Whatever competition comes along, Augustsson is confident that the 9-2X will more than hold its own, based primarily on the fact that "it is extremely dynamic and is a car that you want to drive."
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| "The Saab 9-2X needs to look as aggressive as its driving capabilities." (Photo: General Motors) |
This desire is supposed to be reflected in the five-door's exterior shape, says Michael Mauer, Saab's executive director of design. "The Saab 9-2X needs to look as aggressive as its driving capabilities. Additionally, even though it is a functional 5-door vehicle, it shouldn't look like a traditional hatchback. Therefore, we spent a great deal of time making sure it had a strong face and sleek Scandinavian lines."
Looking fast is just fine for a car, but only if it's actually fast. On this front, Augustsson thinks Saab has also done a good job.
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| "[The 9-2X] is truly designed for people who love to drive, whether that be on a demanding section of a curvy road or during a relaxed long-distance drive on the highway." (Photo: General Motors) |
The powerplant in the 9-2X 2.5 model is of course the naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed engine that has served Subaru so well for many years, tuned here to deliver 165 hp at 5,600 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The turbocharged and intercooled two-liter high performance DOHC 9-2X Aero engine produces 227 hp at 6,000 rpm and 217 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. This version is supposed to go from 0 to 100 km/h in about six seconds, which is pretty good.
Both cars will come with a five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic transmission will be available as an option.
Kjell-Åke Eriksson, Saab's executive director for future products, says "The Saab 9-2X is the best example yet of Saab's brand promise of delivering sporty, driver focused performance. It is truly designed for people who love to drive, whether that be on a demanding section of a curvy road or during a relaxed long-distance drive on the highway."
The 9-2X will be the smallest model Saab has sold in some time, but Eriksson promises it's big enough to carry all of those things that people with an active lifestyle are fond of -- surfboards, skis, in-line skates, camping gear and who-knows-what.