The wagons circle at Frankfurt

Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch

SAAB’S promise to mount the biggest product offensive in its history takes another step at Frankfurt with the unveiling of this close-to-production wagon, adding a third model to the 9-3 range.

Based on the 9-3X concept shown at the Detroit show in January, 2002, the Sport-Hatch is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 186kW.

“Just as the 9-3X occupies a position where coupe meets off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback and wagon,” says Saab executive director of design Michael Mauer.

“It is the sort of product that should come from Saab and our customers will be able to buy a car very much like this.” But for all the linkage with 9-3X, this car does not appear to be a true cross-over in the style of a BMW X3, more a traditional Euro-prestige wagon. A cross-over is still in the future somewhere for Saab.

The Saab Sport-Hatch is a definite for Australia, with the locals hopeful of getting it on sale before the end of 2004.

Jaguar X-Type Estate

JAGUAR continues its volume chase with the X-Type Estate, which goes on sale in Europe in the second quarter of 2004. It is also under consideration for sale in Australia, although nothing is confirmed yet.

Like the X-Type saloon, the estate can come with four-wheel drive and a choice of V6 engines, but there will also be turbo-diesel propulsion offered.

Jaguar promises “intelligent features” but reveals few details of the car except that integral roof rails and a rear screen that opens independently of the tailgate are standard.

Suzuki S2

SUZUKI will flip the lid at Frankfurt on a cabriolet concept car called S2 that is based on its upcoming super-mini, which will be built in Hungary next year.

The S2 will have a removable hardtop that can be stored in the boot – thus freeing up space for four passengers instead of two.

The concept has a six-speed gearbox and is powered by a 1.6-litre DOHC engine, with permanent four-wheel drive.

Seat Altea Prototipo

THE Spanish manufacturer could be on its way back Down Under soon courtesy of Volkswagen Group Australia, and the Altea previews the next generation of styling we would see.

Although the Altea to be shown at Frankfurt is a concept, something very similar is expected on sale in Europe in 2004.

It is particularly significant because it is the first Seat to emerge from within the new Audi Brand Group created in early 2002.

Labelled a Multi-Sport Vehicle, or MSV, the Altea is a five-door compact people-mover that is 4292mm long and has a wheelbase of 2578mm.

Power is provided in the concept by a 2.0-litre FSI direct-injection petrol engine mated to a six-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Typical of a concept, the Altea eschews reality by having four individual seats, lowered suspension, 19-inch wheels and low profile tyres.

Ford Visos

WHILE most of what you’re seeing here are thinly disguised production vehicles, Ford will show a car at Frankfurt that is being described as a true “design study”.

The Visos is a full four-seat luxury sports car featuring innovative technologies. Significantly, the study hints at the Blue Oval’s future design direction in Europe beyond “New Edge”.

Ford says Visos is designed around space, performance, luxury and adaptability, featuring fully customisable displays, user-adaptable engine modes and “mood” settings that can be adapted to suit the preferences of each individual driver.

The name Visos hints at the desire within Ford’s European Design team to create something visionary, to guide its future product planning themes.