New Saab 9-5 SportCombi
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Saab
20th January, 2011
- Next step in Saab’s biggest-ever new product offensive
- Styling carries forward 9-5 sedan’s design 'language'
- European deliveries begin from September
Saab Automobile takes the next step in the biggest new product offensive in its history when the
much-awaited 9-5 SportCombi is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Sleek and fun-to-drive, the SportCombi adds versatility to the attributes of the 9-5 sedan and
will bring a distinctive, alternative choice to the premium, large wagon segment.
It 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 petrol, 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 Head-up Display which
projects information, aircraft-style in the windshield.
The European order book for the SportCombi opens in March, with first customer deliveries to
follow from September. Australian deliveries are anticipated to begin during 2012. The new model
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 Ĺke 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 character
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.
Dynamic and functional
The deep cargo deck is fully carpeted and optimised for space and ease-of-use. The 60/40 split
rear seatbacks fold down almost completely flat without having to reposition the seat squab or
remove the head restraints. Careful attention to soundproofing in the rear bodywork attenuates
noise, vibration and resonance so that occupants enjoy a level of interior refinement similar to
that of the sedan.
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With the seatbacks lowered, the cargo deck is almost two metres long (1,962 mm) and offers an
adaptable load capacity of up to 1,600 litres (527 litres, rear seats up). The side walls are
completely flat and upright, providing a clean, open space without any hard-to-use corners or
rear wheel-arch intrusions. Compartments in the side walls offer convenient stowage for small
items. Four tie-down loops and a 12-volt power outlet also come as standard.
An optional, U-shaped track around the outside of the floor provides flexible space
configuration. As in the 9-5 sedan, it carries an adaptable, telescopic dividing rail which allows
the cargo deck to be split as required so that different sized items can be separated and kept in
place.
The floor, with a signature Saab aircraft-shaped handle, folds back in steps to access
under-floor storage. When folded twice, an additional storage compartment is revealed for cars
fitted with tyre repair kits instead of a 'mini' spare wheel. A pull-out support arm can be
slotted in place to keep the folded floor in a fixed position. This provides further support
for items stored in the under-floor recess, as a flexible alternative to using the entire
cargo deck.
The underside of the floor has two fittings for flat stowage of the U-rail divider. They also
carry hooks that can be used to organise bags, for example. A waterproof plastic liner, available
as option, can be dropped into the recess to provide a separate wet storage area for sports
equipment, outdoor clothing or muddy boots.
When a mini spare wheel is specified, it is covered by a flat panel which provides a sub-floor
65 mm below the main floor height - ideal for the separate stowage of flat or small items.
Smart tailgate
For additional convenience, the tailgate is available with a remotely-controlled, electric
power operation. It can be fully opened and closed via a rotary knob in the driver’s door or a
button on the car’s key fob. A touch pad on the outside of the tailgate, above the number plate,
and a button in the interior trim also trigger powered opening and closing.
A programmable mode can be used to raise the tailgate to a lower position if there is
restricted clearance overhead, such as inside a garage. The opening height is pre-set via the
rotary knob, which can also disable the powered function.
For ease of loading, the tailgate opens down to bumper level with a lift-over height of only
648 mm. The cargo deck floor is also flush with the tailgate opening to facilitate sliding heavy
loads inside. A 'down-lighter' in the tailgate and small sidewall lights provide illumination of
the load space at night.
A retracting cargo cover can also be slotted into lugs in the sidewalls immediately behind
the rear seats. It keeps items out of sight and includes a convenient one-touch action which
allows the ends of the locating bar to slide up channels on the inside of the D-pillars for
convenient access to the cargo deck.
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