19/09/2003 - New 9-3 at Frankfurt

Saab declares its intention to enter a new market segment with the unveiling of its Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The distinctive, five-door, four-seater format offers sporty, driver-focused performance and innovative load-carrying features, while challenging the traditional distinction between a hatchback and wagon.

It is designed for customers with active, outdoor lifestyles who seek a sporty and rewarding driving experience that also delivers the versatility they need.

Powered by a 250 bhp, 2.0-liter turbo engine with Saab Sentronic automatic transmission and a lowered, sports chassis sitting on 20-inch wheels, the 9-3 Sport Hatch Concept promises sharp performance to match its eye-catching looks.

It is intended to take Saab into the mid-size wagon segment for the first time by offering a distinctive alternative choice, with hatchback-like proportions that are reminiscent of the shape of its classic Saab 900 forebears. It also represents a further development of the Saab 9-5 wagon's sporty character.

The exterior and interior styling follows themes from the Saab 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept presented last year and the current 9-3 Sport Sedan. Versatility features that are innovative and surprising support Saab's concept of 'emotional functionality'.

Main highlights include:

• Bold styling cues from Saab 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept
• Compact, sporty stance backed by chassis with Saab ReAxs control
• Four-seater layout with central 'clear zone' motif in front and rear
• Information displays on demand via 'touch screen' functionality
• Glass roof and recessed load fixing points to eliminate roof bars
• Powered tailgate with innovative, integrated bike-carrying function
• Extra storage floor below cargo deck

"Just as the 9-3X occupies a position where coupé meets off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback and wagon," says Michael Mauer, Saab's Head of Design. "It is the sort of product that should come from Saab and our customers will soon be able to buy a car very much like this."

The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is the latest development in the most comprehensive new product plan in Saab's history. Following the unveiling of the multi-dimensional 9X concept at Frankfurt two years ago, the 9-3X was shown at Detroit last year and the all-new 9-3 Sport Sedan went on sale in September. This fall the 9-3 Convertible was launched and next summer the all-wheel-drive Saab 9-2 model is scheduled to arrive in North America.

Visit the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Microsite