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Saab 9-2x Car Review: A Kind(er) Subaru
As much as we love the Subaru WRX from which the Saab 9-2x derives, we
could not help but wonder why anyone would pay more for the Swedish version.
Well, the answer is that Saab took the edge from the Subaru and made it easier
to live with, but not nearly as fun. The 9-2x is better looking than the Subaru
and also has such features as a sunroof, automatic climate control, additional
sound insulation, heated leather seats, and a softer ride. (Check
http://www.nada.com for
relative prices.)
The first thing you notice when driving the Saab is the sway when you
corner rapidly. The 9-2X's suspension has less comprehension damping and the
rebound rate is less abrupt that that of the Subaru WRX it was created from.
This adds to a more civilized ride, but leaves the driver with a lot a
surprising amount of roll to deal with. On the other hand the steering feels
more precise with finer high-speed feel and action than the Subaru.
Unfortunately, Saab has left some of the frustrations that the
turbocharged WRX has and the result is a car that is difficult to shift at the
red line due to a less than agreeable linkage system, a clutch that releases
fairly high and makes smooth stop light acceleration a challenge. In fact, you
better be prepared to push the rpm to over 2000 rpms to get a smooth get away.
The long throws required to shift the Saab, even with the quick shift option,
and the difficulty in finding the right gear slot have been the subject from
many a frustrated Subaru owner. That is why we recommend the automatic Saab if
you want the best overall vehicle for daily transportation. You might seriously
consider the 9-2X Linear with a 2.5 liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 165
hp @ 5,600 rpm and is easier on fuel.
Mom’s view: The seats are too thin, too difficult to adjust, and
for the money, doesn't offer what they should in terms of lateral support. In
the past Saabs and Volvos have always had my favorite seats, but this Saab is
different and I didn’t like it at all. For about $30,000 (US) you should get a
power seat option and definitely more stuffing and support.
We tested the 9-2X Aero with a 2.0L turbocharged motor. It had the
standard 5-speed manual transmission and the clutch was a bit heavy for me. As
with the Subaru, the Saab 9-2X is offered only with an all-wheel-drive system
that uses an electronically controlled continuously variable transfer clutch and
viscous limited-slip center differential. We have tested Subaru's in inclement
weather in the past and found them better than most any SUV when slippery
conditions abound, especially with their lower center of gravity and more secure
stance. Overall, the combination of a brisk performing engine, all wheel drive,
and smart looks make it a good choice for young families who don’t want to
abandon their love of driving.
Dad’s view: The 9-2X Aero has an independent front MacPherson strut
suspension with liquid filled bushings located by a control arm, coil springs
and a stabilizer bar resides in front and twin parallel link arrangement with
coil springs, trailing arms and stabilizer bar suspend the rear. What that means
is that the car is pretty much ordinary and has been toned down considerably in
terms of ride control from that in the Subaru. The tires were all-season
205/55R16 mounted on attractive alloy wheels. You can order bigger tires, but
why bother since this is not a racy car despite the frisky engine. The 9-2 rides
comfortably, but it absolutely excels at passing and is a joy in heavy traffic
and in crowded parking lots with a small turning radius and a responsive
chassis.
The brakes are good with four-wheel power assisted discs, ABS and an
electronic force monitoring system. It never approaches sports car abilities,
after all this is a station wagon, but the lightweight of the vehicle and the
large discs make acceptable stops once you learn to modulate the brake pedal.
It took me a while to get used to driving the Saab. It wasn’t that the car
didn’t have excellent visibility, or an unflattering interior that even extended
to cross-drilled aluminum gas, brake and clutch pedals. It was the fact that
this tight-bodied wagon just didn’t seem at home unless it was accelerating. The
Saab just wanted to go fast and it was happiest when threatened with more
throttle. This is all well and good, but in high-density traffic, even with its
ability to lug in fifth gear at 35 mph, it was a chore to keep it moving with
dignity. It wanted to hurry up and wait.
There are two 9-2X models available, the Linear, which I recommend for
more economical travel, and the Aero that we tested. The former has a normally
aspirated, 165-horsepower, 2.5-liter boxer four cylinder engine and the latter
the 227-horsepower, 2.0-liter propellant. The hot engine set-up has a
turbocharger that is intercooled with double overhead cams and four valves per
cylinder. The block is aluminum with optimum horsepower reached at 6,000 rpm and
its 217 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm making it a quite efficient with gas
mileage in the range of 22 mpg in daily driving.
Overall, the Saab has a few more aluminum suspension pieces, better
steering feel, and a better highway ride than the Subaru. It does list at a ten
percent premium over the similar Subaru, but you get a much better looking car,
more upgrades, two years of free maintenance, and a longer warranty. I think it
boils down to which dealer is closest to you. In the States they are offering
the Saab Linear at $20,000 out the door thanks to the General Motors employee
discount. That is a lot of car for the money, but you must need or want all
wheel drive and a wagon because that’s the only way they come.
Young working woman’s view: It is obvious that the Saab is superior
looking than the Subaru with its more handsome grill and the removal of the roof
rails making it a charmer. Unfortunately, the front seats are not easy to
adjust, and in reality, only two adults can sit in back. Nevertheless, this is a
competent vehicle with good crash test scores, adequate fuel mileage, and as
playful as a pup when it comes to having a good time. The rear seats have a
60/40 split and can be folded down rather flat and its 175.6-inch length and
99.4-inch wheelbase make it easy to park.
I would recommend the automatic as the five-speed manual just doesn’t
respond to my direction and I am loathe to double clutch. The four-wheel disc
brakes with ABS do their job well, but more brake pedal feedback would be nice.
As I am the prime demographic for this vehicle I find it difficult to pay
the additional few thousand dollars more for the Saab than the Subaru despite
its more refined character. Yes, I know you get a 4-years/80,000 kms warranty
and upgrades, but it is priced in the same realm as the 9-3, which is much more
Saabish. But if General Motors is offering the employee price on the Saab where
you live this is a great bargain. They are, in essence, giving you the Saab for
less than the Subaru. I wouldn’t pass this up, but I would pass on the Aero with
its high performing turbocharged engine because it requires premium fuel and is
more expensive to insure. If you do compare the Linear with its 165 horsepower
engine with the 227 horsepower Aero make sure you test them on a crowded road so
you can experience the peaky nature of the turbocharged model and see if it fits
your daily driving needs. Also, don’t pass on the $600 cold weather package with
its heated seats, outside mirrors, and wiper deicer if you live where it snows.
Which reminds me, the heater is excellent, but the air-conditioner is only
average.
Young man’s view: Okay, this is a great car for me. Right size,
useable, economical to operate, a hoot to boot, and not a poser is my take. On
the other hand, the key is not in the center console so how can this be a Saab?
Okay, I jest. In reality what I liked best about the Saab, outside of its
mischievous nature, was its look and more subdued ride. The Saab has higher
quality carpet than the Subaru, improved engine mounts, and is much quieter to
drive. There is very little turbo lag and after 2000 rpm don’t have a large cup
of hot coffee in your hand because the 9-2’s acceleration can create tsunami
activity in a hurry. It is not so much a drag racer as a fast paced cruiser.
Sure it can get your to 100 km in about 6 seconds, but the effort is going to
wear you down as you try to keep the engine revved-up and the clutch requires a
deft touch.
Safety wise there are active headrests that protect front passengers for
whiplash protection, and side air bags. Unfortunately, you don’t get
side-curtain air bags. Throw in its maneuverability, ABS, and good visibility in
all directions and good headlights and you have the extent of your protection.
There are not going to be that many Saab 9-2s made, probably less than 10,000,
which might be a good thing as there is plenty of competition with the new Audi
A3, the Volvo V5, and the Mazda 6 Sports Wagon. For the money, the Saab is a
healthier deal if you want performance. So, the question remains would I buy one
and the answer is yes. Unfortunately, I don’t have the swag to capitalize on my
enthusiasm, but if my singing career gets a break I just might be fighting away
my creditors from the driver’s seat of a Saab 9-2. Check out my songs online at
http://www.simple-thoughts.net/
Family conference: The Aero is sharp, no question about that, but
instead of writing this review about how capable the car is we wrote it as a
comparison to the Subaru WRX. That, in a nutshell, is the problem. Instead of
viewing at as a competitor to the Volvo V5, Audi Avant, or Mazda 6 Sports Wagon
we see its main competition from the Subaru WRX doner vehicle. We understand the
differences, what we cannot do is ignore the fact that Saab has priced it so
closely to the 9-3. Regardless, this is a fine ride that you can have hot and
rowdy or civil and sedate depending on your engine choice. And, if you live in
an area where they sell Saabs check to see if they are still offering the
General Motors employee pricing. For a list of vehicle manufacturers go to:
http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/auto/index.html
Written by The
Car Family |
