Saab builds the perfect skiers' car

Niche marketing has long shaped the motor industry, but Saab's 9-4X BioPower Concept is very specific in its target market.

In conjunction with Salomon, Saab has created the perfect car for skiers, with ski and boot storage in the innovative interior.

No more wet, cold boots first thing in the morning with the 9-4X, it featuring a heated boot locker under the floor.

Three pairs of skis can also be carried inside via the innovative ski-rack that runs through between the rear seats.

It's unlikely that the ski-specific design elements of the 9-4X Concept will make it through to production.

However, the four-wheel drive transmission and BioPower engine will feature on the production car.

What's certain to appeal to skiers though is that the BioPower engine helps to keep CO₂ emissions down - in the hope of slowing down global warming - and the four-wheel drive system will help skiers get up to the resorts when there's snow on the road.

Kyle Fortune