything near MSRP lately. GM has de-contented Saabs and raised prices in the past few years. Idiots!
iltoyli 12:51PM (2/11/2009)
Subarus are pretty harsh rides compared to Saabs, while the Aero Saabs have a stiff suspension, I'm sure this one will ride with a little more travel in the suspension.
Also, the reason I didn't go with a Legacy a year ago was because of the frameless windows... it made the car seem too cheap and the road noise was killer.
PGAero 12:54PM (2/11/2009)
Boxer,
If I bought a car based on off-road capability, the Subaru Outbacks have this (and any) Saab licked. No question about it. This Saab is somewhat of an image car, without a lot of additional capability to go with the plastic wheel arches. Personally, I hope it sells well in our image-driven market, if only to give Saab a boost.
Now, the A6 Allroad was cool. Height-adjustable suspension that actually make it pretty capable. My brother has one, and it's a solid car.
Generally, I'd go with an old 4Runner or something to get places.
MikeW 1:10PM (2/11/2009)
Subaru's four wheel drive is only rear biased with the 5 speed automatic and in the WRX sti.
Iteration 4 Haldex is really generation 2. The small differences / upgrades did not warrant a full generational upgrade.
The pump is gone now, that is a big change in how it operates.
The rear 'eLSD' only does one neat trick, yaw damping, and that only works when you are not on power.
The rear 'eLSD' does not vector power. It reduces the load on the traction control/ABS (only necessary on front open differential)
BoxerFanatic 1:42PM (2/11/2009)
There is a slight wistle through the driver's side mirror on 05-07 Legacy/Outback, with a little piece of foam tape, will be gone, as air gets blocked from going through the folding mirror joint, and whistling.
The Legacy 2.5 GT Spec B, and now the 3.0R Limited, both have Bilstein suspension, and ride very well from what I understand. I am hoping to get a test drive in a Spec B, and replace my struts and shocks with Spec B parts at the service interval.
lower trim models could use a little bit of damping tuning... but for Saab prices, the top end Subies are still cheaper.
But all subies have relatively LONG suspension travel compared to most other cars.
The frameless windows are silent, otherwise. Also, it allows the space that would be used for window frames to actually be allocated to structural integrity in the B-pillar and the roof rails, not just gaps and metal holding glass in place, when glass holds itself in place just fine.
There are LOTS of cars with frameless windows. I actually prefer them, for the reasons I mention, and in a wreck, the doors are less likely to be pinned shut by a twisted window frame.
Some people complain about Legacy's seats, but I have no problems at all. I drove the car home from the east coast to the midwest (4 days) and other than a little soreness in the right leg, it was comfortable, and I can do hours and hours with no trouble. I do hear that Saab seats are nice, so I'll grant that.
Subaru's 4-speed auto is front biased. 5-speed manual is 50-50 at ALL times, 5-speed auto, and 6-speed manual, both have variable torque distribution, and a static 55% rear bias and variable from there, STI having manual control over the torque bias with DCCD. It is a full 3-diff AWD system, more like longitudinal Quattro from Audi.
Audi's transverse Quattro is 4-motion, and Haldex, the same as FoMoCo and Saab use, generally. One front differential, a viscous coupling, or an electronic controlled clutch on a power-take-off, feeding a rear differential, and is usually reactive, and only the most sophisticated versions are not FWD until slip is detected. All of them (short of mid-engined Bugatti Veyron's $$$$ system) are front biased.
I like the frameless windows, and the seats don't bother me, and my Legacy is lowered for handling anyway, and ECU flashed for more power, so I am not seeing an upside to spending more for a Saab.
Rev 2:37PM (2/11/2009)
MikeW; when exactly did the 45/55 WRX become front-biased? Or is it 50/50 now with the 2009?
Sam 3:33PM (2/11/2009)
PGAero, I agree with you completely. I went from a 95 900 convertible to an 05 9-2x aero. I had the Saab for three years and had the 9-2x for about a year. The seats, paint, interior quality, stereo and torque characteristics were all inferior to the old 900. The 9-2 (and all Subarus I have sat in) was horribly uncomfortable. The 9-2x aero (5spd) was actually slower than my old 900 turbo (5spd), especially in real world driving. The Saab had power at every range. The 9-2x had to be above 3000 RPMs or it had nothing. And if the A/C was on forget about it. Despite its flaws, which were numerous, I regret getting rid of the 900 to this day. IMO, the only thing that Subaru has on Saab is reliability and resale value and those aren't even close. I have had great luck with Saabs but they do have their issues. I never had a problem with my 9-2x.
MikeW 7:55PM (2/11/2009)
45/55 was only in the 'high power' automatics, until Subaru started to cut costs.
So no more WRX automatic with center differential, such a shame. (or Forester)
The WRX stick is still 50/50
The center differential of the spec B Legacy is still 50/50, 35/65 would be way more fun!
In reality that 50/50 is more like 51/49, due to losses from the rear gear mesh of the transmission & the driveshaft drag.
I like frameless glass doors, in convertibles & coupes, and only when they drop down and go up, for better sealing.
inline6 12:52PM (2/11/2009)
I like this car.
If I had the money, I'd buy a new 9-3. Great driving dynamics, fantastic safety, solid engines, solid build, and I love the way they look. Plus, you don't have to get on a waiting list to buy one with a manual trans. Saabs still have higher than average manual trans take rates.
The 2008 facelift made the car much, much more attractive to my eyes.
The 9-3x is a good way to keep the division in the news, with new product to sell, while the failed 9-7x and hoary 9-5 get pensioned off, and while they're waiting for the new 9-5, 9-1, and 9-4x to come on stream.
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