A simple one-touch button could have been adopted, but the team allowed themselves this design flourish in order to reinforce the interior's functional character.

The canopy lever is, in fact, part of a three-way 'start' function located between the seats as a very modern interpretation of Saab's traditional, centrally-mounted ignition key.  In its flat, 'down' position', the lever doubles as a transmission selector, allowing the driver to access automatic drive or sequential gear changing via the steering wheel paddles.  A green starter button nestles in the center of this lever/selector unit.

Using a passive, keyless entry and exit system, the car is brought to life as soon as the driver thumbs this button. The previously hidden displays in front of the driver and in the central console are activated, the illuminated dials and icons appearing to 'float in space'. They are pin-sharp in definition and have a layered, 3-D quality, resembling holograms. Their design is one of the highlights of the interior, inspired by aviation practice and techniques used in Scandinavian glass-making.

Three stratified layers of acrylic make up the 'clear zones' of the front fascia and central console. Laser-etched images are embedded within these surfaces, which are each sandblasted and polished to varying degrees. When illuminated by LED from the back or side, the surfaces act like prisms so that different embedded images are picked out and projected as required.

The main driver display consists of a striking 3-D analogue face, combining a central speedometer with turbo boost and tachometer indicators either side. Superimposed above this is a vertical scale showing speed in 10 kph increments. This beautiful image has an obvious aeronautical character, while communicating the visual appeal of a precision-made instrument. Subsidiary water temperature, oil pressure and fuel gauges are presented in a similar way in the center of the fascia.  As this is a BioPower car, the fuel gauge also indicates the ratio of E100 and gasoline held in the tank.

In the central console, displays for infotainment, satellite navigation and air conditioning are selected by two toggle buttons alongside the canopy lever.  The driver then chooses options and settings via eight flush-mounted buttons in the center of the main fascia, each identified by a different icon according to the mode selected.  Again, these images appear to be suspended in space, as if trapped inside a sheet of glass.

"We chose green instrument illumination because this is used in aircraft and on Saab cars. It gives the best, easiest to read image," says Rokke. "Everything is focused on providing the driver with clear information, avoiding any distraction or potential confusion. We looked at the techniques used by Scandinavian companies to give glass different properties in reflecting and refracting light. With this car, we were really able to exploit the potential of these techniques for the first time."

The design team chose to avoid using 'touch screen' functionality. "We wanted to preserve the positive, tactile feel of using a button," explains Rokke. "In a sporty car such as this, the driver should have a direct interaction with the controls.  This is where buttons are better than using zones in a touch screen.  As we see in the movement of the canopy lever, there should appear to be some kind of mechanical action or connection, even though we are using electronics."

The slim, leather-trimmed steering wheel carries gear selector paddles and remote control buttons on its two spokes. The center boss is backlit by LED to illuminate the Saab logo.

To underline the car's performance focus, all driving control surfaces, apart from the black steering wheel, are highlighted in a brushed aluminum finish. These include the steering wheel paddles, indicator stalks, the cockpit canopy lever and the accelerator and brake pedals, which also have black, anti-slip inserts.

A final design flourish is to be found at the rear of the Saab Aero X, giving it an element of surprising practicality, as you would expect from a Saab car. Concealed under the opening rear hatch window is a twin stowage facility. Beneath the main cargo floor is an extending drawer, operated by remote control, which on the show car provides stowage for Soul Flyer* gear from Salomon, the leading supplier of freedom action sports equipment. It could also be used to separate potentially mucky outdoor gear from the rest of the luggage.

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Related Links: www.saab.com