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Saab Introduces 9-4X Small SUV
Written by: Autocar staff   http://www.autocar.co.uk
01/08/2008 - 07:00 PM
Detroit, Mich.
 
GM showed the new Saab 9-4X and rammed home its eco-motoring initiatives. (Autocar photo) ยป More Photos

You are looking at the first official picture of Saab's new small SUV. It's called the 9-4X BioPower concept and, due to appear at the Detroit motor show next week, it's an all-new model designed to broaden Saab's brand appeal towards a more youthful customer.

The 9-4X features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that runs on E85 bio-ethanol and produces 300hp and 295lb ft of torque. It also got a four-wheel drive system designed to improve the car's driver appeal and all-round performance both on- and off the road, and once its starring role at Detroit is over, it's expected to make it to a road near you before the end of the decade.

Not just another concept

The Saab 9-4X BioPower concept previews the road-going 9-4X, which will be the first of several new Saabs intended to provide the brand with a model in every major premium segment.

Saab claims the 9-4X is specifically designed to "demonstrates a commitment to customers with outdoor leisure interests who seek a sporty driving experience that is more in harmony with nature."

Its design takes styling cues from
the influential Aero X concept, mainly in the interior and front end treatment of the car. Otherwise the design is intended to reflect "the Scandinavian principle of simplicity of form", and references the recently facelifted 9-3 in many areas.

Under the hood, the 9-4X's 2.0-liter BioPower engine demonstrates Saab's commitment to bioethanol as a fuel. The car's 300hp finds its way to the road via Saab's new asymmetrical Cross-wheel drive system, as seen on the new 9-3 Aero.

Inside, the 9-4X is a four-seater with a panoramic glass roof, and has a special ski gear storage system developed in conjunction with Salomon.

Production ready

Don't be fooled by the title "9-4X BioPower concept". This is as close to production ready as concepts get; even the technology is ready for the road.

Future products in Saab's plan will all share the 9-4X's attributes of progressive design, driver focus and performance with environmental credibility. The new BMW 1-series-rivalling 9-1, due at the summer's London show, will be among them.

Vicky Parrott/Autocar magazine.