Saab flirts with Twentysomethings with the sexy new 9-2X

By Vince Bodiford,
Automotive Editor

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The pretty young blonde's hair blew gently in the ocean breeze as she sank the surfboard upright into the soft beach sand, turning back to take an occasional, yearning glance. She was likely just getting her drivers license a handful of years ago when Saab first heard the call for an all-wheel drive, premium sport compact car. Now both occupy the same beach on the same day, both youthful and trim and full of energy and promise.

Her attraction to this new Saab is not by chance. The Swedish carmaker labored for months to ensure that their new suitor would be met with her approving smile. With the new 9-2X, Saab is shamelessly hitting on her and all of her Twentysomething friends, who will likely have their first premium car brand experience at the wheel of this car.

The frisky new 9-2X retains Saab's familiar curvaceous front that harmoniously integrates the typical three-inlet-grille and the low horizontally emphasized headlamps that wrap around into the sides of the car. Below the bumper area, a pronounced air intake signals the dynamic potential of the new 5-door sport compact. The air intake is flanked by small fog lamps.

Saab enters this emerging segment for premium sport compacts with a distinctive model tailored for young driving enthusiasts that pursue an active lifestyle. On the top-of-the-line 9-2X Aero model, the clean line of the front hood is accentuated by a nicely integrated air intake that feeds air to the intercooler of the turbo engine. The 9-2X also features a steeply raked C-pillar that is traditional with Saab 5-door models and is often referred to as the Saab "hockey stick."

With standard full-time all-wheel-drive, powerful engines, and distinctive European design, the Saab 9-2X is a unique and early offering in a car segment just emerging in the American market - the premium sport compact segment.

"The Saab 9-2X is the ideal addition to our line-up," says my friend Peter Augustsson, Saab's President and CEO. "Like the recently-launched Saab 9-3 models, it is extremely dynamic and is a car that you want to drive. Additionally, its price point will attract some new, young, enthusiastic customers to Saab."

Surfboards, skis, in-line skates, a dozen shopping bags from The Galleria mall, and more all fit well into the Saab 9-2X. The 9-2X interior conveys the distinctive Scandinavian ambience. Metal-rimmed round dials in the instrument panel give the driver all vital information on first glance. A sporty, leather-covered three-spoke steering wheel is standard equipment on the Aero model. The pilot's seat is separated from the passenger by a center console that flows down smoothly and smartly integrates the gear lever gate and three distinct climate control knobs. It is finished in aluminum color, while the gear lever knob itself is covered with leather.

The upholstery has a youthful feel with bold colors and high contrast, carried throughout the cabin, even to the inner door cover panels. While the basic color used throughout the interior is black, contrasting color inserts highlight the door panels. They perfectly match the materials used for the middle inserts of the seats. Optional leather trim is available. Sport-bolstered seats that give firm support in fast corners or on long distance drives support the 9-2X driver and passenger. It wouldn't be a Saab without heated seats, which come with the Premium package, with manually adjusting seats.

Being Saab's first serious flirtation with Generation X and Y drivers, the effort is not without its awkward moments. There are no 18" factory wheels available, and XM Satellite radio is not a factory option, but can be added at the dealer. Saab did well with its upgraded sound system with CD player, which will likely be fed a steady diet of CD's of the genre that would be heard on XM's "20 on 20" channel. Saab does recognize these drivers like to personalize their cars, so a wide variety of branded accessories are in the offering.

For most of Saab 9-2X's new young customers, this will be their first premium brand vehicle as prices start below $25,000. In addition, Americans are looking for all-wheel-drive in their next vehicle - a feature standard in all Saab 9-2X models, a distinct advantage as Saab enters this new segment.

"As the new 9-2X range is tremendously fun to drive and since we are targeting a young and enthusiastic customer, we decided to express the strong and dynamic character of the 9-2X in its design and even add a bit more of an aggressive touch compared to the rest of our line-up," comments Saab's Executive Director of Design, Michael Mauer.

The new Saab 9-2X takes a number of styling cues from recently-presented Saab concept and production vehicles and presents Saab's view on what a fun-to-drive, versatile 5-door vehicle should look like.

"The Saab 9-2X needs to look as aggressive as its driving capabilities," says Mauer. "Additionally, even though it is a functional 5-door vehicle, it shouldn't look like a traditional wagon. Therefore, we spent a great deal of time making sure it had a strong face and sleek Scandinavian lines."

The Saab 9-2X's advanced full-time all-wheel-drive and boxer 4-cylinder engines are firsts in Saab's history. Further technical highlights include 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes which, when partnered with the latest generation 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS), provide enhanced driver control. Traction and handling performance of the 9-2X Aero is further improved by a viscous limited-slip differential at the rear.

The turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter, high-performance DOHC 9-2X Aero engine produces 227 hp at 6,000 rpm and 217 lb.-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The power plant of the Saab 9-2X 2.5 is naturally aspirated and delivers 165 hp at 5,600 rpm as well as maximum torque of 166 lb.-ft at 4,000 rpm. Both cars provide a standard 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

The proof that this 9-2X is a real Saab is in the driving. Saab started with the Subaru WRX architecture to create this car - but there is little evidence remaining of the donor platform. This car is quiet, smooth, powerful, comfortable and very European. It's a surprisingly well-done execution, and just a few minutes behind the wheel quickly dispels any notion that this is just a re-badged Subaru. It's is a real Saab, with genuine Saab feel and quality.

Adding at least two hundred miles to the odometers of the base Linear and turbo-charged Aero, I found that the car in either trim level readily offers up a sporty driving feel. The seats are remarkable, and the steering feel is tight, responsive and precise.

The big story behind this car lies at the end of the accelerator pedal. Power comes on very quickly, and in maximum handling the all-wheel drive set up distributes power more evenly around the corners. Torque steer is non-existent, a problem which plagued earlier Saabs. Braking is very stable and quick. Overall, this is a car that Saab needs me drive next year in the Cannonball One Lap of America. It's a real hoot to drive.

"The Saab 9-2X is the best example yet of Saab's brand promise of delivering sporty, driver focused performance," says Kjell-Åke Eriksson, Saab Executive Director for Future Products. "It is truly designed for people who love to drive, whether that is on a demanding section of a curvy road or during a relaxed long-distance drive on the highway."

Peter Augustsson puts the launch of the Saab 9-2X in broader perspective, "The Saab 9-2X is a milestone in expanding our model range and our customer base, especially in the very important North American market. We see a rapidly emerging segment in the United States for a premium, small car below the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. And being one of the first entries, we intend to shape that segment."

COMPARISON VEHICLES: Acura RSX, Audi A3 5-door, BMW 1-Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volvo S40 and V50.

HIGHS: A "real" Saab driving experience at a real bargain. Very cute car.

LOWS: 18" wheels and XM Satellite Radio not available as factory options.

VEHICLE PRICING: 9-2X Linear Base Price $22,990; hard-loaded Linear MSRP $28,535; 9-2X Aero Base Price $26,950; hard-loaded Aero MSRP $32,445. (Hard loaded includes every available option, Premium package leather interior, xenon lights, audio upgrade, automatic transmission, sunroof, heated seats, mirrors and de-icer).

FUEL ECONOMY: EPA estimates, 23-mpg city, 29-mpg highway (automatic transmission).

Some images, technical information and test vehicle provided courtesy Saab Cars USA. West Coast editor Tom O'Connor contributed to this feature, including some photography.

LIFE'S A TRIP - Enjoy the drive. Be a safe and courteous driver, obey all highway laws, never drive impaired and buckle everyone up. Copyright © 2004 The Weekend Drive, All Rights Reserved.