Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 23:39:08 -0700 From: Craig Bobchin <CBobchinxxxxxspamkillxxxnospamcom> Subject: I Test drove a 9-2x
Hi all, Well I had to take the Viggen in to the shop for some minor warrenty work and while there I took a spin in the new Saabaru 9-2x Aero. To say i was underwhelmed would be an understatement. Now not having driven the Subaru tht is the basis for this car, I can't make any direct comparisons, but having driven Saabs exclusively for the past decade I can compare it to my other Swedes. Looks: Man this is a strange looking car from the outside. It looks like the just the grill of a new 9-3 has been put in to replace the stock Subaru grill. I've seen plenty of Wrxs around, and to my eye they look identical on the outside save the new front end. Interior was very bland. The seats did not have the same feel that the saab seats that we've all come to know and love have. I can't see taking this thing for a long road trip like I can the Viggen or 94 9k CSE that is in our stable. The Dash looked like typical Japanese rice burner with a layer of metal looking plastic. It probably is a step up the Subaru version. Why oh why didn't Saab put the standard vents in rather than leave the subaru standard vents? It would have been a better way of differentiating the two cars. same thing for the ignition switch. It is on the column unlike any other Saab (excepting of course the 9000 series) over all they could have done more to Saabize the interior. Driving: I took an Aero out since I have a Viggen, and were I to buy one I would get the Aero. It does not feel very saab like in handling. The 227 ponies under the hood were responsive, but I never got the feeling that this car was turbo powered. it just did not have the kick any of my previous turbos had. It handled okay on the curves, but I never felt as secure as I did in even my old '85 900. I did not notice any under or over steer, but I did not feel I could press the limits like in other Saabs. It was a fairly quiet ride, and I think Saab did some noise management over the Subaru. Shifing the 5 speed was even notchier than in the Saabs, and Saabs are not known for smooth shifing manual gear boxes. All in all I have to wonder just who GM intends this car for. If it is supposed to be an entry level Saab, why would anyone spend the extra $$$ just for the name plate when they can get a Subaru Wrx sprts wagon with vitually idetical outfitting for 2k less? Now the salesman i talked with did tell methat they Saab is giving big incentives to try and move the 92x, I don't know if that was to buyer or to the sales staff to push the sales of the car. IMO Saab made a wrong turn in putting this one out.
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