How many doors on the Saab 9-1?
The good news in the recent Edmunds story on the Saab 9-1 is that they’re talking about the 9-1 as if it’s a definite production vehicle for Saab. That decision is yet to be announced, but they’re talking like it is, so that gives me some comfort.
To the question at hand, then…..
Saab is going full-speed ahead with development of an all-new subcompact car based on the achingly rakish 9-X BioHybrid concept unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show this spring. A 2010-ish production version, likely called 9-1, will compete with the likes of BMW’s Mini and 1 Series, not to mention the Volvo C30 and Audi A3. But a senior U.S. executive tells Inside Line one point of contention is how many doors the 9-1 should have.
I think the author’s being a bit bull-ish about the 2010 date there. I mean, it’s almost June 2008 and they haven’t figured out the door count yet…..
I think common sense and sales figures will tell you that they can have anywhere up to five doors, with the proviso that they don’t make a four door. The appeal of the Saab 9-1 idea is tht they’re bringing back a hatchback into the Saab lineup. That means a 3-door or 5-door (counting the tail as one of the doors, of course).
Practicality would demand that they make both. The purists will go with the 3-door and those with small kiddies or a need to regularly carry people/things in a back seat will consider the 5-door. The only trick will be to get the 5-door styling correct.
The one thing we don’t want is a 4-door. If you look at every entrant in the small car segment, they look cool and whippy in a 2, 3 or even 5-door style, but downright dork-ish as a four door. America’s been averse to hatchbacks in recent years so the temptation to do a small three-box sedan will be there. I just hope they don’t succumb to it.
So, to Anthony Lo and the team - make it a 3-door or a 5-door only. If they demand sketches for a 4-door then please make is so ugly that there’s no way they’ll make it. 
——
Thanks Ted!
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In my opinion I think that they need both a 3- and 5-Door version to make it a good idea. It could be that the 3 comes before the 5 or visa versa but I think that they should both be in there, its the only way I can see for it to make corporate sense, for practical reasons there should be both. Maybe add in a mini- combi version to make practicality better rather than a 5-door version? Who knows but they’re all worth thinking about.
I’m sure it will come in both if its sharing a platform with the Astra, which currently comes in both configurations.
I’m really looking forward to this car, but the crash safety has to be there. The way gas prices are going, I’m considering downsized from my 9-3 even.
As I said on the Viggen posting, they definitely need both 3 and 5 door models. I think the 5 door will sell in greater numbers, but there will still be a healthy market for the 3 door. As far as I’m concerned, the 3 door is the only one I’d consider.
Saab hasn’t had any sort of coupe model for five years now and with there being no certainty that the new 9-3/9-2 will get one, us lovers of Saab coupes/3 doors need something to look forward to!
I would suggest that Saab introduce the 9-1 in a three door and add a five door for the following model year. This would allow the car to released as early as early as possible and extra developement time for the 5 door to follow. If Opel can make 3 and 5 door Astras on that platform, Saab doesn’t have a valid excuse.
if Saab could do something creative with the whole suicide door concept, I wouldn’t mind seeing that on the new 9-1. I just want to see Saab take some creative chances, that’s what made them a great company from the beggining.
I’m with Markac:
I’d consider only the 3 door for myself: It’s the only way to make a “halo” entry car, like Ovlov’s C30.
But business-wise, having both might be best…
The only concern I have is that making it a “volume” car instead of a “halo” car will force a compromise and result in loosing a radical iconic design, and I don’t think Saab needs a Golf right now. (Specially because people aren’t ready to look for a Golf in a Saab dealer.)
Right now, what Saab needs is to make heads turn it’s way, and capitalize it on sales volume afterwards, IMHO.
This might be the most important car for Saab since the NG900: a turning point!
The problem is that Saab needs to make money on this one. Having both door configurations available makes production more expensive, and that can only be compensated by more sales. I would assume that they’re talking about the number of doors on the launch model, and keep the other door configuration up their sleeves for when the demand for the “smaller” Saab has been established. BMW did the same with their 1-series, and so did Audi with the A3.
There is no doubt that the 9-1 needs to have 3 and 5 doors. I do not see the necessity in a Sportcombi version as the notched back is practically of wagon design anyway. To maximise on sales potential the 5 door version should come first, followed by the 3 door. Remember that OPEL will take the biggest hit in R&D as they will be the first to release a 5,3 and 2 door CoupeCabriolet. Saab will almost be tagging along for the ride, injecting the Saab DNA into the platform.
The Astra at present is already built as a sedan and it doesn’t look too bad.
http://upload.moldova.org/auto/Opel/Opel_Astra_Sedan.jpg
As OPEL have almost given the green light to a new Calibra Coupe built on Delta. What if Saab had a 2 door Coupe/Targa with a 300hp 2.8 V6 planted in it with XWD? Would that give a nice alternative to a BMW 135 Coupe? If you think it might be a bit small, bear in mind that the new astra will be just 17cm short of 5m when it’s launched.
Whist we’re on the subject of Delta I’ll post this here too…
More info in Delta.
From German magazine Autozeitung comes snippets on the new Astra due release end of 2009.
First up lets get the platform sharing out of the way and it is reported that Delta will be used for future Chevrolet models and an extended wheel-base version for the next generation Saab 9-3. Don’t expect any rebadges on these three brands as like the 9-4x all future products are now designed from the ground up with their own suspension setup, sheet metal and interiors.
From this article I’ve highlighted a few synergies that could find there way into any sub compact Saab whether 9-1 or 9-3. What did strike me as most interesting is that in Astra form, the overall length of the car will increase from 4.25m to 4.83m despite the very short overhangs. The current 9-5 in comparison is the same size. An extended Delta version could see a future 9-3 exceeding 5m in overall length.
Automatic Start-Stop function will help reduce fuel consumption and electronic continuous damping control will also be added for better driving dynamics. No less than 11 engines will be offered to most market areas.
One being the all new 1.4 Turbo Direct Injection with variable camshaft phasing.
Injection nozzles are positioned centrally in the combustion chamber for the direct injection (up to 200 bar) to make sure that a homogeneous mixture is produced. To ensure that the design will not become outdated, it will be suitable for other future developments such as HCCI. A further feature is the turbo integrated into the exhaust manifold itself. Power output will vary from 120 - 140hp and 148lb ft. torque. A similar 1.6 will also be offered that will vary in output of between 150 and 180hp. Both will be EuroV compliant. On the diesel front we will see the 150hp 1.9TID replaced with a smaller, cleaner but frugal 1.7TID capable of the same power delivery.
The good news for our natural gas lovers will be the introduction for an all new 1.6 Turbo Charged CNG engine which will first debut in the 2009 Zafira and will also produce 150hp / 155lb. Ft. Torque.
Reading deeper into this news is that it gives more credit for moving the 9-3 onto Delta. There is no doubt that a future 9-3 will out-excel the current version, whether it be weight, size or performance. It stands more reason as to why Saab desperately requires another model in their range however; With a similar length to the new Astra, the 9-1 will more than likely leave the current 9-3 in the same position as the 9-5 today; Outpaced by its younger sibling.
The Opel GTC Calibra concept may be 4830mm long, but it would be stupid to make the next Astra hatch that long. Most people expect the 9-1 to be about 4300mm and the 9-3 will downsize slightly to just under 4600mm if you go by recent reports. Having an Astra as long as a 9-5 would be ludicrous. I’m sure some reporters for a certain German magazine have been sampling too much schnapps!
There’s no way this car’s 4830mm. I think Autozeitung has mixed up the length with the Insignia. 4330mm is probably closer to the mark.
To prove my point, the current Vectra is 4611mm is expected to grow by 210mm when the car becomes the Insignia. That totals 4821mm by my maths. I hardly think the Astra will be longer than that!
How can they not have both 3 and 5 door versions? A3 has both. Volvo has 3, 4, and 5 with the C30/S40/V50. Golf/Rabbit/GTI has both. BMW has 2, 3, and 5, right? The only way I can see one version, it would be the 3 door with the 9-3 getting a little smaller.
I’d buy a 3 door but would much rather a 5 door. Easier for others to get in back. However, the mini has 3 doors. That’s why I didn’t buy one!
The Mini Clubman has 5 doors. One on the drivers side, two on the other side and two at the back! Perhaps SAAB will try to emulate the very successful Mini - not a bad idea, there has been some drawings sirculating, perhaps to test the response…