Winds of Change

Lethal winds are blowing on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Most noticeable to Californians, the Santa Ana winds have arrived out of season from the Mojave Desert, raising temperatures to 100° F (38° C) and causing forest fires.

Most noticeable to auto industry observers are the winds of change blowing at Saab Automobile. In an effort to increase sales and return to profitability, General Motors Corp.'s Saab Automobile quickly is expanding its lineup after years of selling just two cars — the 9-3 and 9-5. The first addition is the 9-2X, an all-wheel-drive hatchback that went on sale June 1.

It is the first of two new Saabs — the 9-7X SUV is due in 2005 — that are adapted versions of other models within the GM family. The 9-2X is a variation of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.'s Subaru WRX, and the 9-7X shares parts with the Chevy TrailBlazer. The strategy is risky and impatient — given that Saab is known for attracting snobbish and professorial customers.

The 9-2X debuts a little more than a year after Saab announced the program; the auto maker wanted to be early into what it deems an emerging segment: premium sport compact cars. Considering that relatively short time span, the Swedish OEM's effort to transform a WRX into a Saab are acceptable but not astounding. The 9-2X is a fine car, even exciting at times. But is this the vehicle Saab wants to serve as a welcome mat to its brand?

Annual sales of the 9-2X are expected to be 8,000-12,000 units, and buyers are expected to be younger and less affluent than Saab's typical demographics. It is the cheapest Saab and the first with AWD. Pricing starts at $22,990 for the Linear model and $26,950 for the sportier Aero.

Front to back, exterior styling assumes many Saab trademarks such as the low horizontal headlights, 3-port grille and “hockey stick” C-pillar. However, the design direction is lost at the tail. While faint references to the 9-5 are visible, Subaru genetics dominate the rear, especially the tail lamps.

The 9-2X's cabin has the appearance of an adopted child rather than the offspring of a marriage with the Japanese auto maker. Saab's busy center console is replaced with a restrained arrangement of buttons. The ignition switch is in the steering column rather than Saab's (un)usual floor location.

While the interior may not be very Saabesque, the execution is fine. The metallic trim is classy. The appearance of the interior door panels is excellent, and the fat instrument panel knobs are easy to turn. Fit and finish is great, but cargo space is limited.

The 9-2X offers two Subaru boxer engines: the 165-hp 4-cyl. 2.5L SOHC powerplant with the Linear model and the 227-hp 4-cyl. 2L turbocharged DOHC engine with the Aero. The normally aspirated engine is adequate and perhaps more desirable than its turbocharged companion. The 2L's idle is rather lumpy. It's also picky in applying its power and causes excessive engine noise. But there is something about that rocket ship feeling as the car surges when the turbocharger kicks in.

There also are transmission options: the standard 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic. Both answer the call of duty, but the manual's second and third gears struggle to masterfully handle the 2L's torque band on steeper hills.

Steering is direct, and the 4-wheel independent suspension absolutely buries corners. The MacPherson strut layout includes front lower wishbones and three links at the rear. Oddly, the 9-2X's reaction changing lanes at highway speed is less impressive. The response is shifty.

Kind of like those California winds.

2005 Saab 9-2X Aero

Vehicle type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, 5-passenger 4-door hatchback

Engine: 2L (1,994 cc) turbocharged DOHC H-4, aluminum block/aluminum heads

Power (SAE net): 227 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 217 lb.-ft. (294 Nm) @ 4,000 rpm

Compression ratio: 8:1

Bore × stroke (mm): 92 × 75

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Wheelbase: 99.4 ins. (252 cm)

Overall length: 175.6 ins. (446 cm)

Overall width: 66.7 ins. (169 cm)

Overall height: 57.7 ins. (147 cm)

Curb weight: 3,179 lbs. (1,443 kg)

Market competition: Acura RSX; Audi A4; Mercedes C230; Volvo S40/V50