More Power, Better Specs, and Same Price for 2006
In keeping its head above water, Swedish carmaker Saab is conducting a full model range revamp for 2006. After launching its first SUV, the Chevy TrailBlazer-based 9-7x, adding the 9-3 SportCombi station wagon to the
lineup and a new 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 to the 9-3 Aero range, plus announcing that a facelift is coming for the range-topping 9-5 sedan (see today's news), to be shown in Frankfurt this month along with the aforementioned SportCombi, Saab's focus is now on its entry-level compact wagon, the 9-2x.
Now entering its second year of production, Saab's only all-wheel drive wagon will receive a price reduction despite a powerplant update, improving the car's already high performance for the dollar value. But such positive information is unfortunately burdened with dire news too. Now, the 9-2x Aero, arguably a more stylish alternative to Subaru's Impreza WRX wagon, has been axed for the 2006 model year. Now only Subaru's base model should feel threatened.
The 9-2x, often referred to as the
'Saabaru' for its genetic link to the aforementioned Subaru Impreza Wagon and its Japanese construction by FHI (Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries), has played a significant role in boosting Saab's sales - although in Canada the Aero model has not. To abate the flow of red ink, and thanks to recent upgrades to Subaru's lineup of entry-level cars, revamped specifications have been put in place.
The base model of the 9-2x, formerly called 'Linear' doesn't have a secondary name this year, as none is needed. Now, a 2.5i insignia is placed on the rear liftgate, after the displacement of its horizontally opposed engine, will cause some to believe its actual designation is 2.5i, which would be a strange move being that Subaru recently redubbed its 2006 model year entry-level Impreza with the same 2.5i designation. Nevertheless, its lack of a name should negate a noteworthy improvement in power. The naturally aspirated engine now produces 173-horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, up 8-horsepower from last year's rating of 165. Torque figures remain constant, but peak levels are broader thoughout the rev range.
In keeping its head above water, Swedish carmaker Saab is conducting a full model range revamp for 2006. After launching its first SUV, the Chevy TrailBlazer-based 9-7x, adding the 9-3 SportCombi station wagon to the
 |
| Saab's 9-2x Aero, arguably a more stylish alternative to Subaru's Impreza WRX wagon, has been axed for the 2006 model year. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Now entering its second year of production, Saab's only all-wheel drive wagon will receive a price reduction despite a powerplant update, improving the car's already high performance for the dollar value. But such positive information is unfortunately burdened with dire news too. Now, the 9-2x Aero, arguably a more stylish alternative to Subaru's Impreza WRX wagon, has been axed for the 2006 model year. Now only Subaru's base model should feel threatened.
The 9-2x, often referred to as the
 |
| The base 9-2x, which has now dropped its Linear nameplate, becomes the only model available in Canada. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
The base model of the 9-2x, formerly called 'Linear' doesn't have a secondary name this year, as none is needed. Now, a 2.5i insignia is placed on the rear liftgate, after the displacement of its horizontally opposed engine, will cause some to believe its actual designation is 2.5i, which would be a strange move being that Subaru recently redubbed its 2006 model year entry-level Impreza with the same 2.5i designation. Nevertheless, its lack of a name should negate a noteworthy improvement in power. The naturally aspirated engine now produces 173-horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, up 8-horsepower from last year's rating of 165. Torque figures remain constant, but peak levels are broader thoughout the rev range.