Saab ventures off road (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Saab ventures off road

2:20pm Tuesday 16th November 2010 in Motoring By Steve Teale

Saab so very nearly went the way of Rover, Triumph and, dare we say, Jowett in becoming extinct.

General Motors didn’t want it or couldn’t afford it. BMW, Fiat, Hyundai, Renault and the little-known Koenigsegg were interested in taking over the brand.

One by one potential suitors fell by the wayside until, from somewhere, came the little Dutch sports car manufacturer Spyker.

Now Saab is back fighting. The company is promising to renew its entire line-up by the end of 2012, which is good considering how long it has been since we have seen a really new Saab.

As if to show off this new-found swagger, here is the most surprising new Saab, the 9-4X. This is its first foray into the 4x4 market and it is claimed to offer car-like driving dynamics, best-in-class performance and a 300bhp 2.8 litre V6 engine.

It will make its world premiere at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show and it will expand Saab’s product portfolio to three car lines, providing a fresh alternative for independently-minded crossover buyers.

In true Saab tradition, the 9-4X delivers on its sporty persona. It is configured around a unique, purpose-designed crossover body structure, which has been key to delivering its exceptional handling and ride properties. Car-like driving dynamics are supported by Saab’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, XWD, and DriveSense adaptive chassis control.

Under the bonnet nestles a compact and efficient V6 turbocharged engine. The 300bhp, 2.8-litre twin-scroll turbocharging engine is mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive electronic control.

Saab Automobile chief executive officer Jan Ake Jonsson said: “The 9-4X significantly broadens the appeal of the Saab brand.

“It gives us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that reflects our brand values in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design and sporty, responsible driving performance. The 9-4X is an exciting package and we’re confident it will appeal to many existing Saab owners, as well as win new customers for the brand.”

The 9-4X goes on sale in North America in May next year, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin from August. UK sales start late in 2011.

The Saab 9-4X will be offered with an efficient all-aluminium V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and Saab XWD. It delivers zero to 62mph acceleration in 8.3 seconds. Fuel consumption figures are still being finalised and will be published closer to launch.

Saab, meanwhile, celebrated its 50th anniversary in the UK in October. In 1960 Saab Great Britain was founded to import and distribute Saab cars as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Saab-Scania group. Half a century later, it now represents a UK market that has grown to become Saab Automobile’s largest in Europe outside Sweden.

Sales are expected to grow still further this year with the introduction of the full new 9-5 saloon range. Voted among the best new cars for 2011 in US Time magazine, Saab’s new flagship model comes with choice of six turbocharged engines, ranging in power from 160 to 300 hp, with CO2 emissions as low as 139g/km.

The latest 9-3 range has also been given cutting-edge appeal. Saab engineers have honed its turbo diesel engines to deliver class-leading CO2 emissions of just 119g/km, with exceptionally-low combined fuel consumption of 62.8 mpg. In terms of CO2 per unit of horsepower, the new 180hp 1.9-litre 9-3 saloon raises the bar for efficient performance in the compact segment. It is not only exempt from vehicle excise duty but it is the most powerful sub120g saloon on sale in the UK. For both private and fleet customers alike, it offers a frugal, tax-efficient solution that’s also fun to drive.

Saab Automobile is already putting in place plans that will fully exploit its technical and design expertise, both as a supplier, customer and business partner. For example, the next generation Saab 9-3 will benefit from an agreement signed last month for the supply of BMW turbo engines, which will be adapted by Saab engineers.

Advanced driveline transmission systems for electric vehicles are also under development in a new joint venture between Saab and American Axle Manufacturing (AAM), a world leader in the field. This technology could be used in a future Saab and other electric vehicles, systems for which will be evaluated in user trials with a fleet of 70 Saab 9-3 ePowers starting in Sweden early next year.

Jonathan Nash, Saab Great Britain’s managing director, said: “These are very exciting times for Saab. We have new products entering the market and new owners who are committed to the spirit of independent and innovative thinking on which our brand has been built.

“Our 50th birthday coincides with a strong increase in UK sales as confidence returns among our customers and dealers following the successful purchase of Saab Automobile. The company has a fully-funded business plan in place and we are looking forward to the next 50 years with as much enthusiasm as we are celebrating this historic milestone for Saab GB.”