Tuesday 1st November 2011

Next Saab 9-3 glimpsed In Grainy Sketch

Saab's not dead yet - Chinese money means ambitious model plans could come to life

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This is the first hint at the next-generation Saab 9-3, the car that the beleaguered Swedish manufacturer hopes will form the backbone of its recovery.

The final stamp of approval from the Chinese government still has to fall on last week's 100 million-euro deal to buy Saab Automobile, however. Providing that happens, the new 9-3 will be at the heart of an expanded multi-model line-up under Chinese companies Pang Da and Youngman.

The grainy sketch, uncovered by Swedish website SVD Näringsliv, was part of a presentation that Saab made last year to the European Investment Bank.

The new 9-3 is pencilled-in for a debut in 2013 or 2014 and will include fastback/hatch and convertible versions. These will join a 9-4x SUV and 9-5 estate, as well as an Audi A1 rival, expected to be badged 9-1.

But there are still plenty of hurdles to be negotiated before the new 9-3 sees the light of day - car production at the company isn't expected to start until early next year, and there are a lot of bills to pay after six months of inactivity at the firm's Trollhattan HQ.

Fortunately, Youngman and Pang Da have pledged 50m euros (£43m) to see Saab through its 'reorganisation process', with a promise of 615 million euros over the next couple of years to clear debts and get the new products into showrooms.

[cookie1600]

Better get a move on then, I'll be looking for a replacement as soon as the piccies and spec of the rag-top are out!

[thewheelman]

I wish Saab the best of luck.

[Benbay001]

Looks like the FT-86.. No?

[dave stew]

Lose the E Class Merc rear haunches!

[J4CKO]

Looks good, hint of the original 9-3 and most people wouldn't have need to have been told its a Saab to recognise it as one, I like it, Saab with an oriental flavour "Wasaabi"

[philmots]

With a bit of luck this will be released with a powerful petrol turbo to replace my current Saab!

I've had Renaults, Fords, BMW's and now a Saab and i don't want anything else (unless my numbers come up)

I'll have one at 3yrs old when it's dropped like a stone!

[Codswallop]

Looks promising. I hope they make a quirky 3 door model again this time round too (if they stay afloat long enough).

My dad had an original 900 3 door which I loved...

[billzeebub]

looks a promising design, would obviously like to see a clamshell bonnet, steeper raked windscreen and a more pronounced boot slope with a spoiler and the ubiquitous 3 spoke Aero alloys of the Classic Turbo but it looks to be a step in the right direction..Saab needs to get it's 'uniqueness' back irrespective of the owner..

..and a 3 door would probably tempt me into buying new for the first time in a very long time..

[fwaggie]

Dejavu... dejavu... dejavu...

So, once these Chinese companies have got bored with Saab losing money, who'll buy it next?

[LewisR]

IMO, Saab deserve a place on this planet. It really wouldn't bother me if Ssangyong, Hyundai, Kia & Perodua(?) all went under though.

[bobbylondonuk]

Saab needs its 'quirkiness' back. That is what makes Saab stand out and have a loyal customer base.

[Richard A]

dave stew said:

Lose the E Class Merc rear haunches!

[predding]

'Youngman'...for some reason cant get that YMCA song out of my head now

[will261058]

bobbylondonuk said:

Saab needs its 'quirkiness' back. That is what makes Saab stand out and have a loyal customer base.

While that would be desirable I think SAAB is more in need of volume right now rather than selling to niche markets.

[Ali_T]

Hmmm, completely mismatched wheelarch style FTW!

[Dr Banjo]

Looks very promising.

Love the way Saabs look different from the rest.

I just love em..

[Matt UK]

J4CKO said:

Saab with an oriental flavour "Wasaabi"

[the_hood]

Even though the current 9-3 is still looks good, it's desperatley dated in just about every area. This new 9-3 can't come soon enough.

[hardcorehobbit]

LewisR said:

IMO, Saab deserve a place on this planet. It really wouldn't bother me if Ssangyong, Hyundai, Kia & Perodua(?) all went under though.

Two of them I agree with, but what have Hyundai and Kia done to offend you recently?

Both companies, though working together, have brought to market some great looking small cars, sold reasonably cheaply to those who want them.

The new i40 is a lovely looking thing, as well as many others, including the new Picanto, which is one thing I never thought I'd say.

[bakerstreet]

hardcorehobbit said:

Two of them I agree with, but what have Hyundai and Kia done to offend you recently?

Both companies, though working together, have brought to market some great looking small cars, sold reasonably cheaply to those who want them.

The new i40 is a lovely looking thing, as well as many others, including the new Picanto, which is one thing I never thought I'd say.

I caught a glimpse of the i40 on a bill board recently. Great looking car.

The current 93 is a good looking car, but the Vectra underpinnings are just too dated now, especially as vauxhall have moved on with the insignia.

I'm worried that the lead time for the new model is just too long. The current model is struggling now, let alone two years time!