GENEVA 2011: SAAB RISES LIKE A PHOENIX

Last year around this time, General Motors finalised the sale of SAAB to Spyker of the Netherlands. A few days ago Spyker passed on the SAAB brand to a group in the UK. It seems the company’s fortunes are currently uncertain, but that hasn’t stopped it unveiling this appropriately named PhoeniX Concept at Geneva 2011.

"The PhoeniX establishes a new reference point for the future of Saab product design," says Jason Castriota, Saab Automobile's Executive Design Director. "It symbolises a renaissance of the innovative spirit and passion that drove Saab to build its first car. We're now taking the visual DNA forward with what we call ‘aeromotional' design, adding emotion, power and fluidity. This design aesthetic will shape and differentiate future models in the Saab portfolio."

Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbo engine with 147kW, which sends power to the front wheels. Typically SAAB; it’s either FWD or AWD. This one is the latter, as it deploys electric motors to drive the rear wheels. SAAB says a 4.1 litres per 100km average fuel consumption is possible.

PhoeniX sits four adults in a 2+2 layout (2 front, 2 rear). Butterfly-opening doors provide enhanced access to the low-slung cabin. There are no visible door handles or mirrors to disrupt airflow, and small cameras on slim stalks provide rearward vision.

Let’s hope this isn’t yet another concept SAAB that ends up at some company museum without ever hitting the streets.