2012 Saab 9-4X Review

The new Saab 9-4X will bring a unique design and the values ​​of growth medium-sized crossover segment. Scandinavian and distinctive look inspired air, but also offers a similar car handling and driving characteristics, which challenge the criteria of the class.

Making its world premiere at Auto Show 2010 Los Angles, product portfolio of the Saab 9-4X is expanded to three cars and lines give a fresh, alternative choice for buyers of crossover independent-minded. This is an important step in the rebirth of the Swedish brand as a premium car manufacturer independent.

Muscular and sporty to drive, is the Saab 9-4X looks and adjusted in size between 9-3X and do it all new Saab 9-5 sedan. Exterior and interior, it communicates with its own identity Saab, clean design and signature motifs, such as its wraparound windshield because the theme of light ice blocks, the driver-oriented cockpit and flexible handling .
 
2012 Saab 9-4X
In true Saab tradition, the 9-4X offers its sporty personality. It is configured around a single intersection, specially designed body structure, which was the key to delivering its exceptional handling characteristics and ride. Car-like driving dynamics are consistent with Saab all-wheel drive system advances, Saab XWD, the chassis and DriveSense adaptive control.

Under the hood, put a selection of compact and efficient V6 engines, naturally aspirated or turbocharged. The 265 HP, 3.0-liter entry-level model is equipped with direct injection and variable valve timing, while the 300 hp 2.8-liter direct injection for the twin-scroll turbo exchanges and is exclusive high-end Aero variants. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic under adaptive electronic control.

"The Saab 9-4X significantly expands the appeal of the Saab brand," said CEO of Saab Automobile Jan Åke Jonsson. "It gives us entry into the crossover segment of rapid growth with a vehicle that reflects our brand values ​​in key areas such as progressive Scandinavian design and the manager sporty driving performance. The Saab 9-4X is an interesting package and we sure will be of interest to many owners of Saab, as well as attract new customers to the brand. "

Saab 9-4X will be available in North America in May 2011, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin in August. Pricing will be announced shortly before the sale begins.

Body sculpted by Saab

Saab 9-4X cuts a wide stance and powerful, with clean lines and neat Scandinavian design ethos that ECHO Saab. Its distinctive face, the new 9-5 sedan common uses the award-winning Aero X concept, with a deep, three-port grille and the "ice-block 'lighting themes effect.

Masked the windscreen pillars and door to create a Saab-signature surrounding the impact of a greenhouse, a graph shows the traditional look of the brand "cockpit". Other external identifiers are the headlights Saab design "hockey stick" around the waist, and strong C-pillars, to integrate the environment-effect door mirrors.

The roofline is visually lowered and extended by a spoiler integrated into the tailgate. Rear door light rather than a signature created by the new 9-5 sedan. A bar of "ice block" LED lit covers the bottom of the tailgate and wraps around the light units. Double diamond exhaust is also fully integrated into the molding of the bumper lower.

Overall, Saab 9-4X is the body is substantially free of unnecessary decoration or trim. A dark applied protection is used on the lower body, but there is no wheel arch liners or body protection.

Entry-level variants are equipped with alloy wheels, six-spoke 18-inch and Aero models are distinguished by nine 20-inch wheels "turbine" alloy, and a black mesh front grille.
 
2012 Saab 9-4X interior
The cockpit-inspired cabin

The spacious cab provides comfortable accommodation for up to five adults and is defined by a Saab signature, driver-focused cockpit layout. The center console, center console and the instrument screen is presented in a simple form that sweeps around the driver. The Saab 9-4X is the wood or finish, for interior Aero, a plate of carbon effect.

Other subtle references to Saab's aviation heritage are selected, installed air-style high-speed, light green needles of the three will be selected and the traditional Saab "joystick" controls for jersey-style air vents. Sparks - Start / stop - is, of course, between the front seats, genuine Saab tradition, next to the gear lever.

Grand, head of support include a standard 8-way power adjustable driver and an optional electric adjustment on the pedals. Rear passengers enjoy special spacious rear compartment is not compromised by the presence of a third row of seats. They also have the advantage of an independent, three-way adjustment of the rake of each manual 60/40 split-folding.

Includes a large storage pocket with two floors in all ports, a dual glove box front and a deep center console bin, 12 volt, USB and AUX. Rear passengers have more space behind the front center console and center armrest.

Information and entertainment includes two audio options, speaker or seven high-end 10-speaker Bose 5.1 surround sound. Option 8-inch touch screen, hard drive navigation system includes an aerial view of the card and 10 GB of storage for 'jukebox' music files. Communication on the march is supported by a system of integrated hands-free Bluetooth phone, which works through voice control, steering wheel and dashboard and entertainment.

The rear passengers can enjoy the independent air conditioning, in addition to the standard dual-zone, and to choose their own built-in audio / visual entertainment via a dedicated unit at the rear of the center console. This is an auxiliary video input and two 8-inch screens on the back of the front seat.
 
2012 Saab 9-4X
Adaptable Load

The trunk of the Saab 9-4X is optimized for space and ease of use. The seatbacks fold 60/40 split with a single motion, without moving the seat cushions or remove the headrests folding, providing a platform completely flat load.

The front plane of the frame is hinged and can be opened through the air to form a handle to reveal more storage under the floor. The surface can be adjusted as required by a voluntary, U-shaped track with a load by dividing the telescopic rail, which can be transferred to the desired position to hold items in place.

For added convenience, the tailgate is available in Remote-controlled hydraulic operation. It can be opened completely, or below, the programmable unit if you have limited space above a garage.

Moving

The Saab 9-4X offers car-like handling qualities and turn the crossover segment. Evidence of extensive development of vehicles that compete with the Saab 9-4X shows a level of dynamic performance - racing in the refinement and handling - that challenges the best in its class ..

The key to a great ride is a unique body structure, designed to compromise the application of crossover, and a free adaptation of a sedan or wagon form.

Advanced technologies to drive the Saab XWD, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, which is infinitely variable torque front and rear. This is the system of prevention, lightweight and fast-acting provides optimum traction in all conditions, wet or dry, soft or loose, road or terrain. E 'connected to an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD), which can transfer up to 50% rear torque between the rear wheels, depending on which has more grip

Driver and the vehicle has approached Aero Saab DriveSense further, a function that uses the adaptive chassis control buffer in real time to help respond to the Saab 9-4X in the way you draw and changing conditions the road. Besides the definition of "smart" by default, the driver can select "Comfort" modes and "Sport". An "Eco" mode, activated by a separate button, also re-maps the throttle shifting and computer models for optimum fuel economy.

Among the other driver aids variable effort steering, a function of the sense Saab unit, and standard bi-xenon adaptive lighting, which offers a better combination of light curves in the direction of the future orientation angle of the beam projectors.

Efficient power supply

The engine range includes two effective until all aluminum V6 engines, both with a six-speed automatic transmission and Saab XWD. These lightweight and compact 24-valve engines have variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust sides, and the ability to boast typical power cylinders.

A 265 HP (195 kW) 3.0-liter naturally aspirated engine of the entry level specification includes direct fuel injection. That the powers of the Saab 9-4X from zero to 100 km / h in just 9.0 seconds.

Available exclusively in Aero specification, packages turbocharged 2.8-liter 300 hp (221 kW) and generates an impressive 400 Nm of torque spread between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. It offers zero to 100 km / h in 8.3 seconds. The consumption figures for both engines are being finalized.

Main levels of security

To integrate excellent safety performance, and the Saab 9-4X benefits for more than 50 years of experience working with Saab's passenger safety. Saab crash testing and computer simulations are based on what is really going on collision, your real. Many of the tests developed by Saab in the house are above the law or try to organize a consumer organizations.

The success of the work is reflected in Saab's Collision Investigation of real-life U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) and the Swedish insurance company Folksam Saab, who have always worked well on several occasions to be ranked in segment. The Saab 9-3 sedan and the new 9.5 is also a maximum five star EuroNCAP crash test performers.