Hoods off to new Saab 9-3

10:22am Monday 27th October 2003

by Andy Enright

If asked what the UK’s best selling premium four-seater convertible is, chances are many of you would say BMW’s 3 Series, or, failing that, Audi’s A4 Cabriolet - you would be 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 wasn’t the greatest thing to ever turn a wheel. The chassis wasn’t really stiff enough to make a decent chop-top, and more powerful versions were pretty uncouth.

So, when work began on the new 9-3 Convertible, Saab’s 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 won’t 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 car’s hood 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.

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.

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, 16ins 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 car’s chassis is three times more torsionally rigid than the rather noodle-like old 9-3.

Saab has developed a system it refers 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.

It’s by no means inexpensive, but stacks up favourably against rivals, offering more power per pound.

In truth, the 9-3 Convertible probably didn’t need to be this good to hold onto its number one spot.

It is, however, and it will. You lucky people!