.jpg?p=120522_05:21)
.jpg?p=120522_05:22)
.jpg?p=120522_05:23)
.jpg?p=120522_05:24)
.jpg?p=111221_03:51)
As jobs go, this car has quite a big one. It's the new Saab 9-4X, and it has to make Saab a lot of money. And where do you go to make a lot of money? America!
Saab, now owned by Spyker, confirmed to TopGear.com that this new 9-4X is pitched 'predominantly' for the petrol-hungry shores of the US, sharing its platform with sister car the Cadillac SRX. Both are built at the company's Mexican plant.
See more pics of the 9-4X
This means the funky crossover SUV will get a limited appeal for our small island as Saab has not confirmed any plans for a diesel model.
It gets just one engine, a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine with 300bhp, good for a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds, mated to a six-speed auto box and Saab's all-wheel-drive system. There's an electronic limited-slip diff and a trio of chassis settings, including 'Intelligent', 'Comfort' and 'Sport'.
As with any Saab you will ever buy everything is influenced by ruddy aeroplanes, so the cabin is 'cockpit-inspired', the windscreen is 'wraparound', and you even get an aircraft-style speed readout.
There's a reversing camera, a Bose 5.1 surround sound audio system, keyless entry/exit and rear screens for the passengers. You even ride on 20s.
The 9-4X will debut at next month's LA motor show and hit the good ol' US of A in May 2011, which is good because America is opening its eyes to the idea of crossover SUVs. It will come to UK dealers late next year, but with no diesel, will you want one?
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
ronald commented on this article
at 12:33 pm on 19 October 2010
He Victor, Wanna save some Dollars? skip the "intelligent" part of the settings. The car is for the US market.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
DoubleT commented on this article
at 02:34 pm on 19 October 2010
Pay extra and get the petrol one. I'm sure it sounds better (:
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Toomy commented on this article
at 04:21 pm on 19 October 2010
Ronald - bit unfair about the US and intelligent remark - they have big, fast cars that are really cheap and they have cheap fuel - I should be so lucky PS Love the Saab - reminds me of a Merc ML
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
skul commented on this article
at 06:18 pm on 19 October 2010
Looks bloated and old like its from the 90's or something
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
airbuggy commented on this article
at 06:32 pm on 19 October 2010
haven't saab seen what happens when an SUV doesn't have a diesel???
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.