• Standard full-time all-wheel-drive
• Two models – 121 kW 9-2X Linear and 168 kW 9-2X Aero

The new 2005 Saab 9-2X is the next significant step in the biggest product development programme in Saab’s history.

Saab – the fastest growing European premium car brand in the American market – recently launched the 9-3 Sport Sedan and 9-3 Convertible model ranges. Now the new 9-2X continues this product offensive.

With standard full-time all-wheel-drive, powerful engines and distinctive design, the Saab 9-2X is a unique and early offering in a car segment just emerging in the American market: the premium sports compact segment.

The first Saab 9-2X models will go on sale in the U.S. and Canada 1st July, 2004.

“The Saab 9-2X is the ideal addition to our line-up,” says Peter Augustsson, Saab’s President and CEO. “Like the recently-launched Saab 9-3 models, it is extremely dynamic and is a car that you want to drive. Additionally, its price will attract new, young, enthusiastic customers to Saab.”

For many customers, the Saab 9-2X will be their first premium brand vehicle as prices start below US$25,000. In addition, customer surveys show that up to 40% of all Americans are looking for all-wheel-drive in their next vehicle – a feature standard in all Saab 9-2X models, a distinct advantage as Saab enters this new segment.

“The Saab 9-2X will help us continue our extremely strong momentum,” says Debra Kelly-Ennis, President of Saab Cars USA.

“We are definitely on a roll. The 9-3 Sport Sedan is out-selling its predecessor two to one, we are in the midst of launching our all-new 9-3 Convertible, and this exciting new car will arrive in the early summer.”

The Design: Progressive with a strong, dynamic character
“As the new 9-2X range is tremendously fun to drive and since we are targeting a young and enthusiastic customer, we decided to express the strong and dynamic character of the 9-2X in its design and even add a bit more of an aggressive touch compared to the rest of our line-up,” says Saab’s Executive Director of Design, Michael Mauer.

The new Saab 9-2X takes a number of styling cues from recently-presented Saab concept and production vehicles and presents Saab’s view on what a fun-to-drive, versatile 5-door vehicle should look like.

“The Saab 9-2X needs to look as aggressive as its driving capabilities,” says Mauer.

“Additionally, even though it is a functional 5-door vehicle, it shouldn’t look like a traditional wagon. Therefore, we spent a great deal of time making sure it had a strong face.”

The vehicle retains Saab’s now familiar curvaceous front that harmoniously integrates the trademark three-hole-grille; together with low, horizontally emphasised headlamps that wrap around into the sides of the car. Below the bumper area, a pronounced air intake signals the dynamic potential of the new sports compact.

On the range-topping 9-2X Aero model the clean line of the bonnet is accentuated by a nicely integrated air intake that feeds air to the intercooler of the turbo engine.

As with the 2004 Saab 9-5 Aero SportEstate, the horizontal lines in the design of the 9-2X’s rear end contribute to the car’s wide and powerful stance. Additionally, the rear apron’s dark accent provides a sporty flair.

Performance: Sporty and focused on the driver
The Saab 9-2X’s advanced full-time all-wheel-drive and boxer four-cylinder engines are firsts in Saab’s history.

Further technical highlights include four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes which, when partnered with a latest generation 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS), provide enhanced driver control.

Traction and handling performance of the 9-2X Aero is further improved by a viscous limited-slip differential at the rear.

The turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-litre high performance DOHC 9-2X Aero engine produces 168 kW at 6,000 rpm and 294 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated power plant for the Saab 9-2X Linear delivers 121 kW at 5,600 rpm as well as maximum torque of 225 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

Both cars provide a standard 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

“The Saab 9-2X is the best example yet of Saab’s promise of delivering sporty, driver-focused performance,” says Kjell-Åke Eriksson, Saab Executive Director for Future Products. “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.”

Five-door Versatility: Form follows function
Surfboards, skis, in-line skates, camping gear and more all fit well into the Saab 9-2X. With a wheelbase of 2,525 mm and an overall length of 4,460 mm, the Saab 9-2X offers nimble handling around town and on backcountry roads. Yet it has up to 790 dm3 of cargo space with the seatback up and 1,744 dm3 with the seatback folded down. A 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback is standard on the 9-2X and the large rear luggage door opening gives optimal access to the boot space provided.

Weighing in at less than 1,400 kilos, all 9-2X versions return excellent fuel economy.

Peter Augustsson, Saab Automobile’s President and CEO, puts the launch of the Saab 9-2X in broader perspective: “The Saab 9-2X is a milestone in expanding our model range and our customer base, especially in the very important North American market. We see a rapidly emerging segment in the United States for a premium, small car below the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. And being one of the first entries, we intend to shape that segment.”

Saab 9-2X Technical Specifications

Engine	2.5i	2.0 Turbo
Displacement	2.457 litres	1.994 litres
Bore/stroke	99.5 / 79.0 mm	92 / 75 mm
Power output	121 kW at 5,600 rpm	169 kW at 6,000 rpm
Peak torque	225 Nm at 4,000 rpm	294 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Max. boost pressure	NA	0.95 bar
Compression ratio	10.0:1	8.0:1
Minimum fuel requirement	87 RON	91 RON
Top speed (manual)	196 km/h	227 km/h
Top speed (auto)	192 km/h	225 km/h