Dubai Motor Show sees Middle East premiere of Saab 9-3 SportCombi

"The 2006 9-3 SportCombi will appeal to customers who need the versatility of a wagon, including smart load-carrying features and a generously proportioned cargo area, without compromising their desire for driving satisfaction," said Fadi Ghosn, regional director of Premium Brands, General Motors Middle East.

"Its strong, compact proportions reaffirm Saab's tradition of sporty, versatile cars and its cohesive five-door styling and solid, muscular stance clearly mark the SportCombi as a member of the 9-3 family."

Like the rest of the popular 9-3 range, the Saab 9-3 SportCombi is designed to deliver a unique, fun-to-drive experience that sets the standard for its class. The latest addition to the Saab line-up continues the Saab tradition of five-door models that began in 1959 with the Saab 95 Wagon. In 1973, Saab launched another landmark design with the innovative Saab 99 Combi Coupe.

The top-of-the-line, high-performance Aero SportCombi model features an all-new turbocharged aluminium 2.8L V-6 engine that makes 250 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox comes standard, and a six-speed Sentronic automatic with steering wheel controls is available. The SportCombi can also be ordered with Saab's 150 horsepower in-line 4-cylinder turbo.

With a wedge-like profile and Saab signature styling cues, the close-coupled proportions of the SportCombi include useful load-carrying features and a surprisingly spacious cargo area.
The exterior also offers a sporty, distinctive alternative to conventional wagon proportions, with the traditional Saab "hockey stick" beltline, fastback rear quarter styling, steeply raked taillight lenses and LED bulbs.

The 9-3 SportCombi has zero lift levels at both axles. The car has an excellent drag coefficient of 0.33, impressive high-speed stability, and a standard integrated rear roof spoiler. Inside, the main cargo area floor lifts to divide the space into two separate sections and to reveal additional storage in the recessed sub-floor.

With a steeply raked windshield, wedge-like profile and short front and rear overhangs, the 9-3 model conveys a sense of movement even while standing still. The shape of the windows combines with the sleek, integrated headlights and grille to emphasize the distinctive Saab identity.

The Saab 9-3 line-up, which includes sedan, convertible Linear, Arc and Aero models in addition to the new SportCombi, is the product of the most exhaustive development program in chassis dynamics undertaken by Saab. The 9-3 line-up is built from 'the driver outward,' meaning the cabin ergonomics, instrumentation, controls and seating position are all developed from the driver's perspective. As a result, the advanced safety features benefit all who use these vehicles.

The new 2.8L V-6 Turbo is the most sophisticated turbocharged engine ever offered in a Saab vehicle, delivering excellent responsiveness through low-speed torque and high-rpm power, as well as exceptional refinement. It features a technologically advanced 60-degree, dual overhead-cam architecture designed to produce strong power and excellent fuel economy to meet different needs in markets around the world.

Technology such as a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable intake valve timing helps the 2.8L V-6 Turbo achieve 250 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque in the 9-3. The V-6 has a lightweight aluminium cylinder block with iron cylinder sleeves, an aluminium structural oil pan and aluminium cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder.