Acceleration

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
4	4	7	6

With similar weight, identical horsepower, 9-2X mimics comparable Impreza models. Nonturbo Linear versions with automatic transmission adequate for routine work, livelier with manual. Aeros fast--7 sec 0-60 mph--but have little power below 3000 rpm, and suffer a delay in throttle response due to considerable turbo lag.

Fuel Economy

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
5	5	4	5.3

Test Aero with manual transmission averaged 17.6-20.1 mpg in mixed driving. No opportunity to measure with Linear. Aeros require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
5	5	3	6

Saab suspension tuning softens ride slightly compared to Impreza. Still, ride always firm and suspension readily transmits small, sharp bumps. Aero ride harsh with Sport Package's low-profile 17-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
7	7	8	7.3

Crisp, rewarding, with added grip, security of standard AWD. Saab retunes Subaru steering for slightly more positive feel. Fine stopping power, and--in contrast to comparable Imprezas tested--firm, easily modulated brake-pedal feel.

Quietness

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
5	5	4	6

Sound-deadening added by Saab pays off in generally subdued noise from engines, tires, wind compared to Impreza. Still, road noise copious from Aero's available 17-inch tires.

Controls

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.9

Simple, user-friendly gauges, control layout carries over from Impreza, with Saab upgrades to cabin fabrics elevating overall ambience, especially with Premium Package's leather upholstery.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
5	5	5	6.3

Good head clearance, but very tall occupants will want more rearward seat travel. Seats comfortable, supportive. Steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope, as in some premium compact rivals. Lack of power seat adjustments another competitive deficit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
3	3	3	3.6

Sufficient head room for those up to about 5-ft-11, but leg room tight if front seats even halfway back. Entry/exit hampered by fairly deep step-down, narrow thresholds, doors that should open wider.

Cargo Room

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
7	7	7	4

Wagon body style, 60/40 split folding rear seats make for versatile little hauler, though cabin storage space stingy.

Value within Class

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
3	3	4	6

Saab's changes to exterior styling, sound deadening, and interior trim do their part to disguise this car's Impreza origins. And the versatile wagon body style and all-season AWD traction have some appeal. But there's no hiding the tepid base engine, the turbo's quirks, or the modest interior space. Still, 9-2X, like Saab in general, lies off the beaten path, which should mean friendlier price breaks than you'll get on the more-mainstream competition.

Total Score

Linear, man.	Linear w/Prem. Pkg., auto.	Aero w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
51	51	52	57.4

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		57
High Score		65