Saab Saab developing new compact car

[Zafiro]

Saab’s currently ailing product line can look forward to a revamp, according to the carmaker’s US general manager Steve Shannon. The exec also confirmed that a new compact model is at the top of Saab’s wishlist, along with a new crossover and redesign of the aging 9-5.

Careful to not make the same mistake it did with the 9-2, a rebadged Subaru WRX that was sold as a Saab in 2006, Shannon told Automotive News that designers will focus on giving the entry-level model a striking design and strong performance matched with functionality. Expect it to use many of the same design cues as the Aero-X concept (pictured).

The baby Saab will be facing a slew of competitors in an already established market segment where Saab is not as recognized as its rivals. The premium small-car marketplace is quick to judge the superficial qualities of a car and competition from BMW’s fashionable Mini Cooper and 1-Series, as well as Audi’s A3 and Volvo’s C30 will prove tough for Saab, especially if its design is as shockingly awful as the older 9-2.

Automotive News

 

[Merc1]

The title should read that GM is developing a new small car to be badged as a Saab. There is no "Saab" anymore really. Saab "engineers" work for Opel/GM.

M

 

[Monster]

The title should read that GM is developing a new small car to be badged as a Saab. There is no "Saab" anymore really. Saab "engineers" work for Opel/GM.

M

Sad but true. There hasn't been a genuine "Saab" in 20 years. As a massive Saab fan I really hope GM will leave Saab alone and let it do its thing. I am still waiting for the production version of the variable compression ratio engine.

 

[Kowalski]

They are just trying to figure a way to slap their new (ugly) grille as well the (very ugly) pair of dame Edna Everage headlights as well their transparent tail lights on the Astra.

 

[Monster]

I still have faith in them, the Aero-X concept car gave me some hope that Saab can still do great design. and the new XWD system from Saab shows there are still life in their engineering department.