Saab pondering Mini-based hatch

Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept could, to some extent, inspire the styling of the forthcoming 9-1 hatchback.

Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept could, to some extent, inspire the styling of the forthcoming 9-1 hatchback.

Published May 12, 2011

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Saab really wants to go full steam ahead in the development of new models - although the recent termination of its planned cash injection from Hawtai Motors is a huge setback.

Yet arguably the most important vehicle it wants to develop is the upcoming 9-1 compact hatchback - and Saab's chairman Victor Muller recently told Autocar that it's a car they so eagerly want.

And it doesn't look like Saab has any intention of going it alone on this one either, with the company having already struck an agreement to buy engines from BMW for upcoming cars.

But the plot thickens with reports that Saab is also intending to purchase rights to use BMW's current Mini platform, which would have been replaced by a new Mini by the time Saab gets its car on the road.

While there is still no indication of what this yet-to-be-developed Alfa Mito and Audi A1 rival will look like, there's a strong chance that it will take at least some inspiration from the 9-X BioHybrid concept pictured here.

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