2006 Saab 9-2X Review

More Power, Better Specs, and Same Price for 2006

In keeping its head above water, Swedish carmaker Saab is conducting a full model range revamp for 2006. After launching its first SUV, the Chevy TrailBlazer-based 9-7x, adding the 9-3 SportCombi station wagon to the lineup and a new 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 to the 9-3 Aero range, plus announcing that a facelift is coming for the range-topping 9-5 sedan (see todays news), to be shown in Frankfurt this month along with the aforementioned SportCombi, Saabs focus is now on its entry-level compact wagon, the 9-2x.

Now entering its second year of production, Saabs only all-wheel drive wagon will receive powerplant updates, improving the cars already high performance for the dollar value, across the range. Often referred to as the Saabaru for its genetic link to the Subaru Impreza Wagon and its Japanese construction by FHI (Subarus parent company Fuji Heavy Industries), it has played a significant role in boosting Saabs sales. To abate the flow of red ink, and thanks to recent upgrades to Subarus lineup of entry-level cars, revamped specifications have been put in place.

The base model of the 9-2x, formerly called Linear was renamed 2.5i after the displacement of its horizontally opposed engine, which is a strange move being that Subaru recently redubbed its 2006 model year entry-level Impreza with the same 2.5i designation. Nevertheless, with the new name comes a noteworthy improvement in power. The naturally aspiratedengine now produces 173-horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, up 8-horsepower from last years rating of 165. Torque figures remain constant, but peak levels are broader thoughout the rev range.

For 2006, the 9-2x Aero will also receive more power. Representing Saabs three decade-long love affair with the turbocharger, the 9-2x Aero packs a torque-laced punch with a more powerful 2.5-liter H-4 turbo. Though power only increases by 3-hp to 230 horses, torque has dramatically risen from last years 217 lb-ft output to a more impressive 235. The new engine will undoubtedly make short work of rapid overtaking and acceleration, but with all wheel drive harnessing the extra grunt it wont be a torque-steering ordeal. Also positive, the added torque will without doubt benefit automatic transmission equipped versions.

The updates to both powerplants, as previously stated, fall in line with the 2006 model-year facelift for the Subaru Impreza 2.5i and WRX. Unchanged, however, is the drivetrain layout for both models, which includes permanent, symmetrical all-wheel drive, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and the choice between a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Gone from the options list for both the 2.5i and the Aero is the Premium package. Instead, buyers can pick and choose specific components through other packages, allowing for more cost-friendly purchasing. Available is the Leather Package, which includes leather trimmed seats, and door inserts on the Aero, while the more basic 2.5i gets leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knob and hand brake boot. The Sport Package for the 9-2x Aero has been revised slightly to include 17-inch wheels with all season tires and xenon headlamps. All models now feature 16-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment. The only stand-alone option for the 9-2x Aero is a power-operated moonroof.

But the best news of all is that pricing on the cars has been left unchanged. Thats right - what you would have paid this year for either the base model 9-2x or the Aero will be the same. Pricing has been confirmed at $22,990 for the Linear and $26,950 for the Aero.

More power, better specs, same price? You can really have your cake and eat it too.