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2005 Saab 9-2X Preview

Sporty Swede Goes Down Market

In the clearing, a Saab stands. Proud and tall, it bears the familiar design lines as well as the famous griffin logo of the Swedish car manufacturer. But look again, is it really a Saab? What kind of Saab wouldnt even be sold in its home country? Is it too ashamed of its origins to be sold anywhere else in Europe either?

Only recently has Saab announced its 9-2X would be available in Japan, oddly enough where it originates. If youre familiar with the destitute situation of Saab, youll know the car I speak of is a provisional measure to keep the companys head above water. The 9-2X, wearing undergarments supplied by partially owned General Motors divisional partner Subaru, will make its premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December, and will be sold throughout North American and reportedly some Asian markets.

Making the announcement at the Tokyo Motor Show, Peter Augustsson, President and CEO of Saab Automobile AB stated, "We see a

Peter Augustsson, President and CEO of Saab Automobile AB, stands before the first picture released of the new Saab 9-2X during a GM press conference at the Tokyo Motor Show, Wednesday, October 22, 2003. Augustsson reconfirmed the 9-2X will be unveiled at a special event in Los Angeles in mid-December, in conjunction with the Los Angeles Auto Show. (Photo: General Motors/Joe Polimeni)

rapidly emerging segment in the United States for a premium, small car below the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and we intend to be among the first in the segment." Augustsson added, "The 9-2X will help introduce Saab to a younger customer group."

With all-wheel drive, a turbocharged horizontally opposed boxer motor, the new model may look doubtful at first glance, but theres a lot to be said about this little Saab. First of all, its not like Saab hasnt dabbled in odd engine configurations over the years. Currently, the Swedish brands lineup includes

Augustsson, President and CEO of Saab Automobile AB stated, "The 9-2X will help introduce Saab to a younger customer group." (Photo: Saab)

a variety of inline 4-cylinder engines featuring different levels of turbocharged tuning. Recently 9-5 models featured a GM derived V6, very un-Saab-like, with few complaints from brand devotees. Originally, many years back, Saab made its name with two-stroke V4 engines, completely different than its current crop of inline-fours.

Saab and Subaru have a lot more in common than just an unorthodox approach to engineering according to Augustsson. "The Saab 9-2X is the result of a collaboration between two like-minded companies. We both have a special aircraft heritage and a successful history in rallying, and our cars are known for being dynamic, safe and fun-to-drive. It makes a lot of sense to combine our strengths in creating a Saab that can be brought to market quickly."

In order to expand its sales Saab is going down market with the 9-2X, targeting a segment that features

Saab, with its upscale yet oddball identity, and quirky Japanese manufacturer Subaru could be a great match. (Photo: Saab U.S.A.)

the Volkswagen Jetta and Volvo S40. BMW is expected to enter this category with its much anticipated 1-Series in about a years time. While Saabs European sales division hasnt yet accepted the Subaru-sourced 9-2X, hoping that it is only a precursor to a ground-up Saab design, most industry insiders think the move could bolster sales in America without damaging the brands upscale yet oddball identity. After all, try to find a quirkier Japanese manufacturer than Subaru.

On the Saab/Subaru subject Bob Lutz, GMs Vice Chairman for Product Development stated, "The Saab and Subaru brands have a special flair. It is a natural fit for them to combine their talents and expertise in bringing the first all-wheel drive performance car into the Saab family - a car with great dynamic qualities and exhilarating performance."

On the other hand, in a move that has confused many analysts General Motors are turning to their midsize Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy (and the list goes on) sport utility as the basis for the upcoming 9-7X. Not seen as one

Bob Lutz, GMs Vice Chairman for Product Development stated, "The Saab and Subaru brands have a special flair. It is a natural fit for them to combine their talents and expertise." (Photo: Saab U.S.A.)

of GMs better moves, a Saab SUV based on the impressive Cadillac SRX sport utility seems like a much more natural fit. Experts are concerned that consumers loyal to the Saab nameplate, as well as those looking to move upmarket from another import brand, wont be interested in a truck-based SUV but rather a car-based model like the rival Volvo XC90.

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