2003 Saab 9-3 Sport Hatch - AllCarIndex

Saab Hatches New 9-3 Concept

Saab declares its intention to enter a new market segment with the unveiling of its Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The distinctive, five-door, four-seater format offers sporty, driver-focused performance and innovative load-carrying features, while challenging the traditional distinction between a hatchback and wagon. It is designed for customers with active, outdoor lifestyles who seek a sporty and rewarding driving experience that also delivers the versatility they need.

Powered by a 250 bhp, 2.0-liter turbo engine with Saab Sentronic automatic transmission and a lowered, sports chassis sitting on 20-inch wheels, the 9-3 Sport Hatch Concept promises sharp performance to match its eye-catching looks.

It is intended to take Saab into the mid-size wagon segment for the first time by offering a distinctive alternative choice, with hatchback-like proportions that are reminiscent of the shape of its classic Saab 900 forebears. It also represents a further development of the Saab 9-5 wagon's sporty character.

The exterior and interior styling follows themes from the Saab 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept presented last year and the current 9-3 Sport Sedan. Versatility features that are innovative and surprising support Saab's concept of 'emotional functionality'.

Main highlights include:

   * Bold styling cues from Saab 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept

   * Compact, sporty stance backed by chassis with Saab ReAxs control

   * Four-seater layout with central 'clear zone' motif in front and rear

   * Information displays on demand via 'touch screen' functionality

   * Glass roof and recessed load fixing points to eliminate roof bars

   * Powered tailgate with innovative, integrated bike-carrying function

   * Extra storage floor below cargo deck

"Just as the 9-3X occupies a position where coupé meets off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback and wagon," says Michael Mauer, Saab's Head of Design. "It is the sort of product that should come from Saab and our customers will be able to buy a car very much like this."

The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is the latest development in the most comprehensive new product plan in Saab's history. Following the unveiling of the multi-dimensional 9X concept at Frankfurt two years ago, the 9-3X was shown at Detroit last year and the all-new 9-3 Sport Sedan went on sale in September. This fall the 9-3 Convertible was launched and next summer the all-wheel-drive Saab 9-2 model is scheduled to arrive in North America.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Body:
5-door format, 4-seat, powered tailgate; monocoque construction,

Engine:
Front, transversely-mounted, 2.0-liter, 16 valve, all-aluminum, turbocharged.
Saab Trionic 8 engine management system
Direct injection, variable valve timing, twin-scroll turbocharger, 1.2 bar max boost.
Max. power:250 bhp (184 kW) @ 5,500 rpm
Max. torque:350 Nm @ 2,500 rpm

Transmission:
5-speed, automatic with manual Saab Sentronic selection.
Steering wheel buttons. 2 intermediate gears on kick-down.

Steering:
Rack and pinion, power-assisted.
2.5 turns lock-to-lock

Suspension:
Front: MacPherson struts, lower A-arm, gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Rear: Independent, 4-link, gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Saab ReAxs passive rear-wheel steer characteristic

Brakes:
Front:378 mm, vent. steel discs. 4-piston callipers
Rear:328 mm, vent. steel discs. 2-piston callipers

Wheels/Tires:
20 x 8.5 inch, five-spoke alloy / 245/40R 20

Kerb weight:
1580 kilos

External dimensions:
Length: 4659 mm, Height: 1547 mm, Width: 1801 mm
Wheelbase: 2700 mm, Track (f): 1580 mm, (r) 1566 mm

Loadspace:
Volume: 410 liters (rear seats up), 1350 litres (rear seats folded)
Under floor:120 liters

Performance (projected):
Top speed: 250 kph (limited), 0-100 kph: 7.1 secs

source: Saab