Acceleration

2.5i, man.	2.5i w/Leather Pkg., auto.	Class Average
4	4	6.2

With similar weight, identical horsepower, 9-2X mimics comparable Impreza models. 2.5i with automatic transmission adequate for routine work, livelier with manual. No opportunity yet to test Aero.

Fuel Economy

2.5i, man.	2.5i w/Leather Pkg., auto.	Class Average
5	5	5.4

No opportunity to measure. Aeros require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2.5i, man.	2.5i w/Leather Pkg., auto.	Class Average
5	5	5.9

Saab suspension tuning softens ride slightly compared to Impreza. Still, ride always firm and suspension readily transmits small, sharp bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5i, man.	2.5i w/Leather Pkg., auto.	Class Average
7	7	7.2

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

2.5i, man.	2.5i w/Leather Pkg., auto.	Class Average
5	5	6.1

Sound-deadening added by Saab pays off in generally subdued noise from engines, tires, wind compared to Impreza.

Controls

2.5i, man.	2.5i w/Leather Pkg., auto.	Class Average
7	7	7

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

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5i, man.	2.5i w/Leather Pkg., auto.	Class Average
5	5	6.5

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)

2.5i, man.	2.5i w/Leather Pkg., auto.	Class Average
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

2.5i, man.	2.5i w/Leather Pkg., auto.	Class Average
8	8	4.7

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

Value within Class

2.5i, man.	2.5i w/Leather Pkg., auto.	Class Average
3	3	6.1

Saab's changes to exterior styling, sound deadening, and interior trim do their part to disguise this car's Subaru 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 or modest interior space. Still, 9-2X, like Saab in general, lies off the beaten path, which should mean deeper price breaks than with more mainstream competition.

Total Score

2.5i, man.	2.5i w/Leather Pkg., auto.	Class Average
52	52	58.7

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		52
Average Score		58
High Score		65