2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi Preview

While the SportCombi isn't the hatchback that hardcore Saabians have been demanding for the past two years, the 9-3

The Combi ought to be a suitable upgrade for long-term Saab owners wishing to move up from their hatchback 900s or first-generation 9-3s. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

SportCombi should answer the cries for a midsized Saab with practicality. The Combi ought to be a suitable upgrade for long-term Saab owners wishing to move up from their hatchback 900s or first-generation 9-3s without defaulting to the new 9-3 SportSedan. Saab also hopes to attract to the brand a few people in the market for a compact wagon, in the same way the SportSedan brought in first-timers.

The 9-3 SportCombi is essentially the production-ready version of the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept which debuted at the Frankfurt Motorshow in 2003. Like the concept, styled by Taras Czornyj, the SportCombi uses certain optical tricks to lower the car's 'focal

The tapered and inset rear windows feature unique curves which are akin to hockey sticks. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

center of gravity', preserving the sedan's sporty look. The tapered and inset rear windows feature unique curves which are akin to hockey sticks, while the upper window line is angled in such a manner as to convey a sweeping motion from front to rear.

Matching the wedge-like profile and provocative bodywork is the steeply-raked tailgate. The uncluttered lift gate, with its simple aluminum patina, stretches below the bumper line for easy loading. The Sport in the SportCombi's styling is also exercised at the rear through an integrated rooftop spoiler, dual cannon-style exhaust tips and the pillar-like, frosty white LED tail lamps.