First look: Saab goes sub 9-3

SAAB is testing the waters with a front-wheel drive V6 concept car that owes its spiritual origins to the Saab Sonnet sportscar, a popular small coupe from the 1960s.

Dubbed 9-2, the two-seater sportscar is being considered as part of Swedish car-maker’s move to offer a broader product range beyond the 9-3 and 9-5, according to Saab executives.

The show car uses a Holden-built 2.8-litre V6 and Opel Astra GTC platform architecture.

Reports in Europe also suggest Saab is developing a small 4WD similar in size to the BMW X3, which may be called the 9-4X, using vehicle architecture in common with a small Cadillac 4WD.