Saab’s green new SUV hits road

Swedish giant Saab has finally caught up with the SUV crowd. And our spy shots reveal that the new car is looking sharp – and has a carbon-busting trick up its green sleeves!

Set to rival Land Rover’s Freelander, the 9-4X features a gaping grille similar to that on the Aero X, seen at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. Also borrowed from the concept are the turbine-effect alloys, while the futuristic cabin gets cowled dials and a sculpted dash.

The 9-4X is based on the Cadillac BRX, and is likely to debut in UK dealers by the end of 2009. It may seem like a bad time to introduce another thirsty SUV, but the 9-4X will run on eco-friendly biofuel.

Power will be sent to all four wheels by Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system, and the engine range will be taken from the current 9-3 line-up. So expect a wide choice of petrol units, from a 1.8-litre four-cylinder all the way up to a 2.8-litre V6. A 250bhp diesel is also in the pipeline.

While prices have yet to be confirmed, the entry-level version of the 9-4X is expected to start at around £24,000.