Saab 9-3 CONVERTIBLE RANGE
The Latest
Saab 9-3 Convertible Looks To Continue The Success Of This Enduring Product Line. By Andy Enright
Quick - whats the UKs best selling premium four-
seat convertible? Chances are youll say BMWs 3 Series or failing that Audis A4 Cabriolet. Wrong on both scores. The Saab 9-3 Convertible is the car that most of us turn to when we want a combination of practicality, quality and the wind in our hair. The latest version looks set to continue this sales trend, adding even more style and quality to the equation.
The old 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.
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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 current
Saab 9-3 reflects this new quest for dynamic excellence. When work began on this 9-3 Convertible, 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. Ah, the hood. 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.
"The hoods operation is very slick indeed"
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. Three engines are available, the 150bhp 1.8t (from £23,895), the 175bhp 2.0t (from £25,895) and the 210bhp 2.
0-litre Aero (from £28,895). A diesel will eventually follow. All the engines are familiar fare from the current 9-3 Sports Saloon line up and all are tough, punchy powerplants. The Aero manages a 7.
7-second 0-60mph time and a 143mph top speed. Combined fuel consumption figures for the three cars are virtually indistinguishable - 32.2, 32.1 and 31mpg respectively.
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 has 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! If the 9-3 Convertible was a success when it was only so-so, we can only imagine the demand for this version. Better looking, safer, better equipped and packed with innovation, it does the Saab brand credit. Its by no means inexpensive, but stacks up favourably against rivals, offering more power per pound.
In truth, the 9-3 Convertible probably didnt need to be this good to hold onto its number one spot. It is, however, and it will. You lucky people.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Saab 9-3 Convertible range
PRICES: £23,895-£28,895 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 14-17
CO2 EMISSIONS: 206-235g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0T Aero] Max Speed 143mph / 0-60mph 7.7s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0T Aero] (urban) 23.2mpg / (extra urban) 38.7mpg / (combined) 31.0mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, Active Head Restraints, ABS, DynaCage, integrated front
seat belts
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4635/2038/1435mm
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