The base model has essentially the same I4 turbocharged engine Saab's used for 20 years.

You can make an arguement that the Aero version is a "sport" Combi, but that model won't be available initially in the States, from what I have read. I'm sure it'll put it up in quite a bit higher price bracket than the $28K the base model runs at. Will it compete pricewise with the 9-5 "SportWagon"? Is the Aero supposed to be Saab's answer to Audi's S4 Avant?

If this is Saab's attempt to compete with the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3-series wagon, Mercedes C-Class wagon, Lexus IS300 wagon, and Volvo V50 wagon, IMHO from what I've seen so far they fall short. It looks more like an "also-ran" than a revolution.

Who's this model targeted to? This isn't a hatchback like the initial concept model led us to believe (SportHatch). It's a wagon. Essentially this seems to be a smaller, less expensive 9-5 SportWagon. Is there a big segment of the Saab-buying public who really want a 9-5 wagon but can't afford it so they'll settle for this?

Not surprisingly the best elements of the SportHatch concept have been eliminated from the SportCombi, producing essentially a watered-down 9-3SS with a bubble-butt and universally-hated taillamps.

Did Saab marketing have any focus groups feedback on this product?

I'm sorry to be so negative, but I really would like to see a true hatchback version of the 9-3 in the vein of the C900. I was temporarily blinded by some of the revolutionary features of the concept which made me forget that it's a wagon. But this production version looks like just another wagon. Anyone can stick a bubble butt on a sedan and call it a "SportHatch". Doesn't make it true.

posted by 66.81.244...

• SportCombi Pics, saw, Tue, 1 Mar 2005 18:48:04
  • I like it a lot except for the frosted rear lights..., AdamB , Wed, 2 Mar 2005 20:19:55
  • Should have built the 9X..., Yak, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 19:41:44
  • Re: SportCombi Pics, kaslop, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 15:34:24
  • Kind of looks like a Dodge Magnum, SilverAeroGuy, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 11:51:57
  • Like how far that hatch opens...no bruised foreheads, KB900psi, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 11:30:22
    • Yao Ming, is that you?, Draken, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 13:35:39
      • Yes..., KB900psi, Thu, 3 Mar 2005 10:41:10
  • How is SportCombi differnet than a wagon?...nm, Al S, Tue, 1 Mar 2005 20:23:03
    • What's "sport" about it?, Draken, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 13:17:45 <-- Viewing This Message
      • Before you bash it, get your facts straight, turrbo , Wed, 2 Mar 2005 17:09:15
        • You're right about the 9-2x, Finch, Thu, 3 Mar 2005 09:47:30
        • Re: Before you bash it, get your facts straight, Draken, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 19:39:41
    • Re: How is SportCombi differnet than a wagon?...nm, Bill in VA, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 10:51:11
    • SportCombi=SAAB; Now days generally wagon=SUV ;-), saw, Tue, 1 Mar 2005 20:50:47
  • Too bad about the HVAC controls.., dparadis , Tue, 1 Mar 2005 19:24:02
    • Re: Too bad about the HVAC controls.., steveC, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 15:29:04
    • Who is to say..., Finch, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 11:45:11
      • Finch, I agree...., 99 9-3 HOT, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 13:21:02
    • at least no more knobs snapping off, Heckler, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 05:38:11
    • Re: Too bad about the HVAC controls.., compaqted, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 05:34:31
      • Plethora of buttons, Draken, Thu, 3 Mar 2005 14:41:59
        • Buicks have them, Brett, Thu, 3 Mar 2005 16:39:25
          • That's pretty funny! nm, Draken, Thu, 3 Mar 2005 20:37:55
      • They sold out..., Caarma , Wed, 2 Mar 2005 08:22:41
        • Less BMW-like, Draken, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 13:24:51
        • Re: They sold out..., Bill Homer , Wed, 2 Mar 2005 10:38:47
    • very true on the controls, saw, Tue, 1 Mar 2005 21:56:28
      • Looks more like auto climate control . . ., Mike in Anchorage, Tue, 1 Mar 2005 22:10:15
        • Looks like dual auto climate control..., JustinHiFi , Tue, 1 Mar 2005 23:30:28
          • I love buttons. The more the merrier!, NickR, Wed, 2 Mar 2005 06:52:13

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