Currently reading: Saab plans Mini, Audi A1 rival
Saab's Victor Muller tells Autocar that the firm is developing a new Mini-rivaling 92 supermini

Saab saviour Victor Muller is working at top speed on a “super-cool” new supermini, even before his acquisition of the company is complete.

The new car, code-named 92, is intended to have the same kind of relationship with the original teardrop-shaped ‘50s Saabs as the latest Mini has with the Issigonis’s original.

The new Saab baby, sometimes described as the 9-1, is tipped to be at least three years away and likely to be made at Saab’s Trollhattan plant.

It will be based on major components, including engines, supplied by a multinational partner. Muller declines to confirm the partner’s identity, though Vauxhall Opel looks the likely contender, given the strong and continuing relationship between the companies over Saab’s other models.

Muller and Saab’s reinstated CEO, Jan Ake Jonsson, plan a four-model range: the mid-life 9-3, a new 9-5 executive saloon which is “ready to go”, a Mexican-built, GM-based SUV, the 9-4X, to be launched late this year, and the new “92”, unlikely to be seen before 2013.

A deal to supply Corsa parts for the baby Saab is rumoured to be part of the acquisition deal, valued at around £45 million. Victor Muller, who “works with Saab designers every day” on the 92 project, carries the latest renderings when he travels on business.

He says Saab will be be successful again when its annual volume exceeds 100,000 cars. Sales for 2009 collapsed 40,000, but hit 95,000 in 2008.

Steve Cropley

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B reg 25 February 2010

Re: Saab plans Mini, Audi A1 rival

"intended to have the same kind of relationship with the original teardrop-shaped ‘50s Saabs as the latest Mini has with the Issigonis’s original" - i.e. none at all except for the number of wheels.

Holy.Cat 24 February 2010

Re: Saab plans Mini, Audi A1 rival

Would love a RWd 'Aero' model too compete with Cooper S etc

Paddler Ed 23 February 2010

Re: Saab plans Mini, Audi A1 rival

coolboy wrote:

 

There are any chances from Ford side (Ecoboost tech)? I just hope the partner wouldn`t be Renault, anyway they already have ties with Volvo.

 

 

Given that Ford still (just) own Volvo, and there has been no collaberation between Volvo and Renault for about 10 years or so... I think that Renault may be a partner for SAAB