2005 Saab 9-2X Road Test

On the inside, the similarities to the Impreza are more noticeable as well. The dash, center stack and lower console are much the same, excepting Saab has added metallic trim in the Aero model to

The center stack, while laid out exactly the same way as the Impreza, features a much nicer surface treatment. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

brighten things up and give it a more upscale appearance. The 3-spoke steering wheel is also new and one of the best in the business, and fortunately for the Swedish luxury brand Subaru has recently improved the tactile quality of the Impreza's plastic surfaces. The center stack, while laid out exactly the same way as the Impreza, features a much nicer surface treatment, with higher end switchgear on the audio head and way nicer HVAC knobs. Its lower half integrates into the shifter surround in a more fluid movement, also much better than in the Subaru. My Aero tester came with a gorgeous set of heated, light leather seats, finishing the premium look off very well indeed. I wouldn't go so far as to say moving up from a 9-2X to a 9-3 wouldn't be eventful, but the new compact should hold its own in its compact luxury market, especially considering prices start at $28,950 for the base, or Linear model.

That model makes do with Subaru's flexible 165 horsepower 2.5-L, 16-valve, SOHC horizontally opposed 4-cylinder with 166 lb-ft of torque, easily up to the task of moving the 1,393 kilo (3,070 pound) 9-2X forward with a fair bit of punch. The engine comes mated

Subaru's flexible 165-hp 2.5-L, 16-valve, SOHC horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine gives life to the new Swedish car in base Linear guise. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic with manual mode. While the manual does a pretty good job of putting power out through the driveline, despite a shift gate that's a bit on the notchy side, the automatic is taxed. Maybe I should have driven the autobox first and then I wouldn't have been disappointed, but such is the case.

There were no disappointments with the 9-2X Aero, the car that features Subaru's smoking (not literally) WRX powertrain. Starting with a 227 horsepower flat-4 churning out 217 lb-ft of torque, the extra oomph coming via an intercooled turbocharger, the car takes off like the old 9-3 Viggen - well almost. There's no need for delicacy on dry road surfaces either, with a stomp on the throttle during corner exits producing a veritable slingshot-like surge of forward thrust. What a blast!