No surprise here, as Inside Line
reports that Saab will replace the Subaru-sourced 9-2x with an Opel-sourced 9-1
. The 9-2x never went over with the public, which is really a shame. My '06 WRX Limited is virtually the same as a 9-2x, and is a great car. Most customers just viewed the 9-2x as an overpriced Impreza (which it is)...
Even so, it's still a fun ride. If you prefer Saab styling over the Subaru, it's well worth a look.
Snippet: The 9-1, which is due in early 2009, won't be the only vehicle off the new Delta platform. Saturn also is looking to Opel to provide it with a successor to the Ion in 2008. Sensitive to pressure by fans to keep their cars unique, Saab officials told Inside Line that any similarities between the Opel and Saab vehicles that shared platforms will be under the skin and that both would be very distinct vehicles.
Snippet: The 9-1, which is due in early 2009, won't be the only vehicle off the new Delta platform. Saturn also is looking to Opel to provide it with a successor to the Ion in 2008. Sensitive to pressure by fans to keep their cars unique, Saab officials told Inside Line that any similarities between the Opel and Saab vehicles that shared platforms will be under the skin and that both would be very distinct vehicles.
no9 says:
07:52 AM, 05/ 1/06
«Most customers just viewed the 9-2x as an overpriced Impreza (which it is).» I don't agree. The Swedes were so successful at improving the dynamic qualities of the Impreza, that the Japanese were quick to apply them to the Impreza. TBS, the 9-2x was far to similar to the Impreza to be a success. The interior , the seats, the dash were not Saab-worthy. I would think the experience did help bring in some much needed new traffic in Saab showrooms. Saab is late at the party but this segment is a fast growing one and they should do better with the next entry if it has Saab characteristics, which includes great seats, safety, power and economy in a practical body style. Remember the Japanese got into luxury cars by putting leather seats in ordinary cars. Volvo got in this segment by adapting a lame Mitsubishi platform.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
08:43 AM, 05/ 1/06
I drove the Saab 9-2X at a GM "Auto show in motion". Compared to a lot of other cars, the 9-2X was gutless, bog slow at low rpms because its vaunted turbo was useless on the tracks GM had set up. Interior was a little better than Subarus', but still chinzy. Noted several rattles and the usual junky sounding door slams. Big disappointment.
Let's hope the 9-1 does a better job offering a unique Saab experience!
ateixeira says:
09:11 AM, 05/ 1/06
You are giving the Swedes way too much credit. All of this was done by FHI in Gunma, Japan.
For instance, the quicker steering rack came off the STI model, so it was already on the parts shelf. Saab was never really involved in the development.
Saab added some sound deadoning and the interior trim that had been on the Forester for about two years, also.
Any how, GM sold the shares so it was a matter of time. I'm curious to see if they can distinguish an Ion replacement from a Saab with the same car, though the 9-3 doesn't feel much like a Malibu so they are capable.
rsholland says:
09:20 AM, 05/ 1/06
I've studied and driven the 9-2x, as I'm a big WRX fan (and now owner). The 9-2x was a parts-bin special. It had a few bits from the STI (headlight height adjusters), a slightly sofened suspension and a bit more sound deadening, but that's about it. The styling was massaged by Saab, and the interior materials were slightly different, but that's about it. Yes, the 2.0 had plenty of turbo lag, and was esepecially apparent with the 4-speed automatic. The '06 9-2x has the 2.5 turbo, which has very little turbo lag.
billt9 says:
09:39 PM, 05/ 1/06
March 2006 sales: 91 9-2x, 2255 9-3, 411 9-5, 482 9-7x. The 9-2x has the sales of an ugly Infiniti Q45. It is most definitely due for elimination. Personally, I think the Subaru styling is a much better fit for the car. The 9-2x styling was not born from a jet.
http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=6&docid=24824
ateixeira says:
08:26 AM, 05/ 2/06
Supply is very, very short. A lot of people can't even find them. They basically stopped trying when GM sold their stake in FHI.
orbit9090 says:
09:27 AM, 10/17/06
GM is doing this all wrong. They should have SAAB develop the car as a SAAB, and then steal the platform for its other brands...then at least it would be a good car.
SAAB's could be downgraded to be great Saturns and Chevys, but Opel's can't be upgraded to do the SAAB name justice.