New Wagon to Challenge Volvo
September, 1998 -- Saab uncovered the 9-5 wagon this week at the Paris Auto Show. Company executives hope that this executive touring wagon will put a dent in Volvo's sale of V70 models. Volvo virtually owns the wagon market in the $30,000+ category.
The 9-5 wagon points to a different, more traditional direction for this Trolhattan, Sweden-based company that has long relied on five-door hatchbacks to fill the needs of customers looking for something that can haul lots of people and stuff.
Although the 9-5 sedan was introduced a year prior to the release of the wagon, Saab engineers had planned on the wagon model since the early stages of the 9-5 platform development. Thus, the wagon is a fully integrated addition to the 9-5 lineup, not some freaky add-on like those Nissan NX Sportbacks of the mid eighties. The 9-5 wagon has the same aerodynamic appearance as the sedan, but actually features a unique roof that has integrated luggage rails and larger rear doors.
The liftgate of the 9-5 has been designed to open high and clear of tall people, making it easier to load the 9-5 while simultaneously minimizing the risk of a head injury. Fold-flat rear seats that give owners a level load floor for transporting large objects also make loading cargo easier. Ingeniously, Saab has equipped the 9-5 wagon with a pull out seating area that creates a little bench at the rear of the wagon; a perfect place to perch at tailgate parties.
The 9-5 wagon will be available with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine, both of which are the recipients of Saab's Ecopower turbochargers. The wagon will go on sale in the United States in May of 1999.
September, 1998 -- Saab uncovered the 9-5 wagon this week at the Paris Auto Show. Company executives hope that this executive touring wagon will put a dent in Volvo's sale of V70 models. Volvo virtually owns the wagon market in the $30,000+ category.
The 9-5 wagon points to a different, more traditional direction for this Trolhattan, Sweden-based company that has long relied on five-door hatchbacks to fill the needs of customers looking for something that can haul lots of people and stuff.
Although the 9-5 sedan was introduced a year prior to the release of the wagon, Saab engineers had planned on the wagon model since the early stages of the 9-5 platform development. Thus, the wagon is a fully integrated addition to the 9-5 lineup, not some freaky add-on like those Nissan NX Sportbacks of the mid eighties. The 9-5 wagon has the same aerodynamic appearance as the sedan, but actually features a unique roof that has integrated luggage rails and larger rear doors.
The liftgate of the 9-5 has been designed to open high and clear of tall people, making it easier to load the 9-5 while simultaneously minimizing the risk of a head injury. Fold-flat rear seats that give owners a level load floor for transporting large objects also make loading cargo easier. Ingeniously, Saab has equipped the 9-5 wagon with a pull out seating area that creates a little bench at the rear of the wagon; a perfect place to perch at tailgate parties.
The 9-5 wagon will be available with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine, both of which are the recipients of Saab's Ecopower turbochargers. The wagon will go on sale in the United States in May of 1999.
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