Saturday, July 24, 2004
Saab, Subaru form compact
Alliance creates 9-2X: all-wheel-drive luxury
Saab 9-2X
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The Saab 9-2X is a revised version of the Subaru Impreza wagon, part of the emerging "premium compact" market segment.
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Wheels rating: (out of 5)
The Saab 9-2X starts at $22,950.
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What I drove: 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero, a five-door, five-passenger all-wheel-drive hatchback
Base price: $26,950
Price as tested: $29,145 (includes options and delivery)
Options on test vehicle: Metallic paint, 17-inch Aero wheels and high-performance tires
Summary: Saabaru: Saab's first all-wheel driver is a modified Impreza
Drivetrain layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder producing 227 hp and 217 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Wheelbase: 99.4 inches
Length: 175.6 inches
Width: 66.7 inches
Height: 57.7 inches
Weight: 3,179 pounds
EPA mpg, city/hwy: 20/27
Warranty: Bumper-to-bumper: 4 yrs/50,000 miles; roadside assist: 4 yrs/50,000 miles; free scheduled maintenance: 2 yrs/24,000 miles
Assembled in: Yajima, Japan
Safety: Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, active head restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors, anti-theft protection alarm, antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution
Cool: Turbocharged engine, snappy steering, all-weather traction
Uncool: Lack of Saab character, notchy shifter, stiff rear seats
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When word broke that Saab would sell a revised version of the all-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza wagon, Saab loyalists responded with despair.
Surely this was a bonehead move on the part of General Motors (which owns all of Saab and 20 percent of Subaru). Why would Saab dealers want to sell a Subaru? And why would anyone go to a Saab store to buy a Subaru?
Actually, General Motors' reasoning was sound. The General wants to grow its Swedish brand in North America, and accomplishing that requires pumping up Saab's product portfolio, competing in new market segments and attracting a fresh crop of Saab buyers.
That said, what could be more natural for a Scandinavian automaker than an all-wheel-drive car? And what better source for all-wheel-drive technology than corporate sibling Subaru, a company that deals exclusively in AWD vehicles?
The Saab 9-2X will compete in the emerging "premium compact segment," where current players include the Acura RSX and Volvo S40, and future players include the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and maybe the BMW 1 Series. According to Saab research, 40 percent of all Americans want their next vehicle to have all-wheel drive - a feature that's standard in every 9-2X and sure to give Saab an advantage in this segment.
While the Saab-Subaru marriage seems an odd match at first, the two companies actually have many traits in common. Both built aircrafts before building automobiles, both are renowned for unconventional thinking and both have a penchant for five-door body styles and turbocharging.
As for the 9-2X's target customers, Saab has set its crosshairs on young buyers on a budget eager to get into a European luxury car. With prices starting at $22,990, the 9-2X should be well within their reach.
The Saabaru explained
The 9-2X that arrived at dealerships in June is offered in two models: the Linear ($22,990), powered by Subaru's normally aspirated, 165-horsepower 2.5-liter, boxer four-cylinder engine; and the Aero ($26,950), motivated by Subaru's turbocharged, 227-horsepower, 2.0-liter WRX four-cylinder boxer. Both engines come mated to a five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional. (Psst! Go with the five-speed manual.)
In the 9-2X, these engines retain all their Subaru traits, with one key exception. Saab loaded the cockpit with so much sound insulation, the boxer four's raspy bleatings have been all but rendered obsolete.
Both the Linear and Aero come with four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and a fully independent suspension. Interior amenities include an AM/FM/CD stereo, air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows and locks, and Saab Active Head Restraints in front. Leather and a sunroof are available options.
The Aero adds an upgraded six-CD player, two-tone textile sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, bigger front disc brakes and, for improved traction and handling, a rear viscous limited slip differential.
My 9-2X tester was an Aero with a five-speed transmission - the enthusiast's choice - which Saab says can scoot from 0-60 mph in a hair over six seconds. While the shifter felt a bit notchy and reluctant, it effectively put every shred of horsepower and torque at my disposal, enabling me to dive into corners with something similar to grace.
Saab has removed all the sloppiness from the Impreza's steering response with a lower steering ratio and more rigidly mounted steering hardware. The 9-2X's steering is quick and crisp, and the car feels predictable during cornering, even on semi-tame Bridgestone 205/55 R16 tires. (215/45 R17s are available on the Aero.) Wind noise was well-muted, though tire roar was pronounced.
The 9-2X's well-tuned chassis is nearly identical to that of the Impreza/WRX. However, Saab engineers modified the suspension - they stiffened the springs, recalibrated the shock valving and softened the bushings. They put aluminum wishbones in front to reduce weight, and anti-roll bars fore and aft. The result is a more refined and isolated ride than in the Subaru.
Aggressive growth
The introduction of the 9-2X is the first step in Saab's aggressive growth strategy, and increases the number of Saab products to three (with the 9-3 and 9-5). In 2005 that number will grow to four, when Saab introduces the 9-7X SUV (which borrows heavily from the Chevy Trailblazer). And there's more to come, as Subaru and Saab have reportedly struck a deal to collaborate on a forthcoming crossover vehicle.
Although the Saab 9-2X Aero costs about $3,000 more than the Subaru WRX, Saab has added so many improvements and upgrades (and offers a better warranty and two years of free maintenance to boot), that the 9-2X Aero represents a pretty good deal. It's the best WRX you can buy.
Nevertheless, die-hard Saab loyalists are apt to dismiss this five-door, all-wheel-drive wagon as a faux Saab. For them, there's always the Saab 9-5 wagon, which comes standard with every Saab feature in the book - including center console-mounted ignition.
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