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

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

elsewhere as the SportWagon) is Saab's 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 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 rigidity, and

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

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 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.