2005 Saab 9-2X Linear Road Test

Upgrading to the hides would add a touch of class to the otherwise business-like interior of the 9-2X, while

The bucket seats are firm and very supportive, and rather than being clad in the optional leather upholstery, the seats in my tester were dressed in woven cloth. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

eliminating any question of durability. Although the roof pillars are trimmed with hard plastic, the majority of the 9-2X's inner surfaces are warm to the touch and of good quality.

Compact cars are supposed to provide compact stowage space - or so the theory goes. In the case of the 9-2X, the 60/40 rear seats fold flat to create an impressive cargo-hold of 61.6 cubic feet. For reference, the Volkswagen Jetta wagon is nearly identical in length, but at 51.9 cubic feet of cargo space it could be leaving some critical gear curbside during the next episode of Survivor.

And it's the outdoorsy "Survivor" type who will appreciate the all-wheel

The 60/40 rear seats fold flat to create an impressive cargo-hold of 61.6 cubic feet. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

drive traction of the sporty Saab. No, the 9-2X isn't a roguish off-road sport-ute, but nonetheless it would have little difficulty conquering lighter duty paths less traveled.

Propelling it through such challenges is a spirited 2.5L (150 cubic inch), horizontally- opposed four-cylinder SOHC powerplant, spinning out 165 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. This thrifty, tightly-wound unit is responsive and quite capable of thrusting the 3,110 pounds automatic-equipped Linear through city traffic and down highway ramps with satisfactory pace.