With the debut of the 9-2 X model in 2004, the Saab brand began to work in the sector of compact cars that was previously unavailable for itself, or rather the top, most expensive segment of the “golf class”. The model is available only in the body "wagon". In Europe, the “Swede” would have to endure a tough competition with the new Audi A3, “Compact” of the third series from BMW or Alfa Romeo 147. The duel between Saab and the new all-wheel drive turbocharged Volvo S40 T5 (220 hp) would be especially interesting. But, despite its true European origin of the brand, the car will officially be sold only in North America and some Asian countries.
In America, the 9-2 X expects a more free life. There are practically no competitors to this compact "sportuniversal". Produced a car in Japan, at the factory Fuji Heavy Industries.
For the first time in the modern history of the brand, the model received the all-wheel drive system (X in its name denotes) and the boxer engine. The basis for the Saab 9-2X took the platform of the Japanese car Subaru Impreza. From his car and borrowed the all-wheel drive system, a set of engines and some components. From the corporate style Saab model 9-2X got only the design of the front of the machine.
Even the ignition lock on the transmission tunnel, which served as a rather amusing "trick" of Swedish cars, has already been moved to the usual place for drivers Impreza - on the steering column. The standard version of the Saab 9-2X is equipped with a 2.5-liter atmospheric "boxer" (so-called boxer engines) with a capacity of 165 hp, and a 2.0-liter power unit with a turbocharger and an intercooler with a capacity of 227 hp is installed on the Aero version. Both engines in the "standard" are equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, as an option a quadruple "automatic" is offered.
All-wheel drive car is equipped with a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts and front subframe, disc brakes on all wheels and the latest generation of anti-skid system ABS. The extensive list of standard equipment includes many useful devices: cruise control, CD stereo, climate control, central locking and power windows. The Aero version is distinguished by additional strokes in the exterior and interior of the car - a different exhaust pipe tip, fog lights, a front aerodynamic “skirt”, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, a dashboard metal frame, a 6-disc CD player and other details. The options include xenon headlights, heated seats and even a glass roof.
In the crash test series, IIHS Saab 9-2X received the gold “Top Safety Pick” and became the second model of the company (along with the 9-3 Sport Sedan), which was awarded this prize.
