Saab 9-3 SportHatch Concept makes UK debut at Canary Wharf MotorShow

[DarkPhenix]

Saab is displaying its 9-3 SportHatch Concept car for the first time in the UK at the Canary Wharf Motor Show, from Monday 14 June. The distinctive, five-door, four-seater format offers sporty, driver-focused performance and innovative load-carrying features, while challenging the traditional distinction between a hatchback and an estate. The 9-3 SportHatch Concept is a clear declaration of Saab's intention to enter a whole new market segment. It is designed for customers with active, outdoor lifestyles looking for a sporty and rewarding driving experience.

Powered by a 250 bhp, 2-litre turbo engine with Saab Sentronic automatic transmission and a lowered, sports chassis sitting on 20-inch wheels, the 93 Sport-Hatch Concept promises sharp performance to match its eye-catching looks.

It is intended to take Saab into the mid-size estate segment for the first time by offering a distinctive alternative choice, with hatchback-like proportions that are reminiscent of the shape of its classic Saab 900 forebears. It also represents a further development of the Saab 95 Estate's sporty character.

The exterior and interior styling follows themes from the Saab 93X 'cross-over coupé' concept and the current 93 Sport Saloon. Versatility features that are innovative and surprising support Saab's concept of 'emotional functionality'.

Main highlights include:

- Bold styling cues from Saab 93X 'cross-over coupé' concept
- Compact, sporty stance, backed by a chassis with Saab ReAxs control
- Four-seater layout with central 'clear zone' motif in front and rear
- Information displays on demand via touch screen functionality
- Glass roof and recessed load fixing points to eliminate roof bars
- Powered tailgate with innovative, integrated bike-carrying function
- Extra storage floor below cargo deck

The Canary Wharf Motor Show also offers an opportunity for the Swedish premium marque to spotlight its full range of performance models with stunning Aero clothing to give a rewarding and sporty driving experience..

Look out for the Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon, 9-3 Convertible and 9-5 Estate, all in sporty Aero trim.

The 9-3 versions feature Saab's 210 bhp engine to give it impressive reserves of speed and power along with special chassis settings for truly active driving.

The 9-5 Aero's most powerful 250 bhp High Output Turbo offers a searing 350 Nm of torque, matched by a lowered sports chassis and extra large ventilated disc brakes all round.

Inside all Saab Aero models ooze the quality and subtle design for which Scandinavia remains world renowned.

As another example of the Saab range, there is a 9-3 Convertible Vector 2.0t that appears on its smart 17 inch alloys, while the interior continues the performance and dynamics theme with classic leather highlighting the metal finish. Naturally Vector comes with cruise control, automatic climate control and Saab's Car Computer.

Saab prices start from just £16995 on the road.

[Coventrysucks]

One of the least interesting cars in attendence.
I don't know if I'll be going yet, but if I do I'll try to get pics of everything.