NEW Saab 9-3 Wagon

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The new 9-3 SportCombi takes Saab into the premium, mid-size wagon segment for the first time by combining distinctive design, sporty driving dynamics and the functionality of a five-door. Its strong, compact proportions are a bold reaffirmation of a Saab tradition of designing cars that are sporty in character and versatile in use. The cohesive five-door styling and solid, muscular stance give the 9-3 SportCombi a clear, stand-out identity within the Saab 9-3 range.

Making its public debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show and due to go on sale in Europe and the United States from the fourth quarter of 2005, the 9-3 Sport Combi will appeal to customers who require the versatility of a wagon, including smart load-carrying features and a generously proportioned cargo area, without compromising their desire for driving satisfaction.

The SportCombi rounds out Saab's best selling range of cars, the 9-3. 27,139 Saab 9-3's were sold in 2004, over 6,100 of which were convertibles. Building on Saab's reputation for progressive design and high fun-to-drive quotient, the 9-3 SportCombi is poised to open up major new sales opportunities for the brand.

The high performance Aero model features an all-new turbocharged V6 that makes 250 HP and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine will also be available in the 2006 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan and 9-3 Aero Convertible. The SportCombi can also be ordered with Saab's 210 HP in-line 4-cylinder turbo.

Strong performance
The impressive powertrain line-up is led by the launch of a sophisticated new 2.8 V6 Turbo engine. The SportCombi inherits the outstanding chassis dynamics of the Sport Sedan, with a 'fun-to-drive' appeal that concedes nothing to its functionality as a versatile, five-door car.

- New aluminum 2.8 V6 Turbo. 250 HP (184 kW), exclusive to top-of-the-line Aero, with 32-valves, DOHC, variable intake valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger.

- The unique Saab ReAxs rear wheel steer characteristic from the Sport Sedan gives enhanced driver feedback and control for excellent handling and stability.

- The rigid five-door body structure provides a solid foundation for the car's sporty handling, refinement and outstanding safety characteristics. Torsional rigidity (21,000 Nm/degree) only marginally less than that of the Sport Sedan, despite the open five-door body format.

- New generation Saab-tuned ESP and ESP Plus. All 2.8 V6 Turbo variants include ESP Plus, with Hill Start Assist for manual gearboxes to prevent roll back.

Source : Saab