2006 Saab 9-2X Model Update

Worldly Wagon

Japanese engineering, Swedish packaging and American oversight make the Saab 9-2X a 'worldly' car, albeit one with only niche appeal.

The 9-2X station wagon incorporates distinctive Saab styling elements, including its trademark front-end design and an ignition that’s located on the console between the front seats. Yet it also manages to be distinctive among Saabs: It is the first one to come with standard all-wheel drive.

For 2006, the 9-2X — which is basically a restyled Subaru Impreza wagon — receives added engine power, simplified option packages and a renamed base model. The former Linear version is now called the 2.5i, which reflects its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It generates 173 hp, which is an increase of eight horses over last year’s model.

The high-performance Aero also gets quicker, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood that’s now rated at 230 hp, a gain of three hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional across the line.

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Four-wheel disc antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution as well as a fully independent suspension system are included on both models for well-balanced handling. These are further enhanced by Subaru’s sophisticated AWD system, which benefits performance on both wet and dry roads.

Although the 9-2X is certainly more fuel efficient than compact SUVs and luxury wagons that it competes with, AWD systems are generally less fuel efficient than two-wheel-drive setups — all other things being equal. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates fuel economy to be between 20 and 22 mpg city/25 and 29 mpg highway, depending on the transmission.

The 9-2X comes fairly well-equipped with as comfortable an interior as can be expected in a car of its size. Advanced safety features include side-impact airbags and active head restraints to help reduce whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.

A new Leather Package available on both models includes two-toned leather seats and door inserts. The Aero version further includes leather on the steering wheel, gearshift knob and hand-brake boot as standard equipment. A revamped Aero Sport Package now comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, all-season performance tires and high-intensity Xenon headlamps. A Cold Weather Package includes heated seats, side mirrors and windshield washers.

The 9-2X is virtually identical, save for a few Saab design elements, to the Subaru Impreza upon which it’s based. So it delivers nimble cornering and acceleration that runs from peppy to quick, depending on the version. And its cargo-carrying utility cannot be matched by most small sedans. The 9-2X lacks the Subaru’s highest-performance rally-ready WRX variants, however, and doesn’t offer anywhere near that car’s range of optional accessories.

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Unfortunately, while Saab has kept the current 9-2X’s sticker price on par with its 2005 predecessor, it remains one of the costlier compact cars on the market.

General Motors, which owns Saab, terminated its equity stake in Subaru late last year, selling its interests to Toyota, so it’s possible that the 9-2X’s days are numbered. The speculation is that it might eventually be replaced by a small SUV-like vehicle, or perhaps Saab intends the new-for-2006 9-3 SportCombi fill the gap should the 9-2X be discontinued.

The 9-2X receives four out five stars on all National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, except for the frontal crash test, where it receives five out of five stars for passengers only.

Did You Know...

Sharing platforms, powertrains and components with the Subaru Impreza, the 9-2X debuted last year as a premium-priced, compact wagon that was intended to appeal to younger buyers with an active lifestyle. It was born out of parent company General Motors’ former equity stake in Subaru, a financial arrangement that has since been terminated. The 9-2X was the first new model in the automaker’s current expansion program, which now encompasses the 9-3 SportCombi and 9-7X SUV.