Talk about globalization! Saab's 9-2X was a wagon from the American-owned Scandinavian brand, which rode the same platform as Japan's Subaru Impreza. It's a multi-national automotive identity crisis, and it earned the 9-2X the nickname 'Saabaru' amongst its owners.
9-2X launched in 2004 as a 2005 model. It was built in Japan to be sold exclusively to us North Americans- though its life would be short lived. General Motors, who owns Saab, would eventually lose their relationship with Subaru. Their love child was a quirky and interesting machine nonetheless, and customers after an economical and sporty hatchback with a unique, premium attitude should check one out.
Not surprisingly, powertrain options consisted of flat-four cylinder engines in either 2.0 or 2.5 litres displacement- depending on the selected trim level. A turbocharged 2.0 liter, 227 horsepower engine fired up the Saab 9-2X 'Aero' model in 2005, though it was punched out to 2.5 litres and 230 horsepower for 2006. Get the clutching right, and you cam expect 0-70 in the sub-seven-second range.
The naturally aspirated 2.5 liter engine which powered the standard 'Linear' models generated 165 or 173 ponies, depending on the year. Transmission choices were a four-speed automatic or a five speed manual which drove an automatic all wheel drive system.
Many used car shoppers will simply look for the far more common Subaru's instead. Thing is, the Impreza was never a car known for plentiful refinement or luxury, and the 9-2X was reworked in a number of areas to differentiate itself.
It's still almost a complete rip-off of the Impreza, but not entirely.
For instance, the Saab model made use of extra sound insulation throughout, as well as thicker window seals, to reduce interior noise.
A recalibrated chassis was available- depending on the model.The rear control arms are made of aluminum for reduced weight, allowing them to react more quickly to the roads surface. Dampers are specifically tuned to Saab specifications, and some weight reduction was carried out using plastic as opposed to heavier materials where possible.
The Aero models, though based on the WRX, got the steering rack and bushings from the WRX STI to help enable stiffer and more nimble handling. Some reviewers said that he 9-2X was the best handling, best-riding WRX on the road. Shortly after, it's said that Subaru demanded to use the Saab-tuned parts on their own vehicles.
9-2X launched in 2004 as a 2005 model. It was built in Japan to be sold exclusively to us North Americans- though its life would be short lived. General Motors, who owns Saab, would eventually lose their relationship with Subaru. Their love child was a quirky and interesting machine nonetheless, and customers after an economical and sporty hatchback with a unique, premium attitude should check one out.
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| 2005 Saab 9-2x |
Not surprisingly, powertrain options consisted of flat-four cylinder engines in either 2.0 or 2.5 litres displacement- depending on the selected trim level. A turbocharged 2.0 liter, 227 horsepower engine fired up the Saab 9-2X 'Aero' model in 2005, though it was punched out to 2.5 litres and 230 horsepower for 2006. Get the clutching right, and you cam expect 0-70 in the sub-seven-second range.
The naturally aspirated 2.5 liter engine which powered the standard 'Linear' models generated 165 or 173 ponies, depending on the year. Transmission choices were a four-speed automatic or a five speed manual which drove an automatic all wheel drive system.
Many used car shoppers will simply look for the far more common Subaru's instead. Thing is, the Impreza was never a car known for plentiful refinement or luxury, and the 9-2X was reworked in a number of areas to differentiate itself.
It's still almost a complete rip-off of the Impreza, but not entirely.
For instance, the Saab model made use of extra sound insulation throughout, as well as thicker window seals, to reduce interior noise.
A recalibrated chassis was available- depending on the model.The rear control arms are made of aluminum for reduced weight, allowing them to react more quickly to the roads surface. Dampers are specifically tuned to Saab specifications, and some weight reduction was carried out using plastic as opposed to heavier materials where possible.
The Aero models, though based on the WRX, got the steering rack and bushings from the WRX STI to help enable stiffer and more nimble handling. Some reviewers said that he 9-2X was the best handling, best-riding WRX on the road. Shortly after, it's said that Subaru demanded to use the Saab-tuned parts on their own vehicles.
 |
| 2005 Saab 9-2x |