The all-new Saab 9-3 SportWagon, announced Monday 14th February 2005 in Europe, takes Saab into the growing premium, mid-size wagon segment. The new 9-3 SportWagon combines distinctive design with sporty driving dynamics.

Its strong, compact proportions closely adhere to the Saab tradition of designing cars that are sporty in character and versatile in use. The cohesive five-door styling and a muscular, 'hewn from solid' stance give the 9-3 SportWagon a clear identity within the Saab 9-3 range.

Making its public debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show, the SportWagon will appeal to customers who require the versatility of an wagon, including smart load-carrying features and a generously proportioned cargo area, without compromising their desire for driving satisfaction.

Last year, Europe's growing premium mid-size estate segment reached a quarter of a million units, with the UK accounting for almost 50,000 of these. Diesel engines accounted for 60 per cent of UK premium mid-size estate sales, and 70 per cent of overall European sales. In Europe the model will be known as the 9-3 SportCombi.

Building on Saab's reputation for sporty, versatile Scandinavian design, and offering strong turbo diesel and petrol powertrain options, the 9-3 SportWagon will open up major new sales opportunities for Saab.

In addition to a comprehensive seven-engine line-up, the Aero model will launch an all-new, high performance, 250 bhp, 24-valve, 2.8-litre V6 Turbo – the first in the segment to have a turbocharged six cylinder engine. The new V6 Turbo will also be available, in Europe, in the 9-3 Aero Sport Saloon and Convertible models from September.

With a striking, wedge-like profile and Saab 'signature' styling cues, the proportions of the 9-3 SportWagon provide a spacious cargo area (rear seat up/down volume of 419/1273 litres VDA). Rear three quarter styling includes frosted, steeply raked rear light lenses and LED bulbs.

The SportWagon comes with a TwinFloor stowage facility. By pulling a chrome, aircraft-shaped handle, the main boot floor can be folded and relocated for access to a recessed sub-floor.

This 9-3 is the first Saab to achieve zero lift levels at both axles, (0.00 Clf and 0.00 Clr). It has low drag with excellent 0.33 Cd and high speed stability, and integrated rear roof spoiler.

The 9-3 SportWagon inherits the outstanding chassis dynamics of the 9-3 Sport Saloon, with a fun-to-drive appeal that concedes nothing to its functionality as a versatile, five-door car.

• The unique Saab ReAxs rear wheel steer characteristic from the 9-3 Sport Saloon gives enhanced driver feedback and control for excellent handling and stability.
• The rigid five-door body structure provides a solid foundation for the car's sporty handling, refinement and outstanding safety characteristics. Torsional rigidity (21,000 Nm/degree) matches that of the 9-3 Sport Saloon, despite the open five-door body format.
• New generation Saab-tuned ESP and ESP Plus. All 2.8 V6 Turbo variants include ESP Plus, with Hill Start Assist for manual gearboxes, to prevent roll back.