Saab 9-5 SportCombi

Poll results – Saab 9-5 SportCombi

When I wrote yesterday about there being one engine option for the Saab 9-5 SportCombi in the US (and this was before we found out what that engine option would be), I included a poll on the subject.

Eight variations were offered in the poll, covering different combinations with V6 and 2.0T, auto and manual transmissions, and XWD/FWD.

More than 900 votes later, the results of the poll are pretty clear. Click.

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Bear in mind, this is not a scientific poll of intending Saab 9-5 SportCombi buyers. It’s a poll of Saab fans, a rather small percentage of whom might end up being Saab 9-5 SportCombi purchasers.

But still, there’s some compelling stuff there.

  • The 2.0T engine option seems to be the most preferred option by a considerable degree. 2.0T options outpaced their V6 counterparts in all combinations, and by a considerable margin.
  • Manual gearboxes were preferred in three of the four classes of similar vehicles. The only combination that favoured an auto was V6 with XWD.
  • The most surprising feature of the voting, for me, at least, was that XWD outpaced FWD in all classes of voting. The four FWD options were the four lowest vote-getters.

That last one was a real surprise for me. Given that one of the arguments for the 2.0T could be better fuel economy in times of rising gas prices, I’d have thought the 2.0T FWD options might have fared better. The FWD model will retain all of Saab’s excellent winter weather driving characteristics, but without the weight and mileage penalties that accompany XWD.

Possible conclusions – Fuel economy isn’t quite as significant as people say (alt, we have a vocal minority) – or – people just want the latest stuff.

Interesting times. Thanks for casting your vote.

US Saab 9-5 SportCombi will have 2.0T engine

There was a bit of uncertainty surrounding the US release of the Saab 9-5 SportCombi yesterday.

US press material referred only to ‘a turbo engine’ and Inside Line quoted Saab staffers stating that the new wagon will only come with one engine. Several different publications speculated as to which engine that will be.

After posting some enquiries over to Saab Cars North America, I can now tell you that the one engine in the Saab 9-5 SportCombi will be the four cylinder, 2.0T 220hp engine.

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It makes sense.

Whilst some will lament the lack of a V6, the 2.0T is the volume seller and the economical choice for Saab’s new wagon. Those looking for a halo model, the usual argument for more power, are generally not looking for that halo vehicle in a wagon body.

If they’re only going to certify one model variation in the US market for the time being, the 2.0T is the right choice. It’s a great engine and priced accordingly, will create a lot of interest.

Good call.

US Saab 9-5 SportCombi info

A poll has been added. US-centric engines only.

Which Saab 9-5 SportCombi would you like?

View Results

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Today is Saab 9-5 SportCombi day, no doubt about it. I didn’t want to write about anything else today, which is why I’ve been silent since the press release.

Unfortunately, I have a sinking feeling that I’m raining on the 9-5 SportCombi’s parade by having to quote this…..

From Inside Line:

Pricing has not been confirmed for the U.S., said Michele Tinson, Saab Cars North America spokesperson, in response to an e-mailed query from Inside Line on Wednesday morning. However, the SportCombi body style typically sells for about $1,000 more than the Saab 9-5. The current 9-5 is priced between $38,525 and $43,030.

“We may have only one powertrain in the U.S. and limited trim options,” Tinson said when asked to provide more details about the 9-5 SportCombi.

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One powertrain and limited trim options.

First of all, we don’t know what this means. The Saab 9-5 Sedan launched last year with just one powertrain and trim level – the highest. It’s possible that the 9-5 SportCombi will come with the V6 and quite loaded.

UPDATE: Automobile Magazine seem to be hedging their bets. They first claim that powertrain options will mimic the Sedan, with both engines available, and then in a lower paragraph from the same article, they say it’ll be just the top-shelf Aero model.

UPDATE II: Car and Driver say it’ll be just the 2.0T.

Conclusion – No-one’s got a freaking clue and they’re all poking holes in the sky with a stick. IMHO there should have been nothing said about ‘one engine option’ at all. Just point them to the press release and save all the guesswork.

BUT……

Now that we’re compelled to have a guess, I’d say it will be well equipped with a couple of trim levels to choose from, but that it will come with the higher volume engine – the 2.0T. Even though that engine is an absolute gem, I have a feeling that the comments section is going to fill up with people who say they want access to the V6.

Please, prove me wrong.

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NOTE – The quote above is from Saab Cars North America and doesn’t necessarily have any relevance to markets outside North America.

Thanks to Alan H and to Joe Best for the tips.

Autozeitung and the Saab 9-5 SportCombi

German car magazine Autozeitung had a new issue out a few days ago and in it, they’ve published this image of the Saab 9-5 SportCombi.

I believe it’s a photoshopped image as I’m sure there aren’t any undisguised Saab 9-5 SportCombi’s running around like fully dressed cars.

It’s a darn good photoshop, though. Not the most flattering angle, but a darn good photoshop nonetheless.

Thanks to Alexandros for the scan.

Saab order 9-5 wagon tooling for summer 2011 production

An article has come online from Ny Teknik talking about an order Saab has placed for 9-5 wagon body tooling.

Jakob has been kind enough to provide a translation:

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Saab 9-5 Combi comes next year

Saab Automobile has ordered new body tooling by Novacast in Tyringe, with delivery in spring 2011.

According to the company, the tools will be used for the manufacturing of body components for the new Saab 9-5 in Trollhättan. The sedan model with four doors are already in production here. But next year, it will be followed by a combi model. The order indicates that the serial production of the combi is planned to start during summer next year. For Novacast and the daughter company Camito, this order is worth five million SEK.

In Sweden and the rest of Northern Europe, combi models are big sellers. But on the other markets it’s, in this size segment, cars with four doors that’s the primary target.

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The timeline for the 9-5 wagon has always been known to be 2011, but I guess it’s good to hear that things are underway, as well as a more definite idea of the timeline involved.

It pays to remember that the Saab 9-4x has been talked about quite directly as coming in April 2011, before this 9-5 wagon.

So, no news in the real sense, but some good reassurance.

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