SAAB 9-1 Concept Bound for Geneva

[GMusa]

www.autoblog.com

Scratch London. Saab 9-1 concept bound for Geneva

Posted Jan 31st 2008 1:28PM by Damon Lavrinc
Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Saab


Saab has got its work cut out for it over the next few years, as it attempts to recreate itself – once again – by offering a slew of new products that will hopefully differentiate it from the rest of the General's line. The next big small thing from Saab is the 9-1 concept, which aims to compete with the BMW 1-series, the Audi A3 and Volvo's C30.

Originally, the 9-1 was supposed to make its debut at the London Motor Show, but Saab designer Anthony Lo divulged to Auto Motor Und Sport that the new hatch would be unveiled this March at the Geneva Motor Show.

Details about Saab's new compact offering are still scarce, but expect styling to be heavily influenced by the Aero X concept, with power provided by either a turbocharged 1.4-liter four or a BioPower mill.

[Source: Auto Motor Und Sport via World Car Fans]

[Perian]

Based on the total collapse of Volvo C30 sales in this country, I am not sure if Saab should even bother to import this vehicle to the United States.

America is not ready for a $30K Saab hatchback.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Perian

America is not ready for a $30K Saab hatchback.

Aaah... but you forget about the A3.

[Perian]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Aaah... but you forget about the A3.

True. Audi sold 6,352 of them in 2007.

Stepping stone to the A4, or a negative profit center?

[CobaltSScrazy]

Originally Posted by Perian

Based on the total collapse of Volvo C30 sales in this country, I am not sure if Saab should even bother to import this vehicle to the United States.

America is not ready for a $30K Saab hatchback.

The C30 is an AMAZING product that ISN"T ADVERTISED! If it had a Malibu/Silvy/Camry/Tundra marketing program, you bet ur behind it'd sell! I've never seen a commercial for one, and I believe its a great car! I think I've seen 3 of them. Ever.

America IS ready for a 20,000 USD base price Saab compact that tops out at 25k and has an Hi-Po version for 27-28k.

JMO

CobaltSScrazy

[Perian]

Originally Posted by CobaltSScrazy

The C30 is an AMAZING product that ISN"T ADVERTISED! If it had a Malibu/Silvy/Camry/Tundra marketing program, you bet ur behind it'd sell! I've never seen a commercial for one, and I believe its a great car! I think I've seen 3 of them. Ever.

America IS ready for a 20,000 USD base price Saab compact that tops out at 25k and has an Hi-Po version for 27-28k.

JMO

CobaltSScrazy

The C30 is a fantastic vehicle. Drive the six speed manual 1.0 version and you will fall in love. But I can understand why no one is buying them - the sticker price.

Another problem - a $ 25K Saab will kill the $ 22K Saturn Astra hatchback.

Who would want the Saturn when you can drive a Saab?

[FoMoCo Fan]

Originally Posted by Perian

Based on the total collapse of Volvo C30 sales in this country, I am not sure if Saab should even bother to import this vehicle to the United States.

America is not ready for a $30K Saab hatchback.

How can sales collapse on something that never sold well here in the first place?

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by Perian

Based on the total collapse of Volvo C30 sales in this country, I am not sure if Saab should even bother to import this vehicle to the United States.

America is not ready for a $30K Saab hatchback.

Why would the 91, which will be built on Delta II, cost more than a 93? I think the author of this piece is speculating on the competitor for the 91 being the BMW 135i. Also, why is BMW charging the same price for a 1-series as they are a 3-series? Stupid much? (I meant BMW, not anyone here! )

[Saturn69]

If this comes in at less than the 9-3, I'd consider it.



With a 1.4L turbo connected to a 6-speed, oh heck yeah.

[Perian]

Originally Posted by FoMoCo Fan

How can sales collapse on something that never sold well here in the first place?

811 units moved in October, 357 units moved in December. A 56% drop on a new vehicle? I've never seen that before.

Maybe the proposed 4 door hatch will help. I see a lot of 4 door GTIs here in New York.

[joemac]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Aaah... but you forget about the A3.

They sell that in the US?

[Perian]

Originally Posted by Saturn69

If this comes in at less than the 9-3, I'd consider it.



With a 1.4L turbo connected to a 6-speed, oh heck yeah.

That's a fantastic looking concept - If it gets the green light, I hope they include the four door model.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Saturn69

Why would the 91, which will be built on Delta II, cost more than a 93? I think the author of this piece is speculating on the competitor for the 91 being the BMW 135i. Also, why is BMW charging the same price for a 1-series as they are a 3-series? Stupid much? (I meant BMW, not anyone here! )

Oh sure. A 300HP, near sub-compact RWD car against a Delta II. That ain't gonna happen.

How is the 1 and 3-series comparable in price? The 135 and the 328 overlap by $2,000.

Originally Posted by joemac

They sell that in the US?

I didn't say it was "popular."
I think it's the biggest waste of money, personally.
But there is a market.

Let's face it... Saab can use solid product. the key here is that Saab loyalists enjoy hatch/fastbacks. If 9-1 is large enough, has enough utility, and substantial performance, I see no reason why 9-1 couldn't outsell the Volvo C30 and A3. (So long as it doesn't look like adressed up, lowered Cobalt wagon...)

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Oh sure. A 300HP, near sub-compact RWD car against a Delta II. That ain't gonna happen.

How is the 1 and 3-series comparable in price? The 135 and the 328 overlap by $2,000.

That's why I said the author was speculating on the two competing. Yeah, the 128i and 328i are $4K apart in price, with the same engine...I was wrong. I still think $28K is a bit (no, a LOT) pricey for something the size of the 1-series, regardless of what's on the hood.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Saturn69

That's why I said the author was speculating on the two competing. Yeah, the 128i and 328i are $4K apart in price, with the same engine...I was wrong. I still think $28K is a bit (no, a LOT) pricey for something the size of the 1-series, regardless of what's on the hood.

I think the $28K for the 1 series is a fair price. I don't think they're going to sell a ton of them -- maybe just to driving enthusiasts.