MotorAuthority

Saab considering compact car for U.S. based on 9-X BioHybrid

Posted Wed Mar 5 2008 8:15 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Saab’s 9-X BioHybrid concept has been a big hit at Geneva, not only for its unique and interesting design, but because of its cues to a possibly entry-level Saab compact car. Bearing similarity to the previous Aero-X and 9-X concepts, the car managed to turn heads at the show and may just signal the return of Saab as a major player in the premium compact market.

The production model will likely be called the 9-1 and it will share a next-generation GM FWD platform with the next Opel Astra. With production likely to commence sometime after 2010, MotorTrend reports that the only real question left is whether the baby Saab will make it to the States. According to the source, Saab officials have confirmed the new 9-1 is being considered for North America and that it could arrive soon after the 2010 debut.

While the premium hatchback segment is big in Europe, in North America only the Mini Cooper has been a real success among the motoring public, whose sales have been buoyed by the brand’s charm and iconic status. The Saab, however, does have its interesting looks going for it, as well as some momentum from its previously well-received concepts such as the Aero-X. As long as GM puts its advertising power behind Saab and can maintain the quality and appearance customers expect in a premium brand, there's no reason there can't be more manufacturers in the premium hatch segment.

Saab 9-X BioPower Hybrid Concept

story Tags:

• Hatchbacks
• SAAB

Reader Comments

• Wed Mar 5 2008 8:40 AM

  chris says

  i'd like to point out that saab is talking about doing battle with their longtime rival volvo and the C30. I love the car and i really do think that there is going to be a huge market for premium compacts (if i had more money i wouldnt get a bigger car, just a better car), but the C30 isnt exactly a sales phenomenon. I think saab may want to rethink this move. just wait to see what the 1-series sells like. or the audi A1 if they ever get around to making that sex toy.... i mean 'mode of transportation'.

• Wed Mar 5 2008 9:40 AM

  Dave Perry says

  Since Saab does absolutely no advertising whatsoever just after freshening the 9-3 and sales are in the toilet, what makes anyone think would spend the coin to advertise their new products. Saab dealers are dying on the vine waiting for these idiots in North America to discover a charming practice called Marketing.

• Wed Mar 5 2008 1:07 PM

  chris says

  this just in; germany says small 2 door hatchbacks are a bad market in the USA.