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2005 Saab 9-2X Road Test

Swedish and Shiatsu Massage Therapy Combine for Spine Tingling Fun

Saab has never done things the conventional way, and if the new compact 9-2x wagon is any indication it looks as though such traditions arent about to change. But while its as unorthodox as any Saab to date, the new model arrives at its eccentricities from an altogether different source.

Saab has been raiding GM of Europes parts bins - Opel for those who really must know - to upgrade its latest 9-3 and 9-5 models for years now, both major improvements over their respective predecessors. But the Swedish nameplate targeted a partner on the other side of the world for its latest offering, and one just about as unorthodox as itself. Who could that be? If asked to pick a Japanese automaker that marches to the sound of its own drummer Subaru comes up more often than not. The brand has been as distinctive

The new compact 9-2X wagon is a sure sign that Saab isnt about to shed its distinctive quirkiness any time soon. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

in the styling department as in engineering, its latest Impreza lineup included.

Thats what makes the Impreza compact the ideal fit as the basis for the new Saab 9-2X. Sure the resulting car doesnt feature Saabs ultimately quirky, yet extremely practical console mounted ignition switch, but it nevertheless adopts Subarus odd but iconic boxer engine. And with regards to styling, if I had never previously seen a Subaru Impreza wagon I would have guessed the new 9-2X was designed at the Swedish brands headquarters

To create its latest model the Swedish brand has turned to Subaru, arguably Japans most unorthodox brand, and its Impreza as the foundation for the 9-2X. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

in Trollhättan. Park it beside a 9-5 wagon and youll see what Im referring to. The unique Impreza rear window design spanning the C- and D-pillars is nearly identical to that on Saabs larger wagon, helping the newcomer fit into the Swedish family tree quite nicely.

I dont know if having one of the event staff drive up in an Impreza wagon was planned by GMs PR division or if it happened just by chance, but it gave me a first hand opportunity to see the differences between the two cars, most of which have eluded me up until now. The

The functional hood scoop that comes as part of the Aero model is similar to the one found on the legendary WRX. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

front end styling changes are obvious, with the new 9-2X looking like its larger siblings in every way, even nicer than the 9-5. I particularly like the functional hood scoop that comes as part of the Aero model, similar to that on the now legendary Impreza WRX. Its a great looking car from this angle, much nicer in appearance than the Subaru in my opinion.

From profile view only the Saabs side marker treatment differentiates it from the Subaru, despite the taillights and surrounding fascia having been completely modified. In actual fact, by using a sophisticated measuring implement (OK it was a stick lying on the ground but beggars cant be choosers) I was

Only until you see the 9-2X and Impreza side by side do the differences become apparent. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

able to verify that the Saabs rear lenses are actually about one to two inches shorter in height than the Subarus, but I would have liked it better if Saab had made them even more unique. To the naked eye, despite the revised lens patterns, they look almost identical.

And modifying them beyond recognition wouldnt have been too difficult to do, as extending them into the completely revised liftgate would have separated the two cars completely. The liftgate integrates the license plate, which is in the bumper of the Subaru, while the rear fascia is reshaped and roof mounted spoiler slightly different than that on the Impreza wagon.

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