Review of the new Saab 9-3 Convertible Range

The Saab 9-3 Convertible is the car that many buyers turn to when they want a combination of practicality, quality and the wind in the hair. The latest version looks set to continue this sales trend, adding even more style and quality to the equation.

If you've out-grown a family hatchback-based convertible model and want something with a more prestigious badge that can properly seat four, then you'll probably end up in either a Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, an Audi A5 Cabriolet or one of these, Saab's 9-3 Convertible. Of the three, the Saab is by far the best value and to try and distance it further from the chasing pack, the Swedes have in recent times enhanced the car with a well-judged package of changes. Its running costs are also class-leading.

With this generation model, the designers tried hard to change this car's predecessor's reputation for rather stodgy handling, imbuing it as far as they could with the same handling characteristics as the well regarded 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 won't care a lot 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.

All the engines are lifted from the current 9-3 Sports Saloon line up and all are tough, punchy powerplants. The 2.0T Aero manages a 7.7-second 0-60mph time and a 140mph top speed. Alternatively, there are a couple of twin-turbo 1.9-litre TTiD diesel options, with either 160 or 180PS. The faster of the two is a desirable choice with 8.7s 0-60mph acceleration, a 134mph top speed and a smooth, full-bodied mid-range thanks to its twin turbocharging technology. 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 like these suffer from.

"This car's hood may not be of the trendy folding hard top variety, but for a ragtop it's very impressive.."

The Saab 9-3's hood may not be of the trendy folding hard top variety, but for a ragtop it's 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 hood's 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. It can also be operated while the car is moving at up to 20 miles per hour.

Saab's 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, sand or blue. In order to counter the dinginess that most convertibles suffer from when the hood's up, the Saab's 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 there's 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. It's finished in a crackle matt black paint but can also be specified in body colour. It's a neat design idea that works particularly well with brighter colours.

A wide range of engines is available in the 9-3 Covertible. These include the 150PS 1.8t, the 175PS 1.8t BioPower (which can run on E85 bioethanol), the 210PS 2.0T, plus two diesels: the 160PS 1.9-litre TTiD and the 180PS 1.9-litre TTiD. Aside from the flagship Aero models, two trim levels - Linear SE and Vector Sport - are offered, the main difference for Vector Sport models being the sports chassis. Front and side airbags, active head restraints, central locking, alloys and a remote control alarm with immobiliser are standard fare, even if you go with Linear SE trim. The Aero features bi-xenon headlamps with pressure washers, redesigned bumpers and more aggressive alloy wheels.

Combined fuel consumption figures for all three four cylinder 9-3 Convertible petrol engines are all around 36mpg on the combined cycle. The diesels, predictably, are significantly superior with a 54.3mpg average for the 160PS TTiD option. CO2 figures range from 137 to 176g/km. The 9-3 Convertible retains its desirability and a decent chunk of its value on the used car market with the mid-range petrol engines and the diesels fairing best. Insurance ranges from group 14 to group 16.

The 9-3 Convertible has always looked a winner in the image-conscious premium drop-top market. Revisions to the engine range plus recent eco-tweaks for low running costs mean it remains near the top of the pile. This car will continue to sell on style in its drop-top form. It's a handsome car with a nicely understated image and that will be enough to persuade many buyers. Engineering and build quality might be behind the best in this sector but the pricing and general affordability help to compensate for that.