Saab 9 X Air E

This is Saab's 9-X Air Concept, which provides a "tantalising glimpse of what a future convertible from Saab could look like" we're told. In other words, this is probably a preview of a new small convertible that will do battle with the Audi A3 Cabrio and BMW 1-Series Convertible. The new Saab 9-X Air features what the Swedish company calls a "Canopy Top"; a targa-style canvas roof that straddles the fixed rear pillars and the windscreen frame. These truncated pillars reduce buffeting and improve safety while also making the 9-X Air look like a coupé from most angles. It's also likely to be a cost-effective and low-weight alternative to a full convertible roof and Saab says it has already filed a patent for this radical convertible roof design. Given that most people who drop the roof put up the windows and a rear wind deflector, it makes a lot of sense to us. The slide-out 'shelf' that replaces the 9-X Air's boot is unlikely to make production, however. The 9-X Air is powered by a 1.4-litre, turbo-charged, bio-ethanol, hybrid engine that produces 200hp, enough for a 0-100km/h sprint of 8.1 seconds. CO2 emissions are expected to be as low as 107g/km over the combined cycle. The production version of the Saab 9-X will possibly be badged "Saab 9-1" and is at least a year-and-a-half away. It will be built on the same Delta II platform as the Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze although it will probably have a bespoke rear suspension instead of those car's torsion-beam setups. This is the kind of car we need from Saab desirable, sexy and innovative. Unfortunately the biofuel stuff seems to excite the Swedes only. For more information log onto www.cbg.ie

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Autos & Vehicles

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• At last
• sexy and innovative.