· Early entry in emerging U.S. premium sports compact segment
· Standard full-time all-wheel-drive for improved handling, traction and versatility
· Two models – 227 bhp 9-2X Aero and the 165 bhp 9-2X Linear
· Styling, performance and driving characteristics create a sporty, fun-to-drive offer in the segment
· Start of sales in U.S. and Canada in July 2004
Geneva, 2 March 2004
The new Saab 9-2X is the next significant step in the biggest product development program in Saab’s history. Saab – the fastest growing European premium car brand in the American mar-ket– has launched the 9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-3 Convertible and three concept cars within the last 2½ years. 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 July 1, 2004 – ahead of many competitors who are also bringing products to this market.
“The Saab 9-2X is the ideal addition to our line-up in North America,” 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 point will attract some new, young, enthusiastic customers to Saab.”
For many US customers, the Saab 9-2X will be their first premium brand vehicle as prices start below $25,000. In addition, customer surveys show that up to 40 percent 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 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,” comments 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 and sleek Scandinavian lines.”
The vehicle retains Saab’s now familiar curvaceous front that harmoniously integrates the typical three-hole-grille and the low horizontally emphasized 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 top-of-the-line 9-2X Aero model, the clean line of the front hood is accentuated by a neatly-integrated air intake that feeds air to the intercooler of the turbo engine.
As with the Saab 9-5 Wagon, 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 brakes which, when partnered with a latest generation 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS), provide enhanced driver control. The 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-liter high performance DOHC 9-2X Aero engine produces 227 bhp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 294 Nm (217 lb.-ft.) at 4,000 rpm. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter unit and delivers 165 bhp at 5,600 rpm and maximum torque of 225 Nm (166 lb.-ft.) at 4,000 rpm. Both variants have 5-speed manual gearboxes, with a 4-speed automatic transmission available as an option.
“The Saab 9-2X is the sportiest example of delivering on Saab’s brand promise of driver focused performance,” says Kjell-Åke Eriksson, Saab Executive Director for Future Products. “It is truly designed for people who love to drive, whether it be on a demanding section of a winding 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 about town and on country roads. Yet it holds 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 in all 9-2X and the large rear luggage door opening gives optimal access to the trunk space provided.
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.”
