More Power, Better Specs, and Same Price for 2006 Saab 9-2x

The updates to both powerplants fall in line with the 2006 model-year facelift for the Subaru Impreza 2.5i and WRX. Unchanged, however, is the powertrain layout for both models, which includes permanent, symmetrical all-wheel drive, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and the choice between a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Available is the Leather Package, which includes leather trimmed seats and door inserts on the Aero. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Gone from the options list for both the 2.5i and the Aero is the Premium package. Instead, buyers can pick and choose specific components through other packages, allowing for a more cost-friendly purchasing. Available is the Leather Package, which includes leather trimmed seats, and door inserts on the Aero, while the more basic 2.5i gets leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knob and hand brake boot. The Sport Package for the 9-2x Aero has been revised slightly to include 17-inch wheels with all season tires and xenon headlamps. All models now feature 16-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment. The only stand-alone option for the 9-2x Aero is a power-operated moonroof.

But the best news of all is that pricing on the cars has been left unchanged. That's right - what you would have paid this year for either the base model 9-2x or the Aero will be the same. While pricing has been confirmed at $22,990 USD for the 2.5i and $26,950 USD for the Aero, 2006 model year pricing has yet to be announced for Canada. Expect it to follow closely in line, at $28,950 CAD for the 2.5i and $37,735 CAD for the Aero. More power, better specs, same price? You can really have your cake and eat it too.