Virtually all automakers have SUVs, and only Saab has long remained in the shadows. This situation did not suit either the Saab leadership or the consumer. Sales of the first-ever Saab SUV, the 9-7X, began in 2005. The car is built on the new platform GMT360, which is specifically designed for the new generation Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Production started at the GM plant in the state of Ohio (USA). The design of the car is made in the corporate style of the company, combining time-tested lines and stylistic solutions with the design of the latest Saab concept cars. The front end has a distinctively shaped grille and narrow headlights. Designers also retained traditional Saab interior elements - beveled ventilation vents, an ignition lock on the central tunnel in front of the gearshift knob and a scattering of buttons on the center console, giving the cabin a resemblance to a fighter cabin. The instrument panel is simple and straightforward.
Simple to the impossibility, and from the point of view of both aesthetics and management, and the steering column switches. Equally unassuming is the multifunctional 4-spoke steering wheel. His greatest achievement, in addition to his direct responsibilities, can be considered the ability to control some functions of the audio system.
Control of the on-board computer, which Europeans usually control from the steering wheel, is located on the center console. One more purely American bauble can be considered as an adjustable pedal knot by distance from the driver. By the way, the pedals, in contrast to the American standard, where even the parking brake is operated by a pedal, in Saab there are only two. For the parking brake of this car meets the European lever. The seats represent the comfort and coziness of a home sofa and are almost devoid of lateral support. The engines for the cars of the first years of production were two - 4.2-liter inline "six" capacity of 275 liters. from.
and a 5.3-liter V8, issuing 300 liters. from. With the latest Saab 9-7X, it accelerates to 60 miles per hour in 7.8 seconds. Both engines are made of aluminum. Transmission - 4-speed automatic. Due to its size (length - 4.912 mm, wheelbase - 2.870 mm.) There is enough space in the car’s cabin so that all passengers can comfortably accommodate, and if the rear seats are folded down, the trunk capacity will increase from 1161 to 2268 liters. Back sofa folds in the proportion 60/40.
A version with a V8 engine can pull a three-ton trailer behind it - the hitch is standard on all versions. The front suspension of the car - on double triangular levers with cylindrical springs, behind is a multi-link system with pneumatic elements and electronic stiffness control. Under the "European suspension" Saab means a relatively small clearance, rigid springs and shock absorbers, thick anti-roll bars. In addition, the 9-7X has a “sharp” steering wheel with good feedback, and the front part of the power structure of the body is additionally enhanced to improve handling and “tangibility” of the car by the driver. Shod Swedish SUV in 18-inch wheels and tires, the size of P255 / 55.
"Default" Saab 9-7X has all-wheel drive. However, customers will be able to order a version with a drive only on one axle, for example, if they are not going to get out into the countryside or drive along slippery winter roads. From 2006 model year for SAAB 9-7X, the new ESC stabilization system and DVD navigation in basic equipment are offered, as well as a sunroof and an entertaining DVD system for rear passengers in the kit (previously, these options could only be ordered separately). The base engine power of 4.2 liters R6 24V increased to 290 hp at 375 Nm, and the optional 5.3 liter V8 16V engine (300 hp, 447 Nm) received a system for shutting off part of the DOD cylinders.
Fuel consumption at a quiet ride is about 15 liters per 100 kilometers, but it is worth considering that in this case, the engine management system specifically turns off 4 of 8 cylinders. Both engines are equipped with only 4-step "automatic". The standard equipment of any Saab 9-7X version includes front and side airbags, as well as inflatable curtains that protect the driver and front passenger heads, air rear suspension, aluminum rims, bi-xenon headlights. Also in the base car is equipped with leather trim, audio system with CD changer, on-board computer, cruise control, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control.
