The new face of Saab's forthcoming 9-3 replacement has been unveiled. The 2008 model will sport a restyled bonnet and grille treatment - designed to bring it in line with the recently refreshed 9-5 - and a new all-wheel drive system for top-end models.
The new bonnet marks a return of Saab's 'clamshell' design, while the front bumper and wing sculpting is claimed to project a "more focussed and assertive stance", giving the range a distinctive Saab identity.
Saab says the 9-3 range, which will be available in Convertible, saloon and Sportwagon variations come September, has been influenced by the Aero X concept unveiled at the
2006 Geneva Auto Show. The new model sports Saab's 'signature' lighting, which will be joined by revised door panels and rear styling, incorporating clear taillight lenses as seen on current Sportwagon variations.
The new car will be offered with an all-wheel-drive system for the first time, which should help put power down to the tarmac and control the torque steer that sometimes plagues Saab's high-performance models. The petrol and diesel engines currently on offer are expected to soldier on unchanged, though new units may round out the line-up shortly after the car's initial unveiling. Saab's BioPower engines running on E85-grade ethanol are also anticipated.
Eric Gallina - 7 Jun 2007