2009 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE Review

Overview

The Saab 9-3 midsize convertible was inspired by the requirements of the U.S. market and made its debut in 1986 as the Saab 900. A new 4-door 9-3 sport model debuted for 2003 as a sedan, a departure from Saab's tradition of hatchback designs; the 9-3 Convertible was added for 2004. For 2009, Saab 9-3 Convertible has more trim levels to choose from; the 2.0T gets all-wheel drive performance enhancements; and Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard across the board. The limited-edition Turbo X sedan and wagon make an exit from the line-up. The Saab 9-3 is a compact entry-level luxury car available as a sedan, wagon, or convertible. There are four trim levels on the 9-3 Convertible: the 9-3 2.0T Convertible Touring; the 9-3 2.0T Convertible Comfort; the 9-3 2.0T Convertible Sport; and the 9-3 Aero Convertible.

Powertrain And Performance

A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder rated at 210 horsepower and 221 lb- ft. of torque comes standard on all trim levels (except Aero). The Aero model gets a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 that generates 280 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on the base Saab 9-3; a five-speed automatic is optional. Other 9-3 models get a five-speed automatic (1SB and 1SD) or a six-speed automatic (1SC and Aero) as standard. Sportier trims can be teamed with a manual transmission as an option. The 1SC uses an AWD system; all other 9-3 models are front-wheel drive only.

Build And Styling

The 2009 Saab 9-3 Convertible is well equipped with generous levels of standard and optional equipment which include leather-appointed seats; metallic-rimmed gauges; head restraints for four seats; leather-trimmed sport steering wheel; parchment-colored headliner; plush carpet floor mats; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; cooled glove box; illuminated glove box; storage compartments in doors and front-seat backs; cup holder in dashboard fascia and center console; integrated audio controls on steering wheel; XM Satellite Radio with three month trial; Bluetooth phone integration system; and MP3-compatible auxiliary input jack. Also standard are eight-way power driver's seat; two-way power driver's seat lumbar; heated front seats (except Touring); power, fully automatic, triple-layer, insulated convertible top; remote-open feature for convertible top; front side-window de-misters; front power windows with express down; electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors; and remote central locking.

Safety Features

The 2009 Saab 9-3 Convertible gets standard anti-lock disc brakes; stability control; OnStar telematics; active head restraints; and front-seat side airbags. The convertible also gets a rollover protection system. Some other standard features include traction control system (TCS); electronic stability program (ESP); anti-lock braking system (ABS); and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).