Saab 9-3 to Get Its Hatch Back

Apparently, since Spyker took over Saab from GM, they’ve had to completely re-work the next generation 9-3 because what GM had planned was, well, let’s just say that there was a lot of work to be done to make it a true Saab.

One of those Saab characteristics was the 9-3′s hatchback back in the late 1990′s and early 2000′s. Well apparently the hatchback will be returning to the 9-3, in fact it’s the sedan that’s rumoured to get the axe this time. Apparently the 9-3 will be five door only (sorry to those who were hoping for a 3-door like the Viggen model pictured above, but maybe that will happen down the line).

The redesigned 9-3 will also take styling cues from the PhoeniX concept that Saab debuted at the Geneva Auto show earlier this year. Even though Saab wants to bring the 9-3 back to its roots, there’s some people that think the PhoeniX concept is lacking in Saab style.

Another big change will be the addition of a hybrid to the 9-3 model range. It will reportedly get the same 2.8 litre V6 found in the 9-5 and will power the front wheels. The electric motor will actually power the rear wheels, and it will be possible to drive the hybridized 9-3 on the electric motor alone up to a certain speed.

The next 9-3 is expected to debut next year.

[Autoblog]

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