Recently, an issue of “european car” magazine from September 2005 surfaced, offering a fascinating glimpse into their early experiences with the Saab 9-2X. This wasn’t a deep dive project car feature, but rather a road trip perspective, highlighting the vehicle’s real-world performance and touring capabilities. As a long-term update, it provided some intriguing initial impressions, particularly for enthusiasts keen on understanding the 9-2X’s characteristics.
The article indicates that Saab would be reclaiming the car soon, suggesting the focus was on putting miles on the vehicle rather than extensive modifications. This context is important as it frames the observations around the car’s inherent qualities and the impact of a few select upgrades, notably the TEIN Flex coilovers.
Several points from the magazine resonated strongly, echoing common sentiments among 9-2X drivers. The “weird” and “long” clutch feel is a frequently cited characteristic, often requiring an adjustment period for drivers accustomed to other vehicles. Similarly, the acknowledged turbo lag and the engine’s sluggishness below 3000 RPM are well-known aspects of the 9-2X’s powertrain. These points are crucial for anyone considering a 9-2X, setting realistic expectations about its low-end responsiveness.
The magazine praised Saab’s suspension tuning for its touring comfort, yet noted a degree of looseness during cornering. This highlights the inherent compromise in balancing ride comfort with sporty handling in the stock 9-2X. However, the review enthusiastically lauded the installed TEIN Flex coilovers. Described as “incredible” and confidence-inspiring, even on their softest setting, the coilovers were significantly firmer than the standard Aero suspension. Unfortunately, the article lacked a direct comparison of ride comfort between the TEIN Flex and stock setups, only mentioning the car’s overall comfort on a long trip “in spite of the purposefully rigid suspension.” This leaves enthusiasts wondering about the precise trade-off in comfort for the enhanced handling provided by the coilovers.
Summarizing their initial assessment, “european car” listed “comfortable, roomy” as PROs and “turbo lag, goofy clutch” as CONs. This concise summary effectively captures the mixed bag of positive attributes and areas for potential improvement in the 9-2X.
A point of anticipation raised by the original author, and undoubtedly shared by many 9-2X enthusiasts, is the whereabouts of the promised TEIN installation article. Details on the installation process and further insights into the coilovers’ performance would be invaluable for owners considering similar upgrades.
The article also touches upon the automotive media landscape, suggesting a potential shift in focus towards the Audi A3, possibly influenced by advertising budgets. While acknowledging the appeal of the Audi A3’s torque, the core interest remains firmly with the 9-2X and its unique blend of Saab refinement and Subaru performance.
The “european car” piece concluded with a mention of a 600-mile road trip, a scouting mission for a future wagon road test. The hope expressed for a small wagon comparison, ideally featuring the TEIN-equipped 9-2X, is a sentiment many enthusiasts likely share. Such a test would provide valuable comparative insights into the 9-2X’s capabilities within its segment.
In conclusion, this retrospective look at a 2005 “european car” article offers a valuable snapshot of initial impressions of the Saab 9-2X. It highlights key characteristics like clutch feel, turbo lag, and suspension performance, while also sparking interest in aftermarket upgrades like TEIN coilovers. For anyone interested in the 9-2X, these early reviews provide a helpful starting point for understanding the vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses.
