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2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi Preview

Versatile Swede

At the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, Saab will introduce yet another vehicle into its rapidly-expanding family. The 9-3 SportCombi (sold elsewhere as the SportWagon) is Saabs third wagon, fitting in between the larger 9-5 and smaller Subaru-based 9-2x, propelling the Swedish firm into the sporty lifestyle station wagon market. Occupied by the likes of the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3-Series Touring, Jaguar X-Type Wagon and the Lexus IS 300 SportCross, these cars aim to carry more but still please the eyes of their owners, by trading off maximum load-lugging capabilities for style and flair.

When the second-generation 9-3 was launched in 2003, Saab fans around

The 9-3 SportCombi is Saabs third wagon, fitting in between the larger 9-5 and smaller Subaru-based 9-2x. (Photo: General Motors)

the world were shocked, because the brand had dropped the hatchback body style. Devotees argued that the hatchback is what made the smaller Saab stick out visually amongst the masses of compact luxury cars, with its additional practicality and space.

However, Saab had its own reasons for dropping the bodystyle, namely that it sacrificed all-important structural

The 9-3 SportCombi is a true Saab, something that fans should be pleased about. (Photo: General Motors)

rigidity, and that hatchbacks proved to be far less popular than conventional sedans in the compact luxury segment.

Some call it brand dilution, loss of identity, or even treason, but it must be recounted that Saab was in a life-and-death situation. The $500 million yearly losses of the Swedish brand prompted the money-shakers at GM to dictate the final ultimatum: become profitable, or face the chopping block. Compared to its makeshift 9-2x and 9-7x models which are a rehashed

The Combi ought to be a suitable upgrade for long-term Saab owners wishing to move up from their hatchback 900s or first-generation 9-3s. (Photo: General Motors)

Subaru Impreza Wagon and a Chevrolet Trailblazer respectively, and North American exclusives, the 9-3 SportCombi is a true Saab, something that fans should be pleased about.

While the SportCombi isnt the hatchback that hardcore Saabians have been demanding for the past two years, the 9-3 SportCombi should answer the cries for a midsized Saab with practicality. The Combi ought to be a suitable upgrade for long-term Saab owners wishing to move up from their hatchback 900s or first-generation 9-3s without defaulting to the

The tapered and inset rear windows feature unique curves which are akin to hockey sticks. (Photo: General Motors)

new 9-3 SportSedan. Saab also hopes to attract to the brand a few people in the market for a compact wagon, in the same way the SportSedan brought in first-timers.

The 9-3 SportCombi is essentially the production-ready version of the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept which debuted at the Frankfurt Motorshow in 2003. Like the concept, styled by Taras Czornyj, the SportCombi uses certain optical tricks to lower the cars focal center of gravity, preserving the sedans sporty look. The tapered and inset rear windows feature unique curves which are akin to hockey sticks, while the upper window line is angled in such a manner as to convey a sweeping motion from front to rear.

The 9-3 SportCombi is the vehicle in which Saab will introduce an all-new 2.8-liter turbocharged V6. (Photo: General Motors)

Matching the wedge-like profile and provocative bodywork is the steeply-raked tailgate. The uncluttered lift gate, with its simple aluminum patina, stretches below the bumper line for easy loading. The Sport in the SportCombis styling is also exercised at the rear through an integrated rooftop spoiler, dual cannon-style exhaust tips and the pillar-like, frosty white LED tail lamps.

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