New 9-2X: A Subaru in Saab clothing

This week we test-drive the new Saab 9-2X Aero Turbo AWD, which Saab views as an entry-level model to its upscale lineup for 2005. Saab is one of Sweden’s top car manufacturers, but this new car is anything but Swedish in heritage.

With help from Subaru and Saab’s parent company, General Motors, the 9-2X Aero is actually a Subaru Impreza Wagon WRX in Saab disguise. Other than some tweaking of the suspension and a styling cue here and there, Saab’s neat “new” car is 100-percent Subaru, including the great all-wheel-drive system we have heralded in the past.

Outwardly, we like Saab’s styling better than Subaru’s. The 9-2X is very easy on the eyes. Under the hood, a turbocharged engine powers the 9-2X Aero, which also features standard items like twin five-spoke alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension, just like the wildly popular Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon.

Our test Saab came with three options: a Sport Package for $1,950 that includes beautiful 10-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, and a sunroof; a Cold Weather package for $600 that adds front heated seats, wiper de-icer and heated outer mirrors; and a $1,250 automatic transmission, which we would delete in favor of the manual. These options pushed the car’s price to $31,445 with $695 destination included.

It’s on the highway where we really got to enjoy Saab’s “new” model. The turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder Subaru “boxer” engine comes in at 227 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque. The result is excellent acceleration and great gas mileage. The listed EPA numbers are 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

We found the 9-2X’s ride a bit smoother than the Subaru WRX we tested last year (Saab wants it that way). However, in a car that sells for more than $30,000, we expect refinements that the 9-2X Aero just doesn’t offer. The luxury feel isn’t there, and neither is the refined Saab interior that consumers have come to expect. That’s because, again, it’s a WRX by Subaru.

Nonetheless, we love the security this car offers. The standard AWD system distributes power to all four wheels and the fully independent suspension gives a crisp performance edge that’s hard to beat. As for stopping, the four-wheel disc-brake ABS system is excellent. Overall, this is a very roadworthy car.

Inside, there’s ample room for driver and passenger, although the rear seat is a bit cramped for adults. The seats are comfortable and on the firmer side, with good lateral support in turns. However, no power seats are offered, and the car lacks a center front seat armrest (a $119 option).

Cargo space is very good with almost 28 cubic-feet of room behind the rear seats. With the 60/40 rear seats folded, 61.6 cubic-feet of cargo space is available.

Other important numbers include a wheelbase of 99.4 inches, 3,220-pound curb weight, 15.9-gallon fuel tank (premium unleaded only) and 6.1 inches of ground clearance.

A consumer who isn’t in love with a nameplate can save thousands of dollars buying the Saab 9-2X Aero at a Subaru dealer in WRX dress. Therefore, we rate the Saab 9-2X a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10, yet give the same car an 8.5 if it carries a Subaru logo. This rating is based strictly on marketing and financial realities.

For consumers who want to pay more for a Saab-badged Subaru, feel free to do so — and make sure you have an extra $3,000 in your checking account.

Likes: Acceleration, cargo room, AWD, great handler.

Dislikes: It’s a Subaru, not a Saab! Sorry.