Vehicle: 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero with Aero leather pkg and 4-speed auto tranny
Price as tested: CDN$43670

Performance: 9-2X Aero is powered by WRX’s horizontally opposed DOHC 16-valver 4 banger engine. It has the same hp and torque ratings as WRX, which are 227hp and 217 lb/ft of torque. There is a dreadful turbo lag somewhere around 3k rpm which is dreadful to drive anywhere below this rev range. Its not until you hit 3 grand before the turbo spools up and real performance shows up. As expected, it got the same distinctive boxer engine note so familiar to Subaru owners. The 4-speed auto tranny is quite a good unit with crisp shifts and very willing to upshifts. Its also downright responsive on learning which gear to use thanks to its smart fuzzy logic system.

Handling: While WRX’s docile handling dynamics remains intact, Saab engineers have retuned the rebound damping for a softer ride in the 9-2X. The result is 9-2X handles as sharply as a WRX with far superior ride quality. Tires have plenty of grip and won’t scream out of corners unless you attack a corner crazily. While WRX’s ride is rough and bouncy on rough roads, 9-2 absorbs them without complaint. The whole setting makes 9-2 feels more luxurious and comfortable given its Saab emblem on front. WRX’s mertis like Subaru’s proven symmertical AWD, sharp yet precise steering, nearly-flat cornering abilities and minimal bodyroll remain intact. Combining all these merits with Saab’s retuned springs and shocks, its a more complete package than the Subie itself.

Brakes: The 4-wheel discs with standard anti-lock produces excellent brake performance. The stopping distance is short, pedal feel is direct and modulation is balanced.

Interior: While you still can find the same hard and shiny plastics as WRX in 9-2X, Saab has upgraded some of the materials to match its upscale image. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The auto climate control is smart ane effective under the nearly 30 degree hot Westcoast weather. There are plenty of head and legroom all around. The front leather seats are actually quite comfortable. However, there are a couple of criticisms. Firstly, the leather quality doesn’t match the usual Saab’s high standards. It feels more like plastic than what Saab leather used to be. Leather in 9-3, 9-5 or any preceding 900 and 9000 all have soft, smooth and classy texture that make them special and durable. 9-2X’s leather feels like crap in comparison, its leather is actually not made by Elmo BTW. The aluminum center console trim looks tacky and cheap. Its actually painted aluminum instead of real aluminum. Thirdly, for a upscale brand that costs 40k. The headliner uses cheap plastic and sun visor’s linings don’t seem to line-up properly. Not to mention all those cheap switchgears that are totally Impreza. You actually have a cheap feel inside the 9-2X insteadof the usual expensive and classy feel as in other Saabs.

Conclusion: Although Saab engineers have tuned the springs and shocks, also revised the interior in order to make it more “Saab-ish; 9-2X Aero remains nothing more than a rebadged WRX. On the other hand, if you get tired of Impreza/WRX’s boy racer image, rough rides and lesser interior but prefer a more upscale brand. 9-2X could be your ticket.

As for a Saab faithful like myself, I would look elsewhere. A4 1.8T Avant, V50 T5 or even Legacy 2.5GT wagon look even more attractive compares to 40k 9-2X Aero for what they charge and execute. As for 9-2X Linear, I would rather buy a Mazda 3 GT Sport and save a few grand for a better car. If I want to buy a Saab, I would buy a “real” one: 9-3 Linear 2.0t, which remains a far better execution that this rebadged Subaru itself.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2005 SAAB 9-2X AERO
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 1/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 1/5

Overall rating: 2/5