Saab's new direction

Under the ownership of the quixotic Spyker, Saab has been given a (hopefully) new lease on life. As Saab or as Saab-Spyker, the iconic, quirky Swedish automaker will, at least in the long term, survive. Seeing as Saab is one of my favorite car companies, all this news makes me quite happy. Now, Saab has announced that a new 9-3 will be on the market for 2012. Seeing as the 9-3 is Saab's big seller, many hopes will be riding on the success and reception of this car. The question is begged, what direction should Saab take in the development of this car?

For starters, the compact Saab ought to be a hatchback. In my opinion, the introduction of the (otherwise excellent) Saab 9-3 sedan in 2003 did much to dilute the purity of the brand. The properly classic Saabs -- the 96, 99, 900, and 9000 - were all versatile, sporty hatchbacks. Saab ought to return to its functional roots with the third-generation 9-3. So, in addition to being a hatchback, the Mk3 9-3 also ought to be, like all proper Saabs, turbocharged and driven fundamentally by its front wheels. The iconic 2.3 litre turbo engine must be utilised. A 2.0t version would also be offered, and the 2.8t V-6 would be available on higher-end Aero models. A proper manual would be the most commonly optioned transmission choice. Beyond these surface details, the "soul" of the 9-3 would need to be connected, spiritually at least, to that of the classic Saabs of yore. Some things about the car would need to be, to say the least, a little different from what one might expect to find on an A4 or a TSX. The engine would need to be mounted back-to-front, or perhaps the power seat controls could be somewhere really unusual (a drop-down panel from the roof, say.) Most importantly however, the new 9-3 would have to be a car designed with functionality and driving pleasure in mind. When the original Saab 900 was introduced, it came fitted with a dashboard that placed the car's most essential features within the easy, convenient reach of the driver. The oft-used radio was placed front and center on the console; the gauges were large and easy to read. A return for Saab to this clean, simple philosophy of design would be a pleasure to witness. The "cockpit" design of early Saabs is functional and deserves to survive. Tradition without innovation, however, is a dangerous thing. HUD systems and all the latest techno-gadgets would be, needless to say, essential. Overall, Saab must make a return to building cars, and specifically interiors that are functional, simple, innovative, and, most-importantly, well assembled. When Saab makes this transition away from the bad habits acquired by the 9-3 and post-2006 9-5 (while under the ownership of General Motors) , then the Griffin will have truly returned to its roots and, in doing so, forged a brave new path into the future.