(continued from above)
The 9-5 SportCombi shares the sedan's bold, Aero X-inspired looks and
features an extended, falling roof-line which culminates in a steeply raked rear
screen flanked by signature Saab 'wraparound' window glazing. The result is an
imposing and sporty wagon with a low stance and a dynamic, visual appeal that
concedes nothing to the requirements of load-carrying.
Smart cargo
handling features include an adaptable multi-fold floor, flexible U-rail load
space configuration and under-floor stowage with a sealed wet storage
compartment. A programmable, powered tailgate is also available.
Backed
by the same all-turbo gasoline, bioethanol and diesel powertrain line-up as the
9-5 sedan, the SportCombi includes Saab's industry-leading XWD all-wheel-drive
system and advanced features such as: Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis control,
adaptive cruise control, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting, keyless entry
and starting, tri-zone air conditioning and a Pilot Head-up Display which
projects information, aircraft-style in the windshield.
The order book
for the SportCombi opens in March, with first customer deliveries to follow from
September. It will significantly broaden the appeal of the new 9-5 range in a
segment where Saab, with its tradition for designing versatile vehicles, has
enjoyed wagon sales volumes on a par with sedan levels.
"The launch of
the 9-5 SportCombi is a much-awaited next step in the roll-out of our new
product offensive," says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Ake Jonsson. "It will take Saab
back into the large wagon segment where we have established a strong presence in
many key markets with our previous offering."
Sporty Exterior Styling
Designed in parallel with its sedan twin, the Saab 9-5 SportCombi shares the
same bold frontal styling and adds a swept, 'wraparound' rear window graphic.
This echoes the 9-5's brand signature frontal theme and gives the SportCombi its
own distinctive identity. The dramatic, sweeping roof-line is extended by a deep
rear spoiler integrated into the top of the tailgate. Ultra-slim roof rails are
fitted as standard without detracting from the car's svelte silhouette.
Signature Saab themes, such as the strong C-pillar with its hockey stick
extension of the belt-line, are combined with a prominent rear shoulder contour
to give the SportCombi a muscular and dynamic stance.
The tailgate is
raked forward to underline the car's sporty character. It features a full-width
'ice-block' rear light bar which wraps into light units at either side,
continuing a new signature Saab styling theme first seen on the 9-5 sedan and
9-4X crossover.
Saab 9-5 SportCombi: Review (2/2)
