Revealed: Saab 9-3X
* High-riding estate launched * Two engine options * On sale May, prices from 30,000...
This is the Saab 9-3X, a new high-riding estate.
It is powered by a turbocharged 207bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a four-wheel-drive system, or a 177bhp 1.9-litre diesel engine linked to front-wheel drive.
The 2.0-litre unit produces 221lbft of pulling power, and can accelerate the 9-3X from 0-60mph in 8.2secs.
A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard, with an automatic gearbox available as an option. Linked to the manual, the 9-3X will return 34mpg and emit 199g/km of CO2. With the automatic it will return 28mpg and emit 242g/km of CO2.
The diesel engine produces 295lbft of pulling power.
It is also available with a manual gearbox as standard, and an optional automatic gearbox. With the manual it returns 51.4mpg and emits 144g/km of CO2, while with the automatic it returns 40.9mpg and emits 182g/km of CO2.
Off-road credentials
To boost ground clearance, the chassis is 35mm higher on the four-wheel drive version of the car, and 20mm higher on the front-wheel drive car.
Emphasising the car's rugged appeal, the bumpers, side sills and wheelarches are finished in a dark grey protective covering.
'The 9-3X is an efficient all-rounder for anyone who doesn't want or need an SUV-type vehicle,' says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief.
The interior
Inside, the 9-3X has 419 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, and 1287 litres with the boot down.
The rear seats fold 60:40 and incorporate a ski hatch that folds down.
The 9-3X has a revised trim from the standard 9-3, including dark metallic detailing and sports seats.
Prices will be released around May, but they're expected to begin at around 30,000.
