- This article is about the Saab 9-2X from the 21st century. There is also the Saab 92, from the 1950s.
The Saab 9-2X is a Saab-branded automobile assembled in Japan at the Ota-Gunma plant by Fuji Heavy Industries and based on the Subaru Impreza WRX, but with a modified body, suspension, and interior. The 9-2X earned the nickname "Saabaru" before it was released.
The car is actually badged as a 92X, but Saab consistently advertises it as the 9-2X.
As of 2004, Saab planned to offer the 9-2X to a limited public, starting in July of 2004, for the 2005 model year, as a 5-door hatchback only. Europe does not enjoy the new 9-2X, as it is for the North American market only. Initial sales have been slower than expected, with just 410 sold in the first two months.
Characteristics
The 9-2X is priced at around US$25,000. The DOHC turbocharged 2.0 L engine can produce 227 hp at 6000 RPM, as well as 217 ft.lbf of torque at 4000 RPM.
The powertrain consists of the following:
The interior is reworked and has received extra acoustic insulation, with particular attention paid to the firewall, carpeting, roof, and rear window seals. The main piece of the dash is shared unchanged with the Subaru versions, while the door panels, lower dash, and seats are bespoke. Saab's Active Head Restraints have been incorporated into the front seats, unlike the Recaro seats in the WRX. The rear suspension arms are in aluminum, with further reduction of unsprung weight achieved by using plastic in place of heavier components, bushings separate to the Saab, and the dampers recalibrated. The steering has been made more responsive and exact in the 'Aero' by using the steering rack shared by the STI version of the WRX, which features a quicker steering ratio, more rigidly mounted steering hardware and stiffer chassis bushings.
Background
Although marketed by General Motors, which is the 100% owner of Saab and 20% shareholder in Subaru, the 9-2X is not particularly popular with brand enthusiasts, nor, reportedly, management at the companies concerned. From the perspective of Saab enthusiasts, whether founded or not, the idea has been criticized for the fact that the changes are mostly cosmetic; thus, while it may look like a Saab, it might not drive like a Saab, nor have the same high standard of safety as a Saab (although the Impreza is among the safest cars in its class). Subaru, meanwhile, is not happy about its image-building "hero car" being used to help prop up the sales of another brand - although officially both companies support the idea, and stress their common background in aviation and rally. Many Subaru owners, especially boy racers, liked the idea since they hoped to be able to use Saab parts to style their Subarus - notably the Subaru interior, which is often described as outdated and truck-like. Initial reviews have praised the car for its more refined handling and higher-quality interior.
See also
Saab 92
External Links
References
