The engine's youthful spirit (i.e. loud and proud) works in a sports compact legend like the WRX. But in this so-called premium compact segment,
something a little more refined, like the just-as-torquey turbo-five in the Volvo V50 T5 is more, well, premium.
Where we finally see some real Scandinavian influence is in the suspension bits. Wanting better on-center feel and straight-line stability than the hyper WRX, Saab's engineers added toe-in for the front wheels. And in classic Euro fashion, Subaru's strut suspension was reworked with firmer springs, and softer dampers, plus 10mm-shorter rear bump stops, and stiffer front control-arm bushings. Saab stiffened the steering-gear mounting for better feedback and response, and on the Aero, replaced the WRX's off-the-rack steering rack in lieu of the rally-car replica Subaru WRX STi's ($47,995), lowering the ratio in the process.
The result is that the Saab provides a smoother ride than the Subaru, taking our worst potholes in-stride and is laser-straight at ticket-attracting speeds. The steering is good in the WRX; it's great in the 9-2X Aero. Sharp turn-in with lots of on-centre feel. The 9-2X does all this and still retains
the WRX's explosive power, all-wheel drive grip and class-busting handling prowess. Where a sport-suspended V50 will try to sting the road, the 9-2X Aero floats like a butterfly.
Much more than a rebadged WRX, the 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero is definitely a step up, especially in the ride and handling improvements. And the last "real" Saab was the 900 last seen in 1993, so that fact that the 9-2X is not 100 per cent Swedish, fuhgeddaboutit. But as a competitor in the burgeoning premium compact segment, the smallest Saab needs a new platform and genuine drivetrain distinctiveness to better Volvo's V50 or future combatants.
Consider that the 9-2X Aero model is couple of grand more than a base Saab 9-3 Linear sedan, and almost identically priced to the faster and more refined Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT wagon. Hmmm...
But if you want the best riding and steering (and, subjectively, best looking) WRX to date, plus the added 4 year/80,000 kms Saab warranty, then you and your accountant/spouse can decide if the premium price of the 9-2X over the Subaru is worth it.
Anymore questions?
- John LeBlanc is an Ottawa-based automotive critic and publisher of www.straight-six.com
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| 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero (photo: John Leblanc, straight-six.com) |
Where we finally see some real Scandinavian influence is in the suspension bits. Wanting better on-center feel and straight-line stability than the hyper WRX, Saab's engineers added toe-in for the front wheels. And in classic Euro fashion, Subaru's strut suspension was reworked with firmer springs, and softer dampers, plus 10mm-shorter rear bump stops, and stiffer front control-arm bushings. Saab stiffened the steering-gear mounting for better feedback and response, and on the Aero, replaced the WRX's off-the-rack steering rack in lieu of the rally-car replica Subaru WRX STi's ($47,995), lowering the ratio in the process.
The result is that the Saab provides a smoother ride than the Subaru, taking our worst potholes in-stride and is laser-straight at ticket-attracting speeds. The steering is good in the WRX; it's great in the 9-2X Aero. Sharp turn-in with lots of on-centre feel. The 9-2X does all this and still retains
 |
| 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero (photo: John Leblanc, straight-six.com) |
Much more than a rebadged WRX, the 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero is definitely a step up, especially in the ride and handling improvements. And the last "real" Saab was the 900 last seen in 1993, so that fact that the 9-2X is not 100 per cent Swedish, fuhgeddaboutit. But as a competitor in the burgeoning premium compact segment, the smallest Saab needs a new platform and genuine drivetrain distinctiveness to better Volvo's V50 or future combatants.
Consider that the 9-2X Aero model is couple of grand more than a base Saab 9-3 Linear sedan, and almost identically priced to the faster and more refined Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT wagon. Hmmm...
But if you want the best riding and steering (and, subjectively, best looking) WRX to date, plus the added 4 year/80,000 kms Saab warranty, then you and your accountant/spouse can decide if the premium price of the 9-2X over the Subaru is worth it.
Anymore questions?
- John LeBlanc is an Ottawa-based automotive critic and publisher of www.straight-six.com