Following suggestions at the
Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year, Saab has officially announced its first SUV, the 9-7X. Due to make its debut at the
2004 New York Auto Show next April before launching in 2005, Saab describes the 9-7X as a continuation of 'the biggest product offensive in its history'. Maybe 'the biggest offensive product' would be more appropriate?
It's not that I have anything against these vehicles, indeed I openly admit to having an unhealthy penchant for the current
Range Rover, but one does wonder whether we really need yet another SUV clogging the arteries of cities every school morning. The answer is of course no, and thankfully Saab have, for the time being, realised this - the 9-7X is initially to be produced exclusively for the United States and Canadian markets.
Of course this makes perfect sense, for the North American luxury SUV market is currently one of the fastest growing automotive segments, and Saab are under increasing pressure from GM to return a profit. So what better way than attacking a lucrative segment with a home-built car (the 9-7X is to be produced in Ohio) based on the existing GM mid-sized SUV platform?
The 9-7X is to be offered with a choice of two engines, and permanent four-wheel drive (as denoted by the 'X'). It forms part of Saab's commitment to introduce one new vehicle or concept each year for five years and continues the line from the 9-X, the
9-3 and the 9-3X concepts.
Saab has so far only released an artist's impression of the 9-7X and it remains to be seen in April exactly how unique it will end up looking. As it is to be built in America on a platform currently in use throughout the GM range, one wonders just how much the GM influence will affect the 9-7X. Somehow though, one would expect Saab to be shrewd enough to go for a global appeal, so come 2006 we are rather likely to see it 'gracing' these shores.
Adam Jefferson - 6 Dec 2003