Saab 9-3 Convertible (2003 - To Date)
8TV6, 1.9TiD, 1.9TTiD, petrol [Airflow, Linear, Linear, Linear SE, Vector, Vector Sport, Aero])
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
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The Saabs hood may not be of the trendy folding hard top variety, but for a ragtop its very impressive. Electrically operated, it requires no unlatching or arcane procedures to operate, and retracts in just 20 seconds, making it possible to drop the top at traffic lights without the potential embarrassment of being caught at half mast when the lights turn green. The hoods operation is very slick indeed. Instead of flipping up, an aluminium tonneau cover raises itself and then slides back, making for a quicker operation and a better seal than a traditional hinged cover.
Saabs CargoSET system is another innovation of which the Swedes seem proud. This self expanding trunk frees up a useful amount of luggage space in the boot the kind of space that convertible owners in this class must usually forgo. The hood itself is triple skinned for improved noise and thermal insulation and is available in black or blue. In order to counter the dinginess that most convertibles suffer from when the hoods up, the Saabs hood is internally trimmed in either beige or light grey.
The attention to detail is laudable. A small gutter has been sewn into the side of the fabric to prevent water droplets dripping onto the seats and theres also what Saab calls a surround trim. This is basically a horseshoe-shaped line that runs from the base of each door pillar and incorporates the panels on top of the doors, the rear side trims and most of the tonneau cover. Its finished in a crackle matt black paint but can also be specified in body colour.
Its a neat design idea that works particularly well with brighter colours. Aside from the flagship Aero model, two trim levels - Linear and Vector - are offered, the main difference for plusher Vector models being leather trim and the use of 17-inch alloy wheels. Front and side airbags, active head restraints, central locking, 16" alloys and a remote control alarm with immobiliser are standard fare, even if you go with Linear trim. The Aero features spoilers, sill extensions and more aggressive alloy wheels. Those of you who relish a spirited drive will appreciate the fact that the current cars chassis is three times more torsionally rigid than the rather noodle-like old 9-3. Saab developed a system they refer to as ReAxs, which passively steers the rear wheels to cut out the turgid understeer many powerful front wheel drive cars suffer from.
Other novelties include DynaCage; Saab-speak for two spring-loaded rollover hoops that are recessed behind the rear head restraints which automatically deploy if the car thinks its falling over. Perhaps the most intriguing development is CargoWing, a rear spoiler that can convert into a ski or snowboard holder!
Prices for the Saab 9-3 Convertible have remained very firm, reflecting the esteem that this car is held in by used car buyers. Expect to pay from £19,700 for an automatic 1.8t Vector on a 53 plate and another £800 for the 2.0t version of this car.
The desirable 2.0T Aero model opens at around £20,875 with automatic versions tacking another £250 onto that asking price. Insurance ratings range from Group 13 for the 1.8t through 15 for the 2.
0t models and topping out at a surprisingly modest Group 17 for the barnstorming 2.0T.
Although the 9-3 Convertible doesnt feel quite so ridiculously over-engineered as some Saabs of yore, it still feels like a car thatll shrug off 150,000 miles with disdainful ease, so theres no need to scratch off some of the higher mileage ex-fleet cars from your list. Just be sure that theyve been given regular doses of main dealer TLC. One area that is worth checking, especially on the more powerful models, is front tyre wear. As with any powerful front wheel drive car, expecting the front tyres to cope with the demands of steering such a weighty beast and transmitting all that horsepower to the ground is a serious task.
A heavy right foot can see front tyres waving the white flag within 5,000 miles, dependent upon make. Check the hood for signs of rips, leaks or damage. Raise and lower it a couple of times to make sure the electric motors are all in good shape and havent been damaged by ignorant users attempting to operate the hood manually. The hood is a fully insulated triple-layer item with a proper heated glass rear window, and is one of the best on the market for insulating against wind noise.
If theres a whistling or drumming at speed, the hood may well be damaged.
(approx based on a 2003 9-3 Convertible 2.0t) Certain items are very cheap, especially for a car that competes in a premium sector. A clutch assembly is in the region of £275, and brake pads are £50 a set for the fronts and £35 a pair at the back. A radiator is a fairly reasonable £220, and a headlamp unit is comparable to most major rivals at £170.
A starter motor wont see change from £180, whilst an alternator will only see small change from £260. An exhaust system is around £310, again, not unreasonable for a classy executive car.
The MK1 Saab 9-3 Convertible was something of an enigma. Although it sold like hot cakes, the car itself wasnt the greatest thing to ever turn a wheel. The chassis wasnt really stiff enough to make a decent chop-top and more powerful versions were pretty uncouth. It seems a characteristic of this market that many buyers are content with a second rate product that would sell well as long as it looked good.
Witness how long the old Audi Cabriolet lasted, its ancient underpinnings creaking and shuddering over every pothole. The market has transformed of late, however, and the MK2 Saab 9-3 Convertible reflects this new quest for dynamic excellence. When work began on this 9-3 drop-top, Saabs designers were determined to imbue it with the same handling characteristics as the acclaimed 9-3 Sports Saloon. In order to overcome the loss of rigidity caused by removing the roof, a secondary supplemental chassis was developed, effectively a ring of steel linking and reinforcing the front rear and side structures.
The result is a car devoid of the shake, rattle and roll of many convertibles. Of course, many drivers wont care a jot about chassis stiffness, but the result is a car that drives more smoothly, that allows its suspension to work properly and which also permits designers to work to fine tolerances in the construction of components like the electric folding hood. The 2.0t Aero manages a 7.
7-second 0-60mph time and a 143mph top speed. Combined fuel consumption figures for all three 9-3 Convertible petrol engines are virtually indistinguishable - 32.2, 32.1 and 31mpg respectively.
The diesel, predictably, is significantly superior with a 44.8mpg average.
The Saab 9-3 Convertible upholds a long, and indeed lucrative, tradition of fine Saab drop tops. This time around, however, it has enough about it to satisfy the more serious driver as well as those just looking to enjoy four-seat open top motoring. Well engineered and with a range of attractive engines if you can stomach the upfront price, you should have a car with very few genuine drawbacks.
