Paris concept: Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid

If we were handing out awards for the coolest cars at the Paris motor show then this Saab concept would be at the top of the list. Another permutation of Saab's series of 9- concepts this open-topped 9-X Air is the most spectacular. Now all Saab needs to do is actually build it...

What's all the fuss about?

Saab has had a brilliant run of concept cars at various motor shows in recent years. This latest interpretation of the 9-X show car theme is one of the Swedish firm's best efforts yet, the cool compact drop-top a very attractive car. Taking inspiration from Saab's long tradition of convertible models the 9-X Air was developed in parallel with the 9-X BioHybrid concept and it shares distinctive frontal styling with its equally environmentally-friendly relative.

Any new technology?

The 9-X Air doesn't just share its looks with the 9-X BioHybrid concept, but also its green drivetrain. Able to run on E85 bio-ethanol (85% bio-ethanol/15% petrol), the 9-X Air is a clean-running drop-top with emissions of just 107g/km. That's despite a 200bhp engine that allows it to sprint to 62mph in just 8.1 seconds. The 9-X Air's roof system is also unique, so much so that Saab has taken out several patents on its operation. The 'Canopy Top' is fabric and folds neatly into three sections under a trunk cover. The way the glasshouse is designed minimises wind buffeting, too.

Will it ever see the light of day?

We really hope so. Saab has long been the poor relation to its premium rivals with a stifled, aging model range. Cars like the 9-X Air and its concept relatives demonstrate that Saab could produce some fantastic cars if it had the chance. The 9-X Air would be the perfect rival to Audi's enormously successful TT along with roadsters from BMW and Mercedes, but it's a case of wait and see, Saab saying nothing about production at the moment.

Kyle Fortune