Saab 9-3 Sport Combi
News Staff - 1/Feb/2006
|
Saab 9-3 SportCombi
Two engines are offered: L4 and V6 turbos
New-look LED brakelights look superb
Optional 18-inch mags fill out the wheel arches
The Aero models get sports steering wheels and
leather seats, not to mention a complex centre stack
|
Arriving in Saab showrooms across Australia today is the new 9-3
SportCombi, which the company says will help the marque attract
new customers from
the traditional SUV segment.
The SportCombi is a wagon or estate vehicle, and is available in two
turbocharged models: a powerful 184kW 2.8-litre V6 Aero and attractive
110kW entry level 2.0-litre Linear with 240Nm of torque.
Hot on the heels of the launch of the V6
Turbo 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan and Convertible, Saab's local director,
Ralph Stevenson, says the SportCombi has the potential to kick
start the premium, mid-size wagon market in Australia.
“SportCombi puts Saab into the premium,
mid-size wagon segment for the first time, and at a great time. As the
market changes, sport wagons have the potential to carve out a
significant niche in Australia,” Mr Stevenson said.
“SportCombi will be a serious player in
the segment, and with its distinctive, fluid design and stand out
performance, it has the potential to become an iconic Euro wagon.”
Design
SportCombi takes the original
combi-coupe genes from the first Saab 99 Turbo and sets a new benchmark
for wagon design. Launching in a new hero colour, Fusion Blue, it is
also available in new Saab colours Jet Black and Arbor Green.
“SportCombi is an exciting return to the
head turning design Saab is famous for. It offers a unique combination
of sleek, sporty, hatch styling and wagon versatility. We believe it
will win new fans and strike a chord with Saab’s loyal hatch-back
lovers,” Mr Stevenson said.
SportCombi creates a dynamic impression
through its striking wedge-like profile, rising belt-line, Saab
signature ‘hockey stick’ D-pillar shape and a single side window
graphic.
A key design feature is the dramatic
rear quarter with high mounted, large, frosted LED rear 'Ice' light
lenses which further emphasise the fastback styling. The rear LEDs also
give greater reliability, lower energy consumption and faster
illumination under braking.
Cargo
SportCombi proudly combines form and
function in its interior design, adding versatility to the design
aesthetic of the 9-3 range. SportCombi has a surprisingly large
cargo deck and a wide-opening, light-weight alloy tailgate. The
tailgate is also hinged internally, giving it a clean look and
improving access and loading capability.
SportCombi offers adaptable load-carrying
capability with 60/40 split rear seat-back and ski-hatch. The optional
flat folding front passenger seat, Passfold, available on Linear
further enhances the versatility of SportCombi. Passfold ensures
SportCombi can carry sports equipment, such as surfboards, entirely
inside the vehicle, making it ideal for people with active lifestyles.
The compact rear suspension design also
ensures useful cargo space free from intrusion, with useable cargo
capacity of 419 litres (seats up) and 1273 litres (seats down). It also has a TwinFloor stowage area,
accessed via the aircraft-shaped handle in the cargo floor, a tribute
to Saab’s aviation heritage.
Aero
Joining its 9-3 siblings, Aero
SportCombi is powered by the award-winning performance of the
turbocharged Saab 2.8 litre V6 engine.
Saab’s V6 Turbo was a proud winner in
Ward’s 10 Best Engine Awards 2006 for its “outstanding mix of
performance and refinement”, recognising Saab’s leadership in
turbocharging engines.
The award-winning engine is the best
performance engine to go into a Saab. Boasting class-leading low end
torque, its maximum pulling power of 350Nm is spread between 1800
and 4500rpm, with 90 per cent of peak torque available from 1500rpm.
“With 184kW of turbocharged power at your
disposal, Aero SportCombi delivers a truly fun-to-drive experience.
Aero SportCombi marries the performance of a sports car and the
functionality of a wagon without compromising either,” Mr Stevenson
said.
Aero SportCombi records zero to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds (manual), with impressive pickup reaching 60 to
100km/h within 6.4 seconds for effortless overtaking and highway
cruising.
A 6-speed manual transmission is
standard on Aero SportCombi. The new optional 6-speed automatic
transmission, which debuted in the 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan and
Convertible, is also available on the Aero SportCombi.
New 17 x 7.5 inch five-spoke alloy wheels
are standard on Aero SportCombi. A new optional 18 x 7.5 inch 10-spoke
alloy is also available, enhancing both the sporty character and
performance and handling of the vehicle.
Other Aero model highlights include:
The upgraded, new generation Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) package ESP Plus, adapted for more active driving and brake fade compensation Retuned chassis and suspension complementing the V6 Turbo engine Twin sports exhaust giving the car an exhilarating performance exhaust note Sports body kit and matt chrome exterior highlights.
Linear
Hitting a very attractive price point, the Linear SportCombi represents exceptional value in the prestige segment.
Linear SportCombi is a lifestyle vehicle
offering Swedish style, performance and versatility in a fuel efficient
package. The 2.0-litre, turbocharged four cylinder Linear SportCombi
generates 110kW and 240Nm of torque.
In line with the respecified 9-3 Linear
Luxury Sport Sedan, Linear SportCombi offers an impressive list of
features, including: ESP, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control,
automatic climate control, chilled glove box and heated leather seats
as standard.
A Linear Sport pack option is available for SportCombi, which includes:
Safety
Saab continues its
safety leadership with clever features such as ComSense standard across
the range. ComSense minimises the potential for driver distraction
through ‘dynamic workload management’ which briefly suppresses in-car
warning messages and phone calls at any time when the driver is under a
high degree of workload, such as heavy braking.
Saab also boasts the following standard safety features:
ESP (Linear)/ESP Plus (Aero) Anti-lock Braking System Electronic Brake force Distribution Mechanical Brake Assist Cornering Brake Control System (with brake throttle intervention) Adaptive dual stage front driver and passenger airbags Front seat mounted head/thorax side airbags Strong steel safety cage to protect the passenger compartment Roof rail airbags Saab Active Head Restraints, and Anti-submarining front and rear seats
Pricing  9-3 Linear SportCombi $45,400 (manual) $47,500 (automatic)
9-3 Aero SportCombi $72,400
(manual) $74,900
(automatic)
Linear Sport Pack $4,000
On sale
1 February
Additional SportCombi Options and Accessories
6-speed automatic transmission 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels Bi-xenon headlamps with auto levelling and washers Fold flat front passenger seat (Linear only) Saab Parking Assistance Roof mounted bike carrier Remote anti-theft alarm Glass sunroof Electrically foldable door mirrors (Aero only) Saab Integrated Telephone with SIM card read and Blue-tooth connectivity
|
