Saab steps up a gear

By ALASTAIR SLOANE


THE SAAB 9-2X, a five-door all-wheel-drive aimed at lifestylers, will be unveiled at next month's Los Angeles motor show.

The new model continues Saab's biggest product offensive by taking the Swedish manufacturer into a new market segment.

Positioned below the 9-3 Sport Sedan in size, the 9-2X is the first production Saab to have all-wheel drive. Two versions will be available, both with five-door bodystyles.

The entry-level Saab 9-2X will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine and the top Aero model will use a 170kW (227bhp) 2-litre turbocharged unit.

Its debut was confirmed at the Tokyo Motor Show by Peter Augustsson, president and CEO of Saab Automobile AB. Saab is owned by General Motors.

"We see a rapidly emerging segment in the United States for a premium, small car below the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and we intend to be among the first in the segment," says Augustsson.

"The 9-2X will help to introduce Saab to younger customer group."

The 9-2X was developed with the help of Subaru, the automobile arm of Fuji Heavy Industries in which GM has a 20 per cent stake.

"The Saab 9-2X is the result of a collaboration between two like-minded companies," said Augustsson.

"We both have a special aircraft heritage and a successful history in rallying, and our cars are known for being dynamic, safe and fun to drive.

"It makes a lot of sense to combine our strengths in creating a Saab that can be brought to market quickly."

The Saab 9-2X is scheduled to go on sale next June in America and Canada, with other markets still under consideration.

It is the latest step in the most aggressive new product and concept development programme in Saab's history.

Within the past two years Saab has launched the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and 9-3 Convertible ranges, as well as three concept cars.

The new Saab 9-2X will be built by Subaru in Japan.