2005 Saab 9-2X Linear & Aero Based on Subaru Impreza Design

Saab has released the compact, five-passenger, 2005 Saab 9-2X hatchback currently selling as the lowest priced Saab with a base price of $23,685. It is the first Saab with all-wheel drive, requiring no input from the driver and works all the time, not just on slippery surfaces. It's also the lowest-priced Saab. Company spokesmen stated that the 9-2X is a "premium compact" and has the rounded front styling of a Saab as well as updated suspension, tires and steering.

With ownership stakes in both Saab and Subaru, General Motors Corp. coordinated the development of the 9-2X, which uses the two Impreza four-cylinder engines and Subaru's all-wheel-drive system and is built at a Subaru factory in Japan. According to Saab, the company hopes to appeal to younger consumers who are younger than Saab's average 41-year-olds and who also prefer a European brand that remains unique.

The 9-2X is available in two levels. The base model is called Linear and includes cruise control, power windows, door locks and outside mirrors, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, keyless remote entry and manual climate control with air conditioning. The Saab Linear is powered by the 165-horsepower, 2.5-liter, horizontally opposed, single-overhead-cam, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that is also found in the Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS wagon. The power plant generates up to 166 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Saab Aero is powered by a 227-horsepower, 2-liter, horizontally opposed, turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine, just like the one found in the Subaru Impreza WRX. The Saab Aero also includes more features such as automatic climate control, premium audio system with six speakers and fog lamps.

The interior of the 9-2X has streamlined styling and the exterior continues the streamlined theme with no Saab 9-2X roof rack included, unlike the Subaru Impreza & WRX models. All five seats in the 9-2X have head restraints and three-point seat belts. Rear-seat legroom is 33.7 inches, which is the same as the Subaru Impreza and compares with 29.2 inches in the back of the Acura RSX coupe. With rear seats folded there is 61.6 cubic feet of cargo box storage space.