Saab 9-X Biohybrid concept

By Phil McNamara

First Official Pictures

03 March 2008 21:52

Saab will enter the premium hatch market around 2010, with the production version of this 9-X Biohybrid concept.

Unveiled at a sneak preview on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, the 9-X Biohybrid is a sleek, three-door hatch. It’s a rival for Audi’s A3 Sportback, BMW 1-series – and the Toyota Prius! That’s because GM has thrown all its powertrain tricks at the show car, as the Biohybrid name suggests. There’s a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine in the nose, tuned to run on bioethanol, and supplemented by hybrid electric power. It’s funky, fast, front-wheel drive and heading for production.  'This vehicle provides a glimpse of a future progressive compact car from Saab,' said GM product boss Bob Lutz, as the covers were pulled from the concept.

By Phil McNamara