04 Mar 08
The 9-X BioHybrid previews Saab's upcoming entry-level model, a compact but versatile shooting-brake style three-door hatchback.
Reminiscent of the old 900 Kombi, it will share much of its underpinnings with the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Astra, but will have very Saab-specific styling and tuning.
As its name suggests, it has a bioethanol-compatible hybrid powertrain: a 1.4-litre, 200bhp engine with supplementary electric motor, giving carbon dioxide emissions of just 105g/km and 44.1mpg when running on E85 fuel (85% ethanol), or 57.6mpg and 117g/km when using conventional petrol. Projected performance figures predict a top speed of 134mph and 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds using E85, and 119mph and 8.3 seconds using petrol. A solar cell in the glass roof traps energy and adds charge to the battery pack.
The 9-X's styling is influenced by that of the Aero-X and 9-X concept cars, and the production version (probably to take the 9-1 name) promises to be a very good-looking rival for the likes of the BMW 1-Series, Volvo C30 and Audi A3. It has clear references to aircraft fuselage, and its wheel hubs have a turbine-look design reflecting plane propellers.
Neat touches include an automatically-deploying roof spoiler and underbody diffuser, which emerge at 43mph to aid higher-speed aerodynamics; the spoiler also rises under heavy braking to increase downforce, and emphasise the brake lights with added reflectors. Front-mounted cameras scan the road ahead and oncoming light sources to trigger automatic switching between high- and dipped-beam headlights, a feature likely to appear in Saab production vehicles shortly. However, the touch-sensitive handle-free keyless entry system, and the tiny rear-view cameras replacing the door mirrors, are unlikely to make production in the near future.
The cabin seats four, with a wraparound instrument panel, fixed-hub steering wheel and wireless communications interface, and the cargo deck incorporates a powered slide-out floor with high-grip rubber surfaces, fully flat-folding rear seats and a split-opening tailgate. It features adjustable LED ambient lighting in a cool white.
Saab is also showing its 9-4X BioPower crossover concept in Europe for the first time.
Check out the rest of our Geneva Motor Show coverage.
