Diving back into automotive journalism, a September 2005 issue of “european car” magazine has resurfaced, offering insights into the Saab 9-2X Aero. This wasn’t a typical project car feature, but rather a long-term road trip update, detailing their experiences with the vehicle as it accumulated mileage before being returned to Saab.
The article, titled “Long-term Update,” immediately suggests a focus on real-world driving impressions rather than extensive modifications. The author’s reflections resonate with common criticisms and praises of the 9-2X Aero, particularly noting the “long and weird” clutch and the noticeable turbo lag, especially below 3000 RPM. These points are crucial for anyone considering a Saab 9-2X Aero, highlighting potential quirks in the driving experience.
“European Car” magazine lauded Saab’s suspension tuning for its touring comfort, yet pointed out a degree of looseness during cornering. This is where the aftermarket TEIN Flex coilovers came into play. Described as “incredible” and confidence-inspiring, the TEIN Flex system, even at its softest setting, was significantly firmer than the stock Aero suspension. While the magazine highlighted the improved handling and “scary kind of confidence” these coilovers provided, they unfortunately missed the opportunity to directly compare the ride comfort impact against the standard Aero setup. They only mentioned sustained comfort during their long road trip “in spite of the purposefully rigid suspension,” leaving a slight gap in a comprehensive understanding of the ride quality trade-offs.
Summarizing their pros and cons, “European Car” concisely listed “comfortable, roomy” as advantages, and “turbo lag, goofy clutch” as drawbacks. This straightforward assessment provides a balanced perspective for potential owners weighing the practicalities and performance aspects of the Saab 9-2X Aero.
Interestingly, the article also hints at the magazine’s potential shift in focus towards the Audi A3, possibly influenced by advertising budgets. The allure of the Audi A3’s torque, boasting 207 lb-ft at a low 1800 RPM, is mentioned as a compelling alternative. This subtly introduces a competitive landscape, acknowledging other vehicles in the same segment that might offer different performance characteristics.
Concluding the one-page feature, “European Car” revealed their 600-mile road trip was a scouting mission for an upcoming wagon road test, sparking hope for a future comparison involving the TEIN-equipped Saab 9-2X Aero. This anticipation for a small wagon comparison test leaves readers wanting more, especially to see how the 9-2X Aero would stack up against its rivals in a more detailed evaluation.
This retrospective look at the “European Car” magazine article offers valuable insights for Saab 9-2X Aero enthusiasts and potential buyers, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses as perceived by automotive journalists in 2005. The focus on real-world driving experiences and aftermarket upgrades provides a nuanced understanding of this unique vehicle.
