The new, sporty Saab 9-2X continues Saab's largest-ever product offensive by taking the Swedish manufacturer into a new market segment with a fresh expression of Saab's traditional reputation for combining fun-to-drive enjoyment and smart versatility.
Positioned below the 9-3 Sport Sedan in size and price, the 9-2X is the first production Saab to have all-wheel drive, in addition to turbo performance and hatchback practicality. Two versions will be available, both with five-door body styles and all-wheel-drive as standard. The entry level Saab 9-2X Linear will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and the high-performance Aero model will feature a 2.0-liter/227-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. "We see a rapidly emerging segment in the United States for a premium, small car below the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and we intend to be among the first in the segment," says Augustsson. "The 9-2X will help introduce Saab to younger customer group," said Peter Augustsson, President and CEO of Saab Automobile AB.
Leveraging the global resources of the GM Group, Saab Automobile AB is collaborating with Fuji Heavy Industries to create the Saab 9-2X model in cooperation with Subaru, Fuji's automotive division. Simply stated, consider the 9-2X a Swedish take on the popular Impreza and Impreza WRX.
The Saab 9-2X is scheduled to go on sale early next summer in the United States and Canada, with other markets still under consideration. Saab also plans to build the 9-3 Sport-Hatch, shown in concept form last month at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Although the news is breaking in Japan today, the world debut of the new Saab 9-2X will be at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January, 2004.