Geneva 2009: Saab 9-3x

Saab's answer to the Volvo XC70 and Subaru Outback has finally debuted.  Although spy shots have been circulating for what honestly seems like eternity, the first official pictures of Saab's newest model, the 9-3x, have finally arrived.  Read on for the low-down of this niche-stuffer.

On the outside, it's... well, a 9-3 SportCombi (that's "wagon" to those of us not drinking the cool-aid!) with more ground clearance and some black plastic cladding.  Call it a 9-3 Cross Country.  It's nothing new.

Of course, the basic 9-3 SportCombi is quite a pretty car, so the 9-3x is only a little uglier.  Ground clearance is increased by 1.4" over the standard 9-3 wagon, so don't go taking this one down the Rubicon trail.  New 17" wheels, twin tail pipes, and some brushed "aluminum look" trim round out the external differences.

The 9-3x utilizes Saab's "XWD" all-wheel-drive system, which is fourth-generation Haldex, with an active-torque-apportioning rear differential for neutral handling characteristics.  The sole powertrain (at least at this point) will be Saab's Ecotec-based 2.0L 16v Turbo I4, making 210 horsepower.  You can have 6 gears, with a clutch pedal or without.  It has been said that XWD and Saab's TTiD twin-turbo inline four diesel engine are not compatible, which is really a shame.  The combination of that 180 horsepower diesel, nearly 400lb-ft of torque, a 6-speed and XWD in the 9-3x would be very tempting indeed.

The 9-3x is hardly big news in the industry - really, it's a 9-3 SportCombi XWD with a bit more ground clearance and some plastic fenders - but it will at least help Saab move a few more units, which it desperately needs to do.  And in today's market where many luxury buyers are going away from the traditional SUV, the 9-3x could be just the thing they want.