(continued from above)
Making its world premiere at next month's Los Angles Auto Show, the 9-4X Aero
expands Saab's product portfolio to three car lines and will provide a fresh,
alternative choice for independently-minded crossover buyers. It is an important
next-step in the Swedish brand's renaissance as an independent premium car
manufacturer.
Muscular and sporty to drive, the Saab 9-4X Aero is aligned
in looks and size between the 9-3X all-rounder and new 9-5 sedan. Outside and
inside, it communicates its Saab identity with clean, uncluttered design and
signature motifs, such as its wraparound-effect windshield, ice block lighting
theme, driver-focused cockpit and flexible cargo handling.
In true Saab
tradition, the 9-4X Aero delivers on its sporty persona. It is configured around
a unique, purpose-designed crossover body structure, which has been key to
delivering such excellent handling and ride properties. Standard with 9-4X Aero
are advanced all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, and DriveSense adaptive chassis
control.
Under the hood lies a compact and efficient V6 turbocharged
engine. The engine is mated to six-speed automatic transmission under adaptive,
electronic control.
The 9-4X Aero goes on sale in North America in May
next year, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin from
August. Prices will be announced shortly before sales commence.
Body
Sculpted by Saab
The 2012 9-4X Aero cuts a broad and powerful stance,
with clean, uncluttered lines that echo Saab's Scandinavian design ethos. Its
distinctive face, in common with the new 9-5 sedan, draws inspiration from the
award-winning Aero X concept car, with a deep, three-port grille and
'ice-block'-effect lighting themes.
Disguised windshield and door pillars
create Saab's signature wraparound-effect, the single glasshouse graphic
emphasizing the brand's traditional 'cockpit' look. Other exterior Saab
identifiers include the shaping of the headlamps, a 'hockey stick' waistline and
strong C-pillars complemented by a wraparound-effect rear screen.
The
roofline is visually lowered and extended by a rear spoiler integrated into the
deck lid. The rear lighting carries forward the signature theme introduced by
the new 9-5 sedan. An 'ice-block' bar lit by LEDs extends across the lower deck
lid and wraps around the light units. Twin rhomboid-shaped exhaust tailpipes are
neatly integrated into the lower bumper molding.
Overall, the Saab 9-4X
Aero's bodywork is noticeably free from unnecessary decoration or trim. A dark
protective appliqué is applied to lower body, but there are no wheel-arch
claddings or protective body panels.
The 2012 Saab 9-4X Aero is
distinguished by 20-inch, nine-spoke 'turbine' alloy wheels, as well as bi-xenon
cornering headlights and black mesh inserts in the front grille and fog lamp
housings.
Saab 9-4X Aero: Review (2/2)
