This Small, Saab SUV Could Have Saved the Brand

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Posted by Jeff Perez 

 

                               

                                           

China; that’s where Saab is right now. The former Swedish sweetheart went the way of the dodo, only to be revived by some Chinese businessmen with aspirations of an all-electric future and stacks upon stacks of cash (which has yet to come to fruition, mind you).

Imagine, though, for a second, if Saab never went away at all. Imagine a new model had debuted just a few months ago at the New York Auto Show, and said vehicle was the lovely-looking 9-2 concept you see here—aimed at young professionals, hoping to take the CUV market by storm.

Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. But it were up to German rendering artists Guentin Huber and Benjamin Baron, that’s exactly what Saab would be building today. This is their vision of the 9-2 CUV, and it’s exceptionally lovely, staying very true to Saab form.

 

“Saab 9-2 is the solution,” says Huber. It embodies “natural strength,” and is “based on brand qualities, aeronautics, and turbo muscle.” I especially like that last part. Combining Saab’s signature Swedish sweet spot with an efficient yet powerful turbocharged engine, you’d have to believe that the 9-2 would be an absolute hit, especially for Americans who gobble up these small SUVs like candy.

But alas, this wonderful concept is nothing but a pipe dream. Saab enthusiasts everywhere can only imagine a marketable, mainstream Saab, with the DNA we’ve all come to know and love. The only thing left to do is plea; Saab’s new owners, if you’re reading this, this is your future. Get to work.