WRX in Saab 9.2X clothing

[********]

To cure my curiosity I went and looked at the "new" Saab 9.2X. Sure
enough - sticker says Fuji Heavy Industries. My question to the
salesman was whether they came straight to Canada from Japan or vis
Sweden. He didn't even know it was a Sube!! Service mgr said it came
straight from Japan after getting a new nose treatment at the factory
and was not sold in Europe. I don't know if it is sold anywhere else.
It comes 2.5 and turbo 2.0.

 

[Nicolaas]

The Saab 92X is direct from the Subaru factory. From what I understand,
there isn't a single modification to the Saab version (other than the name
plate). Anyone would be a fool to buy the Saab version, when you will save
thousands buying the Subaru.

 

[Bonehenge]

The Saab 92X is direct from the Subaru factory. From what I understand,
there isn't a single modification to the Saab version (other than the name
plate). Anyone would be a fool to buy the Saab version, when you will save
thousands buying the Subaru.

Why do you think it's only sold in the USA? <G>

Barry (an American)

 

[y_p_w]

The Saab 92X is direct from the Subaru factory. From what I
understand, there isn't a single modification to the Saab
version (other than the name plate). Anyone would be a fool
to buy the Saab version, when you will save thousands
buying the Subaru.

You're wrong there. There are minor modifications to the
suspension. The entire front end (hood, hood scoop, front
bumper, grill, headlights) of the 92X Aero is not the same
as on the WRX wagon and looks more like a Saab. The hood
of the 92X is completely rounded at the front, while the
WRX hood is notched and dips down. The wheels offerered
are far different. The interior materials are different
and the 92X also comes standard with automatic climate
control. That steering wheel sure doesn't look like the
standard leather-wrapped Momo in the WRX. The layout and
styling of the CD player is different.

<http://www.subaru.com/servlet/showroom?model=IMPREZA&trim=WRX_SPORT_WAGON&command=overview>
<http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/92x/index.jsp>
<http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/saab_92x_aero_2005/14986/style_photos.html>

Whether any of these (mostly styling) difference is worth
the bump in price is a matter of taste. I'd rather not
get the Saab, but that's just me.

 

[Nicolaas]

I apologize. You are correct. In fact, I just read that Saab bumped up the
warranty to 4 years/50,000 miles.

 

[BBB]

The Saab 92X is direct from the Subaru factory. From what I understand,
there isn't a single modification to the Saab version (other than the name
plate). Anyone would be a fool to buy the Saab version, when you will save
thousands buying the Subaru.

And how about all the Saab service techs who know nothing about
repairing a Subie?

 

[Fuzzy Logic]

Why do you think it's only sold in the USA? <G>

It's sold pretty much anywhere you can get a new Saab (certainly here in
Canada as well as Europe).

Here are some of the changes that Saab engineers came up with even though
the car is made in the same Japanese plant as the WRX (source
<http://europeancarweb.com/tech/0502ec_proj92x/>):

Aside from the external cosmetic differences between a 9-2X and a WRX wagon,
there are added interior features, including a sunroof, automatic climate
control, additional sound insulation and heated leather seats, all of which
up the level of sophistication to that of any European car.

The 9-2X's main mechanical changes occurred with the Saab-specific
suspension tuning. Suspension damping is altered accordingly to Aero, Linear
or base models. The Aero model we have is tuned with 10- and 20% less
compression damping in the front and rear, respectively. Rebound damping was
increased by 5% in the front and reduced by 5% in the rear over the WRX
wagon's stock suspension.

All 9-2Xs feature aluminum rear lower control arms and stiffer wishbone
bushings to help the car's on-center and high-speed feel.

 

[y_p_w]

It's sold pretty much anywhere you can get a new Saab (certainly here in
Canada as well as Europe).

Here are some of the changes that Saab engineers came up with even though
the car is made in the same Japanese plant as the WRX (source
<http://europeancarweb.com/tech/0502ec_proj92x/>):

Aside from the external cosmetic differences between a 9-2X and a WRX wagon,
there are added interior features, including a sunroof, automatic climate
control, additional sound insulation and heated leather seats, all of which
up the level of sophistication to that of any European car.

I looked into the US-spec'ed changes for the 2005 WRX. Automatic
climate control is now standard. A moonroof has been an option
for some time.

The 9-2X's main mechanical changes occurred with the Saab-specific
suspension tuning. Suspension damping is altered accordingly to Aero, Linear
or base models. The Aero model we have is tuned with 10- and 20% less

compression damping in the front and rear, respectively. Rebound damping was
increased by 5% in the front and reduced by 5% in the rear over the WRX
wagon's stock suspension.

All 9-2Xs feature aluminum rear lower control arms and stiffer wishbone
bushings to help the car's on-center and high-speed feel.

I believe the aluminum control arms are now also in the 2005 WRX.