(Wed 06 May 09)

Saab's new 9-3X crossover - basically a 9-3 estate with extra off-road ability - will officially go on sale in August, though UK dealers are taking orders from this month.

There are two versions, starting with the front-wheel drive 178bhp 1.9 TTiD turbo diesel, which has a ride height 20mm higher than standard. For more power and more serious off-roading there's the 207bhp 2.0 turbo petrol, which rides 15mm higher still and has four-wheel drive.

Both models are fitted as standard with 17" alloy wheels, leather/textile sports seats (heated in the front), cruise control, a sports leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, matt chrome roof rails and a nine-speaker audio system with MP3 capability.

The diesel manual is priced at £24,995 and the petrol 4x4 costs £1000 more. With automatic transmission, the two cars are priced slightly more eccentrically at £26,366.28 and £27,506.28 respectively.

Saab Gallery
Saab Road Tests

Previous: Faster Volkswagen Scirocco Diesel                           Next: MINI Special Edition