(Tue 22 Jul 08)

This week's British International Motor Show sees the UK debut of two well-known concept cars from Saab.

The 9-4X BioPower concept is a prelude to Saab's entry into the crossover SUV market. It's practical, thanks partly to an innovative ski stowage system developed in conjunction with Salomon, and it's also likely to be very fast thanks to a 300bhp two-litre engine. That may sound like a nightmare in terms of CO2 emissions, but Saab has countered that by ensuring that the engine runs on bioethanol.

The 9-X BioHybrid is more futuristic, though it also runs on bioethanol. As the name suggests, it's a hybrid, combining a remarkable 200bhp 1.4-litre turbo engine with an electric motor.

Saab is also using the BioHybrid to show how it might deal with the challenge of designing a compact car, something it hasn't done for several decades.

All current Saab production models are also on display at the Show, including the 210bhp two-litre turbo 9-3 Aero which is now optionally available with the XWD four-wheel drive system fitted as standard to the 280bhp 2.8-litre V6 turbo Aero.

Saab Gallery
Saab Road Tests

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