Saab 9-X put on hold

The Saab 9-X Concept was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show and was supposed to be a preview version of the future 9-1. But now company insiders revealed the concept has been put on hold because it has to be "re-defined".

The problem is the platform of the car. It seems that 9-X could not survive translation to a much smaller platform, and possible lower price tag, and could simply become a more conventional premium supermini in the mould of the upcoming Polo-based Audi A1.

Features such as the active aerodynamics package - which saw the 9-X’s rear spoiler and rear undertray extend when the car was travelling at speed in order to improve economy - would probably be lost, as would the innovative interior design.

Anyway the 9-X Concept will still be used into the future 9-3 line-up as a kind of three-door ’eco-coupe’.

The production version of the 9-X concept was supposed to be unveiled in 2011, but will need to wait a bit longer for it.