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2005 Saab 9-2X Review
Saab expands lineup with rally derivative.
2005 9-2X Review Summary & Specifications
All-wheel drive in a Saab is new. A turbocharged engine isn't. The two combined make a tempting package.But Saab says the 9-2X will be short lived, that it's really just a placeholder in the highly competitive premium sport compact market so the company won't be left behind while it works on a true Saab entry, developed and designed front to rear, top to bottom and inside and out in house. The 9-2X is not that. It's neither a Saab nor a Subaru, but an uncomfortable, almost forced compromise, more of a softened, re-badged WRX than a tidier, sporty Saab.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | Tom Lankard |
| Model Lineup | Saab 9-2X Linear ($22,990); Saab 9-2X Aero ($26,950) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.0-liter, 16-valve, double overhead cam, turbocharged intercooled flat four |
| Engines (optional) | 2.5-liter, 16-valve, single overhead cam flat four; 2.0-liter, 16-valve, double overhead cam, turbocharged intercooled flat four |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | two-stage front seat airbags; front seat-mounted side impact airbags; front seat active head restraints; child safety seat anchors; four-wheel antilock brakes with EBD; all-wheel drive |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Ota City, Gunma, Japan |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-SAAB USA (800-722-2872) |
| Manufacturer URL | www.saab.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 22990 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Saab 9-2X Aero ($26,950) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic climate control with cabin air filter; cruise control; tilt steering wheel; manual height adjustable driver's seat; power windows, outside mirrors and central locking with remote; six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with six-disc changer; fabric sport seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather–trimmed shift lever and parking brake handle; aluminum sport pedals; 60/40 split folding rear seat; retractable cargo cover; tinted side window glass; delayed accessory off |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Premium Package ($1695) includes leather-faced seats, xenon headlights; Sport Package ($1950) includes power glass moonroof, 17-inch wheels with high performance tires |
| Destination Charge | 695 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 31290 |
| Layout | all-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 227 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 217 @ 4000 |
| Fuel Economy | 20/26 |
| Wheelbase | 99.4 |
| Length/Width/Height | 175.6/66.7/57.7 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.7/53.3/42.9 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.3/51.9/33.7 |
| Trunk Volume | 61.6 |
| Payload | 1000 |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson-type struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, dual-link-type struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Ground Clearance | 6.1 |
| Curb Weight | 3179 |
| Stock Tires | 215/45R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS and EBD |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.9 |
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