Saab's Subaru-Based Compact Wagon Gets a Boost 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-liter turbocharged V6 to the 9-3 Aero range, plus announcing that a facelift is coming for the range-topping 9-5 sedan and SportCombi at this year's Frankfurt show, 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 powerplant updates, improving the car's already high performance, for the dollar value, across the range. Often referred to as the 'Saabaru' for its genetic link to the Subaru Impreza Wagon and its Japanese construction by FHI (Subaru's parent company), it has played a significant role in boosting Saab's sales. To abate the flow of red ink, revamped specifications have been put in place.
The base model of the 9-2x, formerly called 'Linear' was renamed 2.5i after the displacement of its horizontally opposed engine. With the new name comes 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 are produced slightly higher in the rev range.
For 2006, the 9-2x Aero will also receive more power. Representing Saab's three decade-long love affair with the turbocharger, the 9-2x Aero packs a torque-laced punch with a more powerful 2.5-liter H-4 turbo. Though power only increases by 3-hp to 230 horses, torque has dramatically risen from last year's 217 lb-ft output to a more impressive 235. The new engine will undoubtedly make short work of rapid overtaking and acceleration, but with all wheel drive harnessing the extra grunt it won't be a torque-steering ordeal.
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
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| Saab's focus is now on its entry-level compact wagon, the 9-2x. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press) |
Now entering its second year of production, Saab's only all-wheel drive wagon will receive powerplant updates, improving the car's already high performance, for the dollar value, across the range. Often referred to as the 'Saabaru' for its genetic link to the Subaru Impreza Wagon and its Japanese construction by FHI (Subaru's parent company), it has played a significant role in boosting Saab's sales. To abate the flow of red ink, revamped specifications have been put in place.
The base model of the 9-2x, formerly called 'Linear' was renamed 2.5i after the displacement of its horizontally opposed engine. With the new name comes a noteworthy improvement in power. The naturally aspirated
 |
| Representing Saab's three decade-long love affair with the turbocharger, the 9-2x Aero packs a torque-laced punch with a more powerful 2.5-liter H-4 turbo. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press) |
For 2006, the 9-2x Aero will also receive more power. Representing Saab's three decade-long love affair with the turbocharger, the 9-2x Aero packs a torque-laced punch with a more powerful 2.5-liter H-4 turbo. Though power only increases by 3-hp to 230 horses, torque has dramatically risen from last year's 217 lb-ft output to a more impressive 235. The new engine will undoubtedly make short work of rapid overtaking and acceleration, but with all wheel drive harnessing the extra grunt it won't be a torque-steering ordeal.