Saab is hoping to attract new customers from the traditional SUV segment with the launch of its European sport wagon, the all new 9-3 SportCombi.

The SportCombi is available in two turbocharged models: a powerful 184kW 2.8 litre V6 Aero and attractive 110kW entry level 2.0 litre Linear.

Hot on the heels of the launch of the V6 Turbo 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan and Convertible, Saab Director Australia and New Zealand, Ralph Stevenson, says 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 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 engenders 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 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 capacity1 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 winner in Ward’s 10 Best Engine Awards 2006 for its “outstanding mix of performance and refinement”2, 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 350 Nm is spread between 1,8003 and 4,500 rpm, with 90 per cent of peak torque available from 1,500 rpm.

“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 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds (manual), with impressive pickup reaching 60 to 100 km/h within 6.4 seconds for effortless overtaking and highway cruising.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard on Aero SportCombi. The new optional six-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:

• Saab Parking Assistance
• 17 inch alloy wheels
• Colour matched exterior body skirts
• Fog lights, and • Electric driver seat.

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	110kW/240 Nm	$45,400 (manual)
		$47,500 (automatic)
9-3 Aero SportCombi	184kW/350Nm	$72,400 (manual)
		$74,900 (automatic)
Linear Sport Pack		$4,000

On sale

1st February, 2006

Additional SportCombi Options and Accessories

• Six-speed automatic transmission
• 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

1 VDA measurement
2 Ward’s AutoWorld media release, 8 December 2005
3 Peak torque figure of 1,800 rpm corrects previously advised figure of 2,000 rpm

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