Opel, Saab Introduce New Small Vehicle Concepts for Geneva

GM’s European divisions will be presenting two new and important concept

Spooky! Ghost-like 9-1X a spectre of Saab's upcoming compact car? (Photo: Saab)

vehicles at this year’s Geneva auto show. Saab has been pretty clear that it will be unveiling a concept version of a future compact car. The baby Saab was first scheduled to debut in London this summer, but it’s been fast-tracked to next month. The concept, which will be called the 9-1X, will be based off the GM Delta architecture, which currently underpins the Opel/Saturn Astra, and the Chevrolet Cobalt amongst other vehicles. Although this teaser photo doesn’t reveal much about the vehicle, a link can be seen between it and Saab’s jet-inspired supercar, the Aero X concept.

The 9-1X concept will most likely feature General Motors’ newly announced small displacement turbocharged engine lineup, including a 1.4-liter engine with a turbo that could make in the neighborhood of 150+ horsepower. The engine will most likely feature E85 BioPower capabilities, as Saab, and its parent company GM, is a strong

New Meriva Concept will bring a rounded new style to the popular subcompact-sized minivan. (Photo: Opel)

supporter of ethanol technology. The 9-1X could also use GM’s E-Flex range-extension technology, as with the Chevrolet Volt (which too is a derivative of the Delta platform).

Meanwhile, Opel is preparing to show off the concept version of the next generation Meriva subcompact-sized people mover. Based off the Corsa, a vehicle about the same size as the Chevrolet Aveo, this tall-bodied car is a popular choice for young families. Based on the sketch provided, the new Meriva retains its monobox shape, but is sleeker and more aerodynamic, with styling that looks to be influenced by the Saturn / Opel Flextreme concept, particularly in the rounded shape of the bumpers and the sharp hockey-stick window line.

There are rumors that GM is considering importing the Opel Zafira, a seven-seat mini-minivan based on the Astra, and there’s a chance that the five-seat Meriva might make it too.