Morning

Just got back from taking the 9-5 in for a service, and took the opportunity to quiz some of the Saab chaps about their trip to Sweden a few weeks ago.

Indicative timetable for the 9-3 Sport Sedan is:

'1.8' and 2.0 will arrive next month in Linear, Arc and Vector forms. Saab want to concentrate on building sales volumes with these until March 2003, when the Aero will be available.

June 2003 will see the convertible and the wagon.

Around a year later the 'crossover' (9-3X) and high-performance variants will arrive. The 9-3X will be pretty much as the concept car, while the as-yet unnamed high-performance M3-eater will have the 300bhp V6 from the 9X. And 4WD, of course. No mention of a coupe, though. And sorry, Fawlty, no hatch either http://www.saabscene.com/forum/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

There is a suggestion that the convertible and 4WD variants may arrive sooner if production capacity and demand allow. Both are apparently almost ready; the 'new Viggen' was seen by one of the Cape Saab chaps, albeit with a 1.8 badge on the back. But it was up on a ramp, with the 4WD hardware clearly visible, and it definitely had a V6 under the bonnet.

Yummy.

Can I have one including the 1.8 badge?

Saab Anorak now, huh, James? Still no 5th star though.

If the 9-3x or 9-x are as per the concept cars, that's all the hatch I need, ta. The concept 9-3x is my desktop wallpaper and I reckon it's about all there needs to be in a car. I'll still believe it when I see it.

In this country they are saying the new 9-3 Aero will be available 1st Jan 2003 - or that's what Saab Chester told me yesterday. That suits me, because by Jan 1st, they might have a little more idea about the 9-3x. Mean time, he's got two 175bhp demonstrators coming next week.