2005 SAAB
9-2X
 By Tom Lankard
 $22,990 to
$26,950
 

Regal Commodore 3060: Vista Cruiser
By Kevin Falvey

 $131,785

Saab wants to branch out, to expand its appeal beyond its tried and true, almost cult-like following. It wants a more affordable, sportier car, one that can compete in the promising premium sport compact market, with the likes of the Acura RSX and the Volvo S40, maybe even with a new, smaller Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Problem is, Saab doesn't have a lot of extra cash lying around. But it does have a distant relative, one located halfway around the world, that builds a car that's the right size, with a de-bugged powertrain that includes something Saab doesn't have but that's becoming increasingly desirable to Saab's desired buyer: all-wheel drive. That relative is Subaru, partly owned by General Motors, which owns Saab. The car is the Subaru WRX, a de-tuned, street-legal version of a World Rally Championship winner. As is, the WRX is too rough and unrefined for Saab, but with careful modifications to suspension and interior fitments and incorporation of Saab-specific design elements, it might give the company a contender pending something better to come.

From this has come the 2005 Saab 9-2X. It looks like a Saab. It establishes a new, lower cost of entry for people who want to own a Saab. It adds a lighter, more powerful, more compact, sportier package to Saab's line up. What more could buyers want?

Instead of a foredeck resembling a bisected football, the bow arrangement of Regal’s Commodore 3060 transitions from a relatively flat, secure line-handling area to a steeply raked cabin windshield made of 1¼4"-thick safety glass, complete with an overhanging brow. Above and aft of this windshield is a walkthrough helm windshield, typically seen aboard midcabin boats.

This cabin windshield handsomely divides the Commodore 3060’s lines, provides a headrest when the sunpad is installed, and when combined with large, oval side windows, gives you something most cruisers this size haven’t offered for decades—a view from within.

Plus, like the Campion Allante LX 925 ($118,372 with twin 260-hp MerCruiser 5.0L MPI Bravo One stern drives), the engine hatch opens forward, providing outstanding service access from the swim platform. This is superior to evacuating your crew, dropping down through the cockpit sole, and having no place to arrange your tools when it’s time for a filter change. That’s the drill aboard most boats with aft-hinged engine hatches.

What’s more, my test revealed innovative stowage, top-quality construction, and a quiet ride—as well as a few things that could have been done better.