SAAB Saab 9-2x 2000β2007
| Subaru Impreza (second generation) | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries) |
| Also called | Subaru Outback Sport Saab 9-2X |
| Production | 2000–2007 |
| Assembly | Japan: Εta, Gunma |
| Designer | Hidefumi Kato (1998) Peter Stevens (2001) Andreas Zapatinas (2004) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style | 4-door sedan (GD) 5-door hatchback (GG) |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive Front-engine, all-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.5 L EJ15 F4 1.6 L EJ16 F4 2.0 L EJ20 F4 2.0 L EJ20 F4 (t/c) 2.5 L EJ25 F4 2.5 L EJ25 F4 (t/c) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,525 mm (99.4 in) |
| Length | 4,415 mm (173.8 in) |
| Width | Sedan: 1,730 mm (68.1 in) Hatchback: 1,695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,425 mm (56.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,390 kg (3,064.4 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Subaru Impreza (first generation) |
| Successor | Subaru Impreza (third generation) |
The Subaru Impreza (second generation) is a compact car manufactured between 2000 and 2007 by Subaru in Ota, Gunma, Japan.
As with its first generation predecessor, Subaru split the range into four-door sedan (GD series) and five-door hatchback (GG series) body variants; the firm did not carry forward the previous coupe style. Mainstream versions received naturally aspirated 1.5-, 1.6-, 2.0-, or 2.5-liter flat-four engines, with the performance oriented "WRX" and "WRX STI" models uprated to turbocharged versions of the two latter options. Like most Subaru models of similar vintage, all-wheel drive tended to be offered as standard in export markets, with front-wheel drive also available in Japan.
Introduced as the "New Age" Impreza, the polarizing headlamp styling divided critics who were quick to designate the model as the "bug eye" Impreza. A subsequent facelift in 2002 toned down this frontal styling, but a second facelift in 2005—characterized by an aviation-inspired three-part mesh grille—also attracted controversy.
Saab 9-2X
Subaru manufactured a badge engineered version of the second generation Impreza hatchback as the "Saab 9-2X" between 2004 and 2005. Retailed only in the North American market for the 2005 and 2006 model years, the car earned the nickname "Saabaru". The car's name is written as "92X" on its badge, but as "9-2X" in advertising and other texts. The car was designated to be a direct competitor with the Volvo V50, as that too was based on a Japanese car (the Mazda3). At the time the 9-2X was conceived, Saab Automobile had been a fully owned subsidiary of General Motors (GM), and GM held a 20 percent stake of Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries.
Although still produced in Japan by Subaru, Saab appointed Michael Mauer to commission the redesign of the front- and rear styling to better integrate the contrived Saab with the brand's own design language. This totally restyled front fascia included new fenders and hood, with the rear gaining a redesigned tailgate and bumper. The interior received extra acoustic insulation over the Subaru, with particular attention paid to the firewall, carpeting, roof, and rear window seals. The majority of the interior of the 9-2x is identical to the Impreza wagon with just a few changes. Saab opted to offer a 2-tone seat design based on the earlier second gen Impreza wagon, as well as use the less flashy instrument cluster from the earlier second gen Impreza. Saab also specified their own front seats incorporate active head restraints, unlike the fixed headrest seats in the equivalent Impreza WRX. The rear suspension arms are in aluminum, with further reduction of unsprung weight achieved by using plastic in place of heavier components, bushings unique to the Saab, and the dampers recalibrated. The steering had been made more responsive and exact in the Aero by using the steering rack shared by the STI version of the WRX, which features a faster 15.0:1 steering ratio, more rigidly mounted steering hardware and stiffer chassis bushings. The 9-2X is not particularly popular with Saab brand loyalists for the fact that the changes from the Subaru are mostly cosmetic. The 9-2X also won the highest IIHS safety awards]].
Saab planned to offer the 9-2X to a limited public. Initial sales were slower than expected, with only 410 sold within the first two months; however, incentives and promotions helped drive sales in May 2005 alone to beat the combined sales of the year up until that point. In October 2005, however, GM decided that it would sell 8.4 percent of the company to Toyota and dispose of its remaining 11.4 percent share back to Fuji in a share buyback deal. The 9-2X was discontinued after the 2006 model year with the dissolution of the partnership between Fuji and GM. 10,346 Saab 9-2Xs were manufactured during the entire production run. The production for the 2005 model year accounts for most of these (8,514 total, about 58 percent Linear; 42 percent Aero). The remaining 1,832 were produced for the 2006 model year (approximately 82 percent 2.5i; 18 percent Aero). The Aero model was not sold in Canada for 2006.
- 2005 model year
Saab offered the 2005 model year 9-2X with Subaru's naturally aspirated 2.5-liter EJ253 engine in the "Linear" trim level (165 hp or 123 kW and 166 lb·ft or 225 N·m), with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine shared with the Impreza WRX offered in the "Aero" badged model (227 hp or 169 kW and 217 lb·ft or 294 N·m). All-wheel drive came standard with an optional four-speed automatic transmission available instead of the five-speed manual for both trims. For 2005, Saab offered three options packages. The first of these, the premium package, added leather upholstery and for the US model, xenon HID headlamps. When ordered on with the "Linear" trim, the premium package also included the in-dash six-CD changer, front fog lamps, vinyl door cards, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The cold weather package added heated front seats, side view mirror defoggers, and front/rear wiper defrosters where the wipers park. In Canada, cars equipped with the cold package also included an engine block heater. The final combination, the sport package, added a sunroof, and for the "Aero" only, included 17-inch wheels.
- 2006 model year
Updated for the 2006 model year included the re-branding of the "Linear" to "2.5i", with its 2.5-liter engine uprated to 173 hp (129 kW) and 166 lb·ft (225 N·m). The Aero's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine made way for the higher-displacement 2.5-liter EJ25 turbocharged unit, increasing outputs to 230 hp (172 kW) and 235 lb·ft (319 N·m). For 2006, the cars had different options packages that essentially broke down the same equipment differently. The premium package became known as the leather package and incorporated the same additions as previously. The cold weather package also remained unchanged. However, with the sport package with its upgraded 17-inch wheel upgrade package became exclusive to the Aero as the sunroof became a standalone option.