2005 New York Auto Show Coverage
As sales of many SUVs are plateauing in the U.S., buyers are turning ever more increasingly to sport wagons. No stranger to the wagon market, Saab at last is filling a gaping hole in its lineup with the new 9-3 Sport Combi, making its North American debut here in New York. It's easily the most Saablike of the brand's more recent introductions (the 9-2X was developed by Subaru and the upcoming 9-7 is based on the Chevy TrailBlazer) and should appeal to Saab's core enthusiasts. The five-door wagon has a sloping roofline that emphasizes sport over maximum cargo space, but features an innovative cargo divider system and two-position cargo cover. The all-turbocharged engine lineup includes a 210-horse base four-cylinder and a new 250-horse Opel 2.8-liter V-6 for the top-of-the-line Aero model. Saab estimates prices will start under $30,000 when it goes on sale this fall.