The 9-X Air concept car, from the Saab camp, is definitely going to be one eye-catcher at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show. Being sportier and more compact, it is bound to give good competition to the Swedish car manufacturer's four-seater cabriolet. Plus, it sports a new trick roof which Saab calls the 'Canopy Top.'

It is designed on the lines of the 9-X BioHybrid concept that Saab, a fully owned subsidiary of General Motors, unveiled at the British Motor Show earlier this year. One can say that the 9-X Air concept car is an open top version. It is powered by a 1.4-litre turbo engine and supports the E85 fuel, a combination of 85 per cent bioethanol and 15 per cent petrol.

While the fuel aspect gives a good boost to the car's green credentials, driving it is sure going to be one smooth, enjoyable experience. The 9-X Air concept car sports a short front and rear overhangs, a kerb weight kept down by the use of a fabric roof and the lack of traditional boot lid. In its place is a simple, sliding storage compartment.