Through a product-sharing initiative with fellow GM partner Subaru, the 9-2X promises to catapult the Swedish division into the premium end of the white-hot sport compact market. After its debut in Los Angeles, the 9-2X appeared in Detroit, where days of snow had us wishing we could test drive it right away. Essentially, the 9-2X is a modestly restyled Impreza, with a distinctly Saab front end. The Fuji-sourced drivetrain remains unchanged, offering a base 2.5L/165-hp naturally aspirated flat four and WRX-shared 2.0L/227-hp turbo flat four. Each engine is backed by a choice of five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission, with power routed to all four wheels. The 9-2X will be offered in sedan and wagon forms when it goes on sale in July 2004.
