Geneva motor show: 2010 Saab 9-3x crossover debuts

At next month's Geneva motor show, Saab looks to provide a right-sized crossover with the introduction of the 2010 9-3X.

Beginning with a 9-3 SportCombi wagon, Saab engineers raise ride height by 1.4 inches, add the XWD all-wheel-drive system that we first saw on the Turbo X and pump up the exterior styling.

According to Saab, the 9-3X provides customers with the perfect alternative to large crossovers and SUVs, while offering respectable utility and off-road capabilities.

Power for the U.S.-bound cars comes from Saab's venerable 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rated at 210 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. A choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions will be offered. Saab claims that the 9-3X can run from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds.

In Europe, a front-wheel-drive 9-3X will be available with a 1.9-liter turbodiesel, rated at 180 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Setting the 9-3X apart from the rest of the 9-3 lineup is unique front and rear bumper covers, side sills, wheel arches and skid plates for added body protection from mud and gravel when venturing off paved roadways. Aluminum-colored lower door strips, roof rails, fog lights and a dual-tip exhaust complete the exterior changes.

The 2010 Saab 9-3X will hit U.S. showrooms this fall. Pricing has not been announced, but it should start at about $34,000.

By Jonathan Wong