Saab again in Russia

The legendary brand Saab, saved by the Dutch, "Spiker", returns to Russia. Since the end of March this year, the exclusive importer of vehicles and original spare parts in Russia is "Armand-CIS imports. Told a press conference CEO of Armand Import CIS Igor Hertz, the first stage lineup will include the already well-known Russian fans of the legendary brand models 9-3 Griffin and 9-3X, and supplemented by two new models - a Saab 9 -5 and 9-4X. The following year, the market waits for a new Saab 9-3. For the whole range of models available in the Russian market, will offer a special package of options that includes adaptive bi-xenon headlights, rain sensor, heated seats, audio system with seven speakers. Home sales planned for the middle of this year, while the same machines are in the process of certification. Sounding a sales plan in the Russian market is very, very ambitious - in the next 1.5 years is planned to sell about a half thousand cars. Dealer network, according to Igor Herz, should be formed by the end of May this year and will consist of 12 dealerships in major Russian cities, and preference will be given to those who are already engaged in servicing and selling cars, and Saab has relevant experience. Besides Moscow and St. Petersburg, the Scandinavian brand will also be presented in cities such as Yekaterinburg, Samara, Novosibirsk, Krasnodar and Sochi. Unfortunately, prices for cars have not been determined and will be announced later. However, now there is no doubt that they will not be too low, as major competitors in the Saab company official importer of seeing representatives of the premium segment. In particular, as a competitor to Saab 9-5 called the Audi A6 and Volvo S80. Estimated modification of novelties in the Russian market. Saab 9-5 Sedan built on the same platform as the Opel Insignia. Like the Insignia, is used all-wheel drive with electronically coupling to drive the rear wheels and one clutch is responsible for locking rear differential. As for powertrains, the Saab 9-5 could be available in four versions: three petrol engines working volume of 1.6 liters (180 hp..), 2,0 l (220 hp..) And 2,8 l (220 hp..), turbocharged and one 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 160 hp. with. As transmission depending on the modification available 6-speed mechanical or 6-speed automatic. Not excluded on the market Saab 9-5 SportCombi station wagon, which was presented in Geneva. Saab 9-4X midsize crossover built on the same platform with the Cadillac SRX. Transmission is the same as that "Cadillac" and all-wheel drive Saab 9-3 - with two clutch Haldex. The range of engines for the Saab 9-4X, which will be presented to the Russian market since August, includes the same V-shaped six of the SRX. This 3.0-liter atmosfernik with direct injection and variable valve timing system capacity of 265 liters. with. or 2.8-liter turbo, which develops power of 300 hp. with. As transmission is likely buyers will be offered a 6-speed automatic. Text: Alex Guy